Feedback key with balance structure
By introducing a support component and a first elastic beam into the feedback button, the problem of uneven force at the edge of the button in the prior art is solved, achieving more balanced force feedback and a stable user experience.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202520148620.3
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-01-22
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-10
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-01-22
AI Technical Summary
The existing pressure feedback structure has uneven force at the edge of the button, resulting in a poor user experience and making it prone to shaking.
The feedback button design with a balanced structure includes a button body, a support component, and a first elastic beam. The first elastic beam is fixedly connected to the housing, and the deformation space and torque of the first elastic beam are used to offset each other, ensuring that the pressure is balanced when the dome is pressed at different positions. The pressure magnitude and position are detected by a strain sensing layer.
It achieves balanced pressure when pressing the button at different positions, improves the feedback experience, reduces button wobble, and provides a more stable user experience.
Smart Images
Figure CN223898202U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of pressure-sensitive button technology, and in particular to a feedback button with a balanced structure. Background Technology
[0002] With the popularization and development of electronic consumer products, pressure feedback technology has also been widely used in electronic products. Its main function is to provide feedback based on the pressure applied by the user, allowing the user to intuitively feel the amount of pressure they apply, thereby enabling electronic products to have a variety of service modes and functions.
[0003] Currently, the pressure feedback structure commonly used in electronic devices is a dome switch (spring switch). A dome switch is set at the bottom of the button to abut against the button. When the button is pressed, the dome switch is squeezed and causes the dome switch to generate mechanical vibration feedback.
[0004] However, because the contact point of the dome switch is very small, while the keycap is relatively long, pressing near the edge of the key creates a lever structure. This results in a much lower force required to trigger the dome switch when pressing near the edge compared to pressing the center of the keycap. Furthermore, since the dome switch is often located in the middle of the bottom of a long keycap, the key may not feel firm enough and is prone to wobbling, affecting the pressing experience. All of these factors contribute to a poor user experience. Utility Model Content
[0005] To address the shortcomings of poor user feedback experience, this invention proposes a feedback button with a balanced structure.
[0006] The technical solution adopted by this utility model is a feedback button with a balanced structure, including a button body, a support member and a first elastic beam that are fixedly connected in sequence in the thickness direction. Both ends of the first elastic beam are fixedly connected to the housing, and a dome switch is abutted between the side of the first elastic beam away from the button body and the housing.
[0007] In the thickness direction, there is a first deformation space between the first elastic beam and the button body, and a second deformation space between the first elastic beam and the housing.
[0008] Preferably, the support is located at the center of the first elastic beam.
[0009] Preferably, the dome switch is located directly below the support.
[0010] Preferably, the support is located at the center of the button body.
[0011] Preferably, both ends of the first elastic beam are bent to form a snap-fit part, and the housing has a snap-fit groove, into which the snap-fit part is inserted and snapped in place.
[0012] Preferably, it also includes a circuit connection layer, the dome switch is a metal dome switch, and the circuit connection layer and the metal dome switch are electrically connected.
[0013] Preferably, there is a third deformation space in the thickness direction between the button body and the second elastic beam. The button body is fixedly connected to the second elastic beam and the support member. A strain sensing layer is fixedly connected to the side of the second elastic beam near the button body.
[0014] Preferably, the strain sensing layer has two strain sensing units, which are respectively disposed on both sides of the support.
[0015] Preferably, the strain sensing unit is a Wheatstone bridge composed of four resistors.
[0016] Preferably, it also includes a circuit connection layer, and the side of the first elastic beam away from the button body abuts against the dome through the circuit connection layer, and the circuit connection layer and the strain sensing layer are electrically connected.
[0017] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:
[0018] This application discloses a feedback button with a balanced structure. When a user presses the button body, the pressure is transmitted sequentially through the button body and the support member to the first elastic beam. The first elastic beam is elastic and deforms in the first deformation space between the first elastic beam and the button body, and in the second deformation space between the first elastic beam and the housing, when subjected to pressure. Both ends of the first elastic beam are fixedly connected to the housing. At this time, the torques acting on both sides of the first elastic beam are partially or completely canceled out. The uncancelled torques and the downward force at the location of the support member cause the first elastic beam to descend, pressing down on the dome switch to induce vibration feedback. That is, when the user presses the edge area of the button body, since the torque is at least partially balanced by the first elastic beam, the user still needs to apply relatively large pressure when pressing the edge area. Therefore, when the user presses different positions of the button body, the pressure value that causes the dome switch to emit vibration feedback remains within a relatively narrow range. In addition, due to the fixed arrangement of the first elastic beam, the wobble of the feedback button can be significantly reduced.
[0019] Compared with the prior art, the feedback button with a balanced structure disclosed in this application can improve the feedback experience. Attached Figure Description
[0020] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the embodiments and accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0021] Figure 1A schematic diagram of a feedback button with a balanced structure according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.
[0022] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the strain sensing unit in a feedback button with a balanced structure according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.
[0023] Figure 3 A circuit diagram of a strain sensing unit in a feedback button with a balanced structure according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.
[0024] Label Explanation:
[0025] 10. Button body; 11. First deformation space; 12. Second deformation space; 13. Third deformation space;
[0026] 20. Support components;
[0027] 30. First elastic beam; 32. Snap-fit part;
[0028] 40. Housing; 42. Snap-fit slot; 44. Protrusion;
[0029] 50. Pot-fried sliced noodles;
[0030] 60. Second elastic beam;
[0031] 70. Strain-sensing layer;
[0032] 80. Circuit connection layer; 82. Flexible circuit. Detailed Implementation
[0033] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the embodiments of this utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Examples of embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar components or components having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.
[0034] This utility model discloses a feedback button with a balanced structure. Please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 1 It includes a button body 10, a support member 20 and a first elastic beam 30 that are fixedly connected in sequence in the thickness direction. Both ends of the first elastic beam 30 are fixedly connected to the housing 40. A dome switch 50 is abutted between the side of the first elastic beam 30 away from the button body 10 and the housing 40.
[0035] In the thickness direction, there is a first deformation space 11 between the first elastic beam 30 and the button body 10, and a second deformation space 12 between the first elastic beam 30 and the housing 40.
[0036] When a user presses the button body 10, the pressure is transmitted sequentially through the button body 10 and the support member 20 to the first elastic beam 30. The first elastic beam 30 is elastic and deforms in the first deformation space 11 between the first elastic beam 30 and the button body 10, and in the second deformation space 12 between the first elastic beam 30 and the housing 40 when subjected to pressure. Both ends of the first elastic beam 30 are fixedly connected to the housing 40. At this time, the torque acting on both sides of the first elastic beam 30 will be partially or completely canceled out. The uncancelled torque and the downward force at the location of the support member 20 will cause the first elastic beam 30 to drop, thereby pressing down on the dome switch 50 and causing the dome switch 50 to vibrate. That is, when the user presses the edge area of the button body 10, since the torque is at least partially balanced by the first elastic beam 30, the user still needs to apply relatively large pressure when pressing the edge area. Therefore, when the user presses different positions of the button body 10, the pressure value that causes the dome switch 50 to vibrate remains within a relatively narrow range. Furthermore, the fixed arrangement of the first elastic beam 30 significantly reduces the wobble of the feedback button. Compared with the prior art, the feedback button with a balanced structure disclosed in this application can improve the feedback experience.
[0037] Specifically, the force exerted by the support member 20 on the first elastic beam 30 can be divided into an effect that causes the first elastic beam 30 to rotate and an effect that causes the first elastic beam 30 to move downwards. The two sides of the first elastic beam 30 can partially or completely cancel out the rotational effect, with the location of the support member 20 serving as the boundary. When the support member 20 is at the center of the first elastic beam 30, the rotational effect is completely canceled out, resulting in the best effect. When the support member 20 is at other locations on the first elastic beam 30, the rotational effect is partially canceled out, still improving the feedback experience.
[0038] This application does not limit the position of the dome switch 50. The dome switch 50 does not need to be located directly below the support member 20. When the dome switch 50 is not located directly below the support member 20, the first elastic beam 30 needs to be pressed down a greater distance to allow the dome switch 50 to provide vibration feedback.
[0039] It should be noted that the first deformation space 11 and the second deformation space 12 are used to allow the first elastic beam 30 to deform normally without obstruction. When the first elastic beam 30 deforms, the deformation may occur entirely within the second deformation space 12, at which point the first elastic beam 30 arches downwards; the deformation may also occur simultaneously within the first deformation space 11 and the second deformation space 12, at which point the first elastic beam 30 is S-shaped, so that part of it is located within the first deformation space 11 and part of it is located within the second deformation space 12.
[0040] The support member 20 can be a block-shaped, rod-shaped, or cylindrical structure, preferably a block-shaped structure. Furthermore, the first elastic beam 30 is not limited to a beam-shaped structure and can also be a plate-shaped structure. Additionally, the various fixed connections in this application can be fixedly connected by adhesive, threaded connection, welding, or snap-fit.
[0041] The housing 40 is not limited to a single-piece structure in this application; it may also include multiple structural components. For example, both ends of the first elastic beam 30 are fixedly connected to the first structural component, and the side of the first elastic beam 30 away from the button body 10 abuts against the second structural component with a dome switch 50. The first and second structural components may be separate or integrated, and both the first and second structural components are part of the housing 40.
[0042] It should be explained that the housing 40 is merely a structure for the convenience of explanation and cooperation with the feedback button, and it is not limited to a specific housing containing a feedback button device. For example, when the feedback button of this application is located in a mobile phone, it does not necessarily abut against the mobile phone housing; it can also abut against other components connected to the mobile phone housing.
[0043] The dome switch 50 in this application includes other types of vibrating springs that can generate mechanical vibration when compressed, and this application does not limit the manufacturing materials of the dome switch 50.
[0044] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 1 The support member 20 is located at the center of the first elastic beam 30.
[0045] Specifically, the support member 20 is located at the center of the first elastic beam 30, so that the first elastic beam 30 completely cancels out the effect of rotation, so that when the button body 10 is pressed at various positions, the pressure required for the dome switch 50 to vibrate and provide feedback can remain unchanged, thereby obtaining a better feedback experience.
[0046] In some specific embodiments, please refer to Figure 1 The dome switch 50 is located directly below the support 20.
[0047] It should be noted that, in order to make the structure of the feedback button more stable and to make the pressing distance required by the user shorter, the dome switch 50 is located directly below the support 20.
[0048] In some more specific embodiments, please refer to Figure 1 The support member 20 is located at the center of the button body 10.
[0049] Specifically, the relative position of the support member 20 to the button body 10 also affects the required pressing distance at different positions. For example, when the support member 20 is located off-center from the button body 10, the pressing distance required is shorter when pressing from a position closer to the support member 20, and longer when pressing from a position farther away. Therefore, by placing the support member 20 at the center of the button body 10, the pressing distance can be made the same at the same position on both sides of the button body 10, thus providing users with a better feedback experience.
[0050] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 1 Both ends of the first elastic beam 30 are bent to form a snap-fit part 32. The housing 40 has a snap-fit groove 42, and the snap-fit part 32 is inserted into the snap-fit groove 42 for snap-fit fixation.
[0051] It should be noted that, in order to optimize the assembly process and make the first elastic beam 30 more elastic, the two ends of the first elastic beam 30 are bent to form the snap-fit part 32 and then inserted into the snap-fit groove 42. At this time, in addition to the elasticity of the first elastic beam 30 itself, the snap-fit part 32 will also provide some elasticity, so that the effect of the first elastic beam 30 is better.
[0052] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 1 It also includes a circuit connection layer 80, and the dome switch 50 is a metal dome switch 50. The circuit connection layer 80 and the metal dome switch 50 are electrically connected.
[0053] It should be noted that the feedback button also includes a circuit connection layer 80, and the dome switch 50 is a metal dome switch 50. In other embodiments, it can also be made of plastic or polymer materials. The circuit connection layer 80 can be electrically connected to the metal dome switch 50, so that the circuit connection layer 80 can receive the vibration signal and / or trigger signal of the metal dome switch 50.
[0054] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 1There is a third deformation space 13 in the thickness direction between the button body 10 and the second elastic beam 60. The button body 10 is fixedly connected to the support member 20 through the second elastic beam 60. A strain sensing layer 70 is fixedly connected to the side of the second elastic beam 60 near the button body 10.
[0055] Specifically, the strain-sensing layer 70 is used to identify the pressure applied by the user, and thus perform corresponding operations based on the pressure applied by the user. The strain-sensing layer 70 is disposed on the second elastic beam 60. When the second elastic beam 60 deforms, the strain-sensing layer 70 will generate stress changes, thereby detecting the magnitude of the pressure applied by the user. The first deformation space 11 and the third deformation space 13 are used to allow the second elastic beam 60 to deform, preventing the deformation of the second elastic beam 60 from being hindered.
[0056] The pressure sensing and sliding sensing principles are as follows. When a force is applied to the button body 10, the second elastic beam 60 will bend and deform, which will cause the strain sensing layer 70 to also deform. After the strain sensing resistor deforms, it outputs a voltage signal through the circuit. The magnitude and position of the force can be determined by the sum and ratio of the output signals at different positions of the strain sensing unit, thereby detecting the pressure magnitude and pressure position, and realizing pressure sensing and sliding sensing.
[0057] It should be noted that the strain sensing layer 70 can be a resistive strain sensor, a piezoelectric sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, etc., and there is no limit to the number of sensors, thereby obtaining a pressure sensing effect.
[0058] In some specific embodiments, please refer to Figures 1 to 3 The strain sensing layer 70 has two strain sensing units, which are respectively disposed on both sides of the support member 20.
[0059] The pressure sensing and sliding sensing principles are as follows. When a force is applied to the button body 10, the second elastic beam 60 will bend and deform, thereby causing the two strain sensing units located on it to also deform. After the strain sensing resistors deform, they output voltage signals through the circuit. The magnitude and position of the force can be determined by the sum and ratio of the output signals of the two strain sensing units, thereby detecting the pressure magnitude and pressure position, and realizing pressure sensing and sliding sensing.
[0060] In some more specific embodiments, the strain sensing unit is a Wheatstone bridge consisting of four resistors.
[0061] The strain sensing unit is a Wheatstone bridge composed of four resistors. The Wheatstone bridge can accurately capture minute changes in the resistance of the strain gauge, and this high sensitivity gives it a significant advantage in measuring minute strains. Furthermore, its structure is simple and easy to implement. This simple structure makes it more reliable and stable for use in frequently used feedback buttons.
[0062] In some specific embodiments, a circuit connection layer 80 is also included, on which the side of the first elastic beam 30 away from the button body 10 abuts against the dome switch 50 through the circuit connection layer 80, and the circuit connection layer 80 and the strain sensing layer 70 are electrically connected.
[0063] It should be noted that the circuit connection layer 80 and the strain sensing layer 70 are electrically connected, thus eliminating the need for the circuit connection layer 80 and the strain sensing layer 70 to be separately connected to the control module. Preferably, the circuit connection layer 80 and the strain sensing layer 70 are connected via a flexible circuit 82.
[0064] In some embodiments, a protrusion 44 is provided between the dome switch 50 and the housing 40 to raise the height of the dome switch 50 for easy pressing by the user.
[0065] In the description of this specification, the terms "Embodiment 1," "this embodiment," or "in one embodiment," etc., indicate that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the utility model. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example; moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any appropriate manner in one or more embodiments or examples.
[0066] In the description of this specification, the terms "connection," "installation," "fixing," "setting," and "having" are interpreted broadly. 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 an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.
[0067] In the description of this specification, relational terms such as “first” and “second” are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms “comprising,” “including,” or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase “comprising one…” does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.
[0068] The above description of the embodiments is intended to enable those skilled in the art to understand and apply the technology of this invention. Those skilled in the art can readily make various modifications to these examples and apply the general principles described herein to other embodiments without creative effort. Therefore, this invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Modifications in the following situations should be within the scope of protection of this invention: ① New technical solutions implemented based on the technical solution of this utility model and combined with existing common knowledge, where the technical effects of the new technical solution do not exceed the technical effects of this utility model; ② Equivalent substitutions of some features of the technical solution of this utility model using known technology, resulting in the same technical effects as those of this utility model; ③ Extendable technical solutions based on the technical solution of this utility model, where the substantive content of the extended technical solution does not exceed the technical solution of this utility model; ④ Equivalent transformations made using the content of this utility model specification and drawings, directly or indirectly applied to other related technical fields.
Claims
1. A feedback button with a balanced structure, characterized in that, The device includes a button body, a support member, and a first elastic beam that are fixedly connected in sequence in the thickness direction. Both ends of the first elastic beam are fixedly connected to the housing. A dome switch is abutted between the side of the first elastic beam away from the button body and the housing. In the thickness direction, there is a first deformation space between the first elastic beam and the button body, and a second deformation space between the first elastic beam and the housing.
2. The feedback button with a balanced structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support member is located at the center of the first elastic beam.
3. A feedback button with a balanced structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The dome switch is located directly below the support member.
4. A feedback button with a balanced structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The support is located at the center of the button body.
5. A feedback button with a balanced structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both ends of the first elastic beam are bent to form a snap-fit portion, and the housing has a snap-fit groove, into which the snap-fit portion is inserted to snap-fit and fix.
6. A feedback button with a balanced structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a circuit connection layer, wherein the dome switch is a metal dome switch, and the circuit connection layer is electrically connected to the metal dome switch.
7. A feedback button with a balanced structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, There is a third deformation space in the thickness direction between the button body and the second elastic beam. The button body is fixedly connected to the support member through the second elastic beam. A strain sensing layer is fixedly connected to the side of the second elastic beam close to the button body.
8. A feedback button with a balanced structure according to claim 7, characterized in that, The strain sensing layer has two strain sensing units, which are respectively disposed on both sides of the support.
9. A feedback button with a balanced structure according to claim 8, characterized in that, The strain sensing unit is a Wheatstone bridge composed of four resistors.
10. A feedback button with a balanced structure according to claim 7, characterized in that, It also includes a circuit connection layer, the side of the first elastic beam away from the button body abutting against the dome switch through the circuit connection layer, and the circuit connection layer and the strain sensing layer are electrically connected.