Key structure and electronic equipment

Abstract

The utility model provides a key structure and electronic equipment, the key structure can comprise a key cap, a sensing assembly and an elastic assembly, and the key cap is provided with a pressing surface; the sensing assembly is connected with the key cap and is positioned on one side, opposite to the pressing surface, of the key cap; the elastic assembly is connected with the sensing assembly and is parallel to the pressing surface; under the condition that the pressing face is subjected to acting force, the sensing assembly is used for detecting the stress position of the pressing face, and the elastic assembly is used for providing vibration feedback for the pressing face.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of button technology, and in particular to a button structure and electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] When a button is pressed by a user, it can trigger a corresponding operation; for example, the power button on an electronic device can turn the electronic device on or off when the user presses the power button.

[0003] However, the buttons in the relevant technology do not provide feedback when pressed, resulting in poor usability. Utility Model Content

[0004] This disclosure provides a button structure and an electronic device, the technical solution of which is as follows:

[0005] In a first aspect, this disclosure provides a button structure, which may include: a keycap, a sensing component, and an elastic component. The keycap has a pressing surface; the sensing component is connected to the keycap and located on the side of the keycap facing away from the pressing surface; the elastic component is connected to the sensing component and is arranged parallel to the pressing surface; when the pressing surface is subjected to a force, the sensing component is used to detect the force position of the pressing surface, and the elastic component is used to provide vibration feedback to the pressing surface.

[0006] In some embodiments, the pressing surface has a first pressing area and a second pressing area along a first direction; when the first pressing area is subjected to a first force along a second direction, one end of the elastic component generates a first compression amount to provide a first vibration effect; when the second pressing area is subjected to a second force along the second direction, the other end of the elastic component generates a second compression amount to provide a second vibration effect.

[0007] In some embodiments, when the second force is the same as the first force, the second compression amount is the same as the first compression amount, or the second compression amount is different from the first compression amount.

[0008] In some embodiments, the elastic component extends spirally in a direction parallel to the first direction, and the pitches at both ends of the elastic component are the same, or the pitches at both ends of the elastic component are different.

[0009] In some embodiments, the keycap has a first pressing member and a second pressing member along a first direction, the first pressing member being disposed opposite to the first pressing area, and the second pressing member being disposed opposite to the second pressing area.

[0010] In some embodiments, the sensing component includes: a first plate disposed between the keycap and the elastic component, and abutting against the elastic component.

[0011] In some embodiments, the sensing assembly further includes: a second plate and a position sensor, wherein the second plate is disposed on the side of the plurality of elastic components facing away from the first plate, and the distance between the second plate and the first plate is less than or equal to the thickness of the elastic component along the second direction; the position sensor is disposed within the first plate or the second plate.

[0012] In some embodiments, the position sensor includes: a first sensing element and a second sensing element corresponding to the first pressing area and the second pressing area, respectively; the first sensing element has a first metal strain gauge and a second metal strain gauge respectively disposed at its two ends parallel to the first direction, and a first voltage detection point is disposed on the first sensing element at the position between the first metal strain gauge and the second metal strain gauge; the second sensing element has a third metal strain gauge and a fourth metal strain gauge respectively disposed at its two ends parallel to the first direction, and a second voltage detection point is disposed on the second sensing element at the position between the third metal strain gauge and the fourth metal strain gauge.

[0013] In some embodiments, the key structure further includes: a balancer disposed on the side of the second plate facing away from the first plate, the balancer being opposite to the centerline of the keycap along the first direction, and the balancer having a first distance between itself and the first edge of the second plate, and a second distance between itself and the second edge of the second plate, the line connecting the first edge and the second edge being parallel to the first direction.

[0014] Secondly, this disclosure provides an electronic device, which may include: a housing and a button structure. The housing has an assembly hole communicating with the inner and outer surfaces of the housing. The button structure is partially assembled in the assembly hole. The button structure may include: a keycap, a sensing component, and an elastic component. The keycap has a pressing surface. The sensing component is connected to the keycap and located on the side of the keycap facing away from the pressing surface. The elastic component is connected to the sensing component and is arranged parallel to the pressing surface. When the pressing surface is subjected to a force, the sensing component is used to detect the force position of the pressing surface, and the elastic component is used to provide vibration feedback to the pressing surface.

[0015] The above description is only an overview of the technical solution of this disclosure. In order to better understand the technical means of this disclosure and to implement it in accordance with the contents of the specification, the preferred embodiments of this disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in this disclosure or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this disclosure. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the button structure provided in this disclosure. Figure 1 ;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the button structure provided in this disclosure. Figure 2 ;

[0019] Figure 3 A partial structural diagram of the sensing component with the button structure provided in this disclosure. Figure 1 ;

[0020] Figure 4 A partial structural diagram of the sensing component with the button structure provided in this disclosure. Figure 2 ;

[0021] Figure 5 A partial structural diagram of the sensing component with the button structure provided in this disclosure. Figure 3 ;

[0022] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the connection structure of the sensing component for the button structure provided in this disclosure;

[0023] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the working structure of the sensing component with the button structure provided in this disclosure.

[0024] Figure 8 A partial structural diagram of the electronic device provided in this disclosure;

[0025] Figure 9 A partial perspective structural diagram of the electronic device provided in this disclosure;

[0026] Figure 10 This is a partial cross-sectional structural diagram of the electronic device provided in this disclosure.

[0027] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0028] 10. Button structure; 11. Keycap; 111. Pressing surface; 1111. First pressing area; 1112. Second pressing area; 12. Sensing component; 121. First plate; 122. Second plate; 123. Position sensor; 1231. First sensing element; 1232. Second sensing element; 1233. First metal strain gauge; 1234. Second metal strain gauge; 1235. First voltage detection point; 1236. Third metal strain gauge; 1237. Fourth metal strain gauge; 1238. Second voltage detection point; 13. Elastic component; 14. Balancing component; 15. Electronic device; 151. Housing. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The embodiments of this disclosure will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The detailed description of the embodiments and the accompanying drawings are used to illustrate the principles of this disclosure by way of example, but should not be used to limit the scope of this disclosure. This disclosure can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but includes all technical solutions falling within the scope of the claims.

[0030] These embodiments are provided to make the disclosure thorough and complete, and to fully express the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement of components and steps, material composition, numerical expressions, and values ​​set forth in these embodiments should be interpreted as exemplary only and not as limiting.

[0031] It should be noted that, in the description of this disclosure, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more; the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationship, are only for the convenience of describing this disclosure and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this disclosure. When the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0032] Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and similar terms used in this disclosure do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different parts. "Vertical" is not strictly vertical, but within the permissible margin of error. "Parallel" is not strictly parallel, but within the permissible margin of error. Terms such as "including" or "contains" mean that the element preceding the word encompasses the element listed after the word, and do not exclude the possibility of encompassing other elements as well.

[0033] It should also be noted that, in the description of this disclosure, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "connected," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this disclosure depending on the specific circumstances. When a particular device is described as being located between a first device and a second device, an intermediary device may or may not be present between the particular device and the first or second device.

[0034] All terms used in this disclosure have the same meaning as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains, unless otherwise specifically defined. It should also be understood that terms defined in general dictionaries should be interpreted as having meanings consistent with their meanings in the context of the relevant art, and not as idealized or highly formalized, unless expressly defined herein.

[0035] Techniques, methods, and equipment known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, they should be considered part of the specification.

[0036] When a button is pressed by a user, it can trigger a corresponding operation; for example, the power button on an electronic device can turn the electronic device on or off when the user presses the power button.

[0037] However, in related technologies, there is no feedback after the button is pressed, resulting in poor usability; or, feedback is provided by a motor.

[0038] The inventors of this application have discovered that a button structure can be provided, which may include a keycap, a sensing component, and an elastic component. The sensing component is connected to the keycap and located on the side of the keycap facing away from its pressing surface. The elastic component is connected to the sensing component. When the pressing surface of the keycap is subjected to an external force (such as pressure applied by a user to the pressing surface, pressure applied by a mechanical structure to the pressing surface, etc.), the sensing component can detect the force position of the pressing surface and transmit this position information to the processor of the electronic device to which the button structure is connected. After receiving the information, the processor can enable or disable the corresponding function (such as power on, power off, increase volume, decrease volume, etc.). At the same time, the elastic component undergoes compression deformation, and when the external force is removed, the elastic potential energy stored in the elastic component is released, which can reversely drive the keycap to reset. Here, during the release of the compressive energy of the elastic component, the uneven stress distribution at different locations of the elastic component causes the reset process at different locations to be inconsistent. In other words, different locations cannot release synchronously, triggering the propagation of mechanical waves (mainly longitudinal waves perpendicular to the pressing surface). This causes the elastic component to vibrate and synchronize with the pressing surface 111 of the keycap. As a result, the keycap exhibits reciprocating vibration feedback, which improves the user experience. In addition, the vibration feedback gradually weakens, reducing the abruptness of sudden mechanical stops and reducing the working time of the elastic component in a single operation, thus extending the service life of the elastic component.

[0039] First aspect

[0040] This disclosure provides a button structure 10, see [link]. Figures 1 to 10 As shown, the key structure 10 may include: a keycap 11, a sensing component 12, and an elastic component 13. The keycap 11 has a pressing surface 111. The sensing component 12 is connected to the keycap 11 and is located on the side of the keycap 11 facing away from the pressing surface 111. The elastic component 13 is connected to the sensing component 12 and is arranged parallel to the pressing surface 111. When the pressing surface 111 is subjected to a force, the sensing component 12 is used to detect the force position of the pressing surface 111, and the elastic component 13 is used to provide vibration feedback to the pressing surface 111.

[0041] The keycap 11 has a pressing surface 111 in the shape of a rectangle, circle, rhombus, star, etc., and the user's fingers, mechanical parts, etc. can apply pressing pressure on the pressing surface 111.

[0042] The sensing component 12 is used to detect the position of the pressure surface 111 of the keycap 11 when a force is applied, and to send out this position signal so that the electronic device 15 connected to (or assembled with) the key structure 10 can perform a function corresponding to the pressure position, such as: volume amplification, volume reduction, power on, power off, screen capture, etc. The connection between the sensing component 12 and the keycap 11 can be abutment, adhesive, or other connection methods.

[0043] The elastic component 13, connected to the sensing component 12, can be located on the side of the keycap 11 facing away from the pressing surface 111. The elastic component 13 (as shown in the extension direction of the elastic component 13) is arranged parallel to the pressing surface 111 so that when the keycap 11 is pressed, it can compress and deform at the position corresponding to the pressing pressure. When the pressing pressure is removed, the elastic potential energy stored in the elastic component 13 can be released to drive the keycap 11 to reset. During the release of the compressive energy of the elastic component 13, the uneven stress distribution at different positions of the elastic component 13 makes the reset process at different positions not completely consistent. That is, different positions cannot be released synchronously, which triggers the propagation of mechanical waves (mainly longitudinal waves). This causes the elastic component 13 to vibrate and synchronize to the pressing surface 111 of the keycap 11. In this way, the keycap 11 has reciprocating vibration feedback, which can improve the user experience. In addition, the vibration feedback gradually weakens, reducing the abruptness of sudden mechanical stop, and can also reduce the working time of the elastic component 13 in a single operation, thus extending the service life of the elastic component 13.

[0044] In this embodiment, the key structure 10 may include a keycap 11, a sensing component 12, and an elastic component 13. When the pressing surface 111 of the keycap 11 is subjected to force, the sensing component 12 located on the side of the keycap 11 facing away from the pressing surface 111 can transmit the force position information of the pressing surface 111 to the electronic device 15 connected to the key structure 10, so that the function of the electronic device 15 corresponding to the force position is enabled or disabled. During this process, the elastic component 13 undergoes compression deformation to store elastic potential energy. When the force on the pressing surface 111 is removed, the stored elastic potential energy is released to drive the keycap 11 back to its original position. Because the reset process of the elastic component 13 is inconsistent at different positions, the keycap 11 can generate vibration feedback, which can improve the user experience. In addition, when the motor provides a reset force to the keycap 11 and a vibration feedback force to the keycap 11, the reset and vibration feedback require electrical energy. The setting of the elastic component 13 can reduce the consumption of electrical energy.

[0045] In some embodiments, see Figures 1 to 6 As shown, the pressing surface 111 has a first pressing area 1111 and a second pressing area 1112 along the first direction; when the first pressing area 1111 is subjected to a first force along the second direction, one end of the elastic component 13 generates a first compression amount to provide a first vibration effect; when the second pressing area 1112 is subjected to a second force along the second direction, the other end of the elastic component 13 generates a second compression amount to provide a second vibration effect.

[0046] In other words, the pressing surface 111 can be divided into a first pressing area 1111 and a second pressing area 1112 distributed along a first direction. One end of the elastic component 13 corresponds to the first pressing area 1111 and the other end corresponds to the second pressing area 1112. When the first pressing area 1111 is subjected to pressing force, one end of the elastic component 13 generates compression so as to provide a first vibration effect to the keycap 11 when the pressing force is removed. When the second pressing area 1112 is subjected to another pressing force, the other end of the elastic component 13 generates compression so as to provide a second vibration effect to the keycap 11 when the other pressing force is removed. When the elastic component 13 is compressed at one end (one end or the other end), the stress distribution inside the elastic component 13 is asymmetrical, so that different positions of the elastic component 13 cannot be released synchronously during the recovery process, causing mechanical waves (mainly longitudinal waves perpendicular to the pressing surface 111) to propagate, thereby generating vibration.

[0047] The directions of the first and second forces can be the same or different, and the magnitudes of the pressing pressure can be the same or different. The first and second vibration effects can be the same or different. When the first and second vibration effects are the same, the user and mechanical structure can feel the same vibration effect; when the first and second vibration effects are different, the user and mechanical structure can easily distinguish whether the pressed area is the first pressing area 1111 or the second pressing area 1112 based on the difference in vibration effects. Here, the angle between the second direction and the first direction can be an acute angle, a right angle, or an obtuse angle, such as: Figure 1 In the middle, the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular.

[0048] In this embodiment, the pressing area of ​​the keycap 11 is divided into a first pressing area 1111 and a second pressing area 1112, and can receive pressing force respectively to have corresponding vibration effects. This allows the keycap 11 to correspond to two functions (such as volume increase and volume decrease). After an object pressing the pressing surface 111 presses the first pressing area 1111 and the second pressing area 1112 respectively, it receives the vibration effect of the corresponding area, so as to ensure the use effect of any pressing area in the first pressing area 1111 and the second pressing area 1112.

[0049] In some embodiments, when the second force is the same as the first force, the second compression amount is the same as the first compression amount, or the second compression amount is different from the first compression amount.

[0050] The second force is the same as the first force, meaning that the second force and the first force are in the same direction and have the same magnitude. For example, the pressing direction of the second force and the first force are both perpendicular to the pressing surface 111, and their magnitudes are the same. The second compression amount being the same as or different from the first compression amount can be achieved through one or more of the following combinations: different structures (such as sparseness, wire diameter, etc.) at both ends of the elastic component 13 along the first direction, different materials at both ends of the elastic component 13 along the first direction, etc.

[0051] When the second compression amount is the same as the first compression amount, the first pressing area 1111 and the second pressing area 1112 of the pressing surface 111 can feel the same vibration feedback; when the second compression amount is different from the first compression amount, the first pressing area 1111 and the second pressing area 1112 of the pressing surface 111 can feel different vibration feedback; thus, the selection can be flexibly made according to the requirements of different users, mechanical structures, etc.

[0052] In some embodiments, see Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the elastic component 13 extends spirally in a direction parallel to the first direction, and the pitches at both ends of the elastic component 13 are the same, or the pitches at both ends of the elastic component 13 are different.

[0053] In other words, the elastic component 13 can be a spring made of materials such as plastic or metal. The length direction of the spring is parallel to the distribution direction of the first pressing area 1111 and the second pressing area 1112, and the two ends of the spring's length direction are respectively opposite to the first pressing area 1111 and the second pressing area 1112. Thus, when the first pressing area 1111 is subjected to pressing force, the spring generates compression at one end corresponding to the first pressing area 1111, and can provide a restoring force to the first pressing area 1111 when the pressing force is removed, and transmit longitudinal waves to the other end of the spring corresponding to the second pressing area 1112. The longitudinal wave reciprocates between the two ends of the spring and gradually weakens, so that the object in the first pressing area 1111 can feel the gradually weakening vibration feedback; for example, when the second pressing area 1112 is pressed, the spring generates compression at the other end corresponding to the second pressing area 1112, and can provide a restoring force to the second pressing area 1112 when the pressing force is removed, and transmit a longitudinal wave to the end of the spring corresponding to the first pressing area 1111, and the longitudinal wave reciprocates between the two ends of the spring and gradually weakens, so that the object in the second pressing area 1112 can feel the gradually weakening vibration feedback. Since the elastic component 13 is a spring, and the length direction of the spring is parallel to the pressing surface 111, objects such as user fingers or mechanical structures can slide and switch between the first pressing area 1111 and the second pressing area 1112 along the first direction or in the opposite direction. The elastic component 13 can generate compression deformation according to the instantaneous position change of the object on the pressing surface 111 and store elastic potential energy. When the elastic component 13 is a spring, there can be multiple elastic components 13, and multiple elastic components 13 can be arranged in parallel to make the keycap 11 more stable during the pressing and rebound process; for example: see Figure 2 As shown, the two springs are arranged in parallel and correspond to different positions of the keycap 11, so that the keycap 11 is more stable under the elastic action of the two springs during the pressing and rebound process.

[0054] When the pitches at both ends of the elastic component 13 are the same, the first compression amount and the second compression amount can be the same. As a result, when the same second force is applied to the first pressing area 1111 and the second pressing area 1112, the vibration feedback received by the first pressing area 1111 and the second pressing area 1112 can be the same. Conversely, when the pitches at both ends of the elastic component 13 are not the same, the first compression amount and the second compression amount can be different. As a result, when the same second force is applied to the first pressing area 1111 and the second pressing area 1112, the vibration feedback received by the first pressing area 1111 and the second pressing area 1112 can be different.

[0055] In this embodiment, the elastic component 13 can be a spring. The manufacturing process of springs is mature, which can improve the manufacturing efficiency of button structure 10. It is also relatively low in cost compared to setting up a motor. Furthermore, by making the pitches at both ends of the spring consistent or inconsistent, it is convenient to set the vibration feedback of the first pressing area 1111 and the second pressing area 1112 to be consistent or inconsistent under the same force.

[0056] In some embodiments, the keycap 11 has a first pressing member and a second pressing member along a first direction. The first pressing member is disposed opposite to the first pressing area 1111, and the second pressing member is disposed opposite to the second pressing area 1112. That is, the keycap 11 can be two parts, namely the first pressing member and the second pressing member, so as to reduce the mutual interference between the first pressing area 1111 and the second pressing area 1112 during the pressing and resetting process.

[0057] In some embodiments, see Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the sensing component 12 may include a first plate 121 disposed between the keycap 11 and the elastic component 13, and abutting against the elastic component 13. Here, the number of elastic components 13 may be one or more, and the first plate 121 is located between the keycap 11 and one or more elastic components 13, so as to form a planar support between the keycap 11 and the spring of the elastic component 13, thereby reducing the probability of the keycap 11 tipping over after being subjected to force.

[0058] In some embodiments, see Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the sensing component 12 may further include: a second plate 122 and a position sensor 123. The second plate 122 is disposed on the side of the plurality of elastic components 13 facing away from the first plate 121, and the distance between the second plate 122 and the first plate 121 is less than or equal to the thickness of the elastic component 13 along the second direction. The position sensor 123 is disposed in the first plate 121 or the second plate 122.

[0059] The distance between the second plate 122 and the first plate 121 is less than or equal to the thickness of the elastic component 13 along the second direction. This allows the elastic component 13 to have no compression or only a slight compression when the pressing surface 111 of the keycap 11 is not subjected to pressing force. This enables the first plate 121 and the second plate 122 to stably clamp and limit the elastic component 13, further reducing the probability of the keycap 11 tipping over under force. The orthographic projection of the second plate 122 onto the first plate 121 can coincide with the first plate 121. The first plate 121 and the second plate 122 can be manufactured using the same equipment to reduce manufacturing costs. At the same time, the coincidence of the orthographic projections makes the peripheral surfaces of the first plate 121 and the second plate 122 flush, facilitating the structural arrangement around the key structure 10.

[0060] Position sensor 123 is disposed within the first plate 121 and the second plate 122, so that the position sensor 123 can be physically protected by the first plate 121 and the second plate 122. Here, position sensor 123 can determine the force location by detecting changes in magnetic field. For example, if the magnetic field change at the force location corresponding to position sensor 123 is greater than the magnetic field change at the non-force location, the force location can be determined based on which position detects the larger magnetic field change. Position sensor 123 can also determine the force location based on light intensity. For example, if keycap 11 and the structure between keycap 11 and position sensor 123 are both made of light-transmitting material, and the intensity at the force location corresponding to position sensor 123 is less than the intensity at the non-force location, the force location can be determined based on which position detects the lower light intensity.

[0061] In some embodiments, see Figures 1 to 7 As shown, the position sensor 123 may include: a first sensing element 1231 and a second sensing element 1232 corresponding to the first pressing area 1111 and the second pressing area 1112, respectively. The first sensing element 1231 is provided with a first metal strain gauge 1233 and a second metal strain gauge 1234 at its two ends parallel to the first direction, and a first voltage detection point 1235 is provided at the position between the first metal strain gauge 1233 and the second metal strain gauge 1234. The second sensing element 1232 is provided with a third metal strain gauge 1236 and a fourth metal strain gauge 1237 at its two ends parallel to the first direction, and a second voltage detection point 1238 is provided at the position between the third metal strain gauge 1236 and the fourth metal strain gauge 1237.

[0062] When the first sensing element 1231 bends due to the pressing force of the corresponding first pressing area 1111, the first metal strain gauge 1233 and the second metal strain gauge 1234 attached to the surface of the first sensing element 1231 will undergo mechanical deformation (such as... Figure 3 The resistance change is caused by the stretching shown (e.g., stretching to increase the resistance), which in turn causes a change in the voltage at the first voltage detection point 1235 on the first sensing element 1231, and the third metal strain gauge 1236 and the fourth metal strain gauge 1237 attached to the surface of the second sensing element 1232 will undergo mechanical deformation (e.g., stretching to increase the resistance), thereby causing a change in the voltage at the first voltage detection point 1235 on the first sensing element 1231, and the third metal strain gauge 1236 and the fourth metal strain gauge 1237 attached to the surface of the second sensing element 1232 will undergo mechanical deformation (e.g., stretching to increase the resistance) Figure 3 As shown, compression (e.g., compression to reduce resistance) causes a change in resistance, resulting in a voltage difference between the first voltage detection point 1235 (Vm+) on the first sensor 1231 and the second voltage detection point 1238 (Vm-) on the second sensor 1232. Conversely, when the second sensor 1232 is bent by the pressure of the corresponding second pressing area 1112, the third metal strain gauge 1236 and the fourth metal strain gauge 1237 attached to the surface of the second sensor 1232 will undergo mechanical deformation (e.g., stretching) and a change in resistance (e.g., stretching to increase resistance), thereby causing a change in the voltage at the second voltage detection point 1238 on the second sensor 1232. Furthermore, the first metal strain gauge 1233 and the second metal strain gauge 1234 attached to the surface of the first sensing element 1231 will experience a change in resistance due to mechanical deformation (such as compression) (such as compression to reduce resistance), thereby creating a voltage difference between the first voltage detection point 1235 (Vm+) on the first sensing element 1231 and the second voltage detection point 1238 (Vm-) on the second sensing element 1232. Thus, the pressure location can be conveniently determined by comparing the voltage magnitudes of the first voltage detection point 1235 and the second voltage detection point 1238 on the first sensing element 1231 and the second sensing element 1232; for example, the location with a larger voltage corresponds to the pressure location, or vice versa. The electronic device 15 connecting the button structure 10 can be equipped with a processor that can receive the voltages of the first voltage detection point 1235 and the second voltage detection point 1238 and compare their magnitudes to confirm the pressure location.

[0063] Here, as Figure 7As shown, the button structure 10 is assembled in the electronic device 15. The electronic device 15 is equipped with a central processing unit (CPU), a pressure-sensitive chip, a dual-channel sensing layer, and other devices. The mechanical deformation of the first sensing element 1231 and the second sensing element 1232 can be transmitted to the pressure-sensitive chip through the dual-channel sensing layer. The analog front end (AFE) of the pressure-sensitive chip can amplify, filter, and eliminate noise from the signal. The microcontroller unit (MCU) of the pressure-sensitive chip can compare the voltages of the two voltage detection points after processing and transmit them to the central processing unit (CPU) via I2C. The central processing unit can enable the electronic device 15 to perform corresponding functions (such as power on, power off, etc.), and the central processing unit can also send a reset signal to the position sensor 123 through the reset circuit.

[0064] In this embodiment, the position sensor 123 may include a first sensing element 1231 and a second sensing element 1232, and metal strain gauges are respectively provided on the two sensing elements so that the pressure and the position of the force can be accurately confirmed through mechanical deformation and signal processing.

[0065] In some embodiments, see Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the key structure 10 may further include: a balance member 14, disposed on the side of the second plate 122 facing away from the first plate 121, the balance member 14 being opposite to the centerline of the keycap 11 along the first direction, and the balance member 14 having a first distance between itself and the first edge of the second plate 122, and a second distance between itself and the second edge of the second plate 122, the line connecting the first edge and the second edge being parallel to the first direction.

[0066] The balancing member 14 causes the pressing surface 111 to move a distance after one or the other end of the elastic component 13 is pressed. This distance includes not only the compression distance of the elastic component 13, but also the distance caused by the tilt relative to the balancing member 14. This makes the deformation of the elastic component 13 more obvious, and thus the vibration effect more obvious. At the same time, the balancing member 14 makes the mechanical deformation of the position sensor 123 more obvious, and thus makes it easier to compare the voltage detection results.

[0067] Second aspect

[0068] This disclosure provides an electronic device 15, see [link to previous document]. Figures 8 to 10As shown, the electronic device 15 may include: a housing 151 and a button structure 10. The housing 151 has an assembly hole that connects the inner and outer surfaces of the housing 151. Part of the button structure 10 is assembled in the assembly hole. The button structure 10 may include: a keycap 11, a sensing component 12, and an elastic component 13. The keycap 11 has a pressing surface 111. The sensing component 12 is connected to the keycap 11 and is located on the side of the keycap 11 facing away from the pressing surface 111. The elastic component 13 is connected to the sensing component 12 and is arranged parallel to the pressing surface 111. When the pressing surface 111 is subjected to a force, the sensing component 12 is used to detect the force position of the pressing surface 111, and the elastic component 13 is used to provide vibration feedback to the pressing surface 111.

[0069] Electronic device 15 can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, laptop computer, or other similar device.

[0070] It should be noted that the button structure in the electronic device provided in this disclosure is similar to the button structure embodiments described above, and has similar beneficial effects. For technical details not disclosed in the embodiments of the electronic device in this disclosure, please refer to the description of the button structure embodiments in this disclosure for understanding; further details will not be repeated here.

[0071] The embodiments of this disclosure have now been described in detail. To avoid obscuring the concept of this disclosure, some details known in the art have not been described. Those skilled in the art can fully understand how to implement the technical solutions disclosed herein based on the above description.

[0072] While specific embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail by way of examples, those skilled in the art should understand that the examples are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can be made to the above embodiments or equivalent substitutions can be made to some technical features without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure. In particular, as long as there is no structural conflict, the technical features mentioned in the various embodiments can be combined in any manner.

Claims

1. A button structure, characterized in that, include: Keycaps with a pressing surface; A sensing component, connected to the keycap, is located on the side of the keycap facing away from the pressing surface; An elastic component is connected to the sensing component and is arranged parallel to the pressing surface; When the pressing surface is subjected to a force, the sensing component is used to detect the force location on the pressing surface, and the elastic component is used to provide vibration feedback to the pressing surface.

2. The button structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pressing surface has a first pressing area and a second pressing area along a first direction; When the first pressing area is subjected to a first force along the second direction, one end of the elastic component generates a first compression to provide a first vibration effect; When the second pressing area is subjected to a second force along the second direction, the other end of the elastic component generates a second compression to provide a second vibration effect.

3. The button structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the second force is the same as the first force, the second compression amount is the same as the first compression amount, or the second compression amount is different from the first compression amount.

4. The button structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The elastic component extends spirally in a direction parallel to the first direction, and the pitches at both ends of the elastic component are the same, or the pitches at both ends of the elastic component are different.

5. The button structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The keycap has a first pressing member and a second pressing member along a first direction. The first pressing member is disposed opposite to the first pressing area, and the second pressing member is disposed opposite to the second pressing area.

6. The button structure according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that, The sensing component includes: a first plate body disposed between the keycap and the elastic component, and abutting against the elastic component.

7. The button structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, The sensing component also includes: The second plate is disposed on the side of the plurality of elastic components facing away from the first plate, and the distance between the second plate and the first plate is less than or equal to the thickness of the elastic component along the second direction; A position sensor is disposed within the first plate or the second plate.

8. The button structure according to claim 7, characterized in that, The position sensor includes: a first sensing element and a second sensing element corresponding to the first pressing area and the second pressing area, respectively. The first sensing element has a first metal strain gauge and a second metal strain gauge respectively disposed at its two ends parallel to the first direction, and a first voltage detection point is disposed on the first sensing element at the position between the first metal strain gauge and the second metal strain gauge. The second sensing element has a third metal strain gauge and a fourth metal strain gauge respectively disposed at its two ends parallel to the first direction, and a second voltage detection point is disposed on the second sensing element at the position between the third metal strain gauge and the fourth metal strain gauge.

9. The button structure according to claim 8, characterized in that, The button structure also includes: A balancer is disposed on the side of the second plate facing away from the first plate. The balancer is opposite to the centerline of the keycap along the first direction. The balancer has a first distance between itself and the first edge of the second plate, and a second distance between itself and the second edge of the second plate. The line connecting the first edge and the second edge is parallel to the first direction.

10. An electronic device, characterized in that, include: The housing has mounting holes that connect the inner and outer surfaces of the housing; The button structure, partially assembled in the mounting hole, includes: Keycaps with a pressing surface; A sensing component, connected to the keycap, is located on the side of the keycap facing away from the pressing surface; An elastic component is connected to the sensing component and is arranged parallel to the pressing surface; When the pressing surface is subjected to a force, the sensing component is used to detect the force location on the pressing surface, and the elastic component is used to provide vibration feedback to the pressing surface.

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