Key structure and intelligent terminal

Abstract

The application provides a key structure and a smart terminal. The key structure comprises a shell, a sensing piece and a control board. The shell comprises a bottom cover, and the bottom cover has at least one key area. The sensing piece is arranged in the shell and opposite to the key area, and the sensing piece and the key area form a key. The control board is arranged in the shell and electrically connected with the sensing piece. The technical scheme of the application achieves the effect of convenient operation and improves user experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of smart terminal technology, specifically to a button structure and a smart terminal. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of technology, smart terminals have become an indispensable part of people's lives and work. Furthermore, as people's usage needs continue to improve, the requirements for smart terminals are also constantly increasing, and thinner and lighter smart terminals are gradually coming into view.

[0003] In the process of conceiving and implementing this application, the inventors discovered at least the following problems: In some solutions, especially in mobile phones, the button area is very small, requiring the fingers to accurately find the right position to press, which is inconvenient to operate.

[0004] The preceding description is intended to provide general background information and does not necessarily constitute prior art. Utility Model Content

[0005] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides a button structure and a smart terminal, where the buttons are easy to locate and operate.

[0006] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides a button structure, comprising:

[0007] A housing, the housing including a bottom cover having at least one button area;

[0008] A sensor is disposed inside the housing and opposite to the button area, the sensor and the button area forming a button;

[0009] The control board, located inside the housing, is also electrically connected to the sensing element.

[0010] Optionally, the button structure further includes a circuit board, which is disposed inside the housing and opposite to the bottom cover. The circuit board is also connected to the control board, and the sensing element is disposed on the circuit board.

[0011] Optionally, the circuit board is electrically connected to the control board via at least one of a spring contact, a zero insertion / removal force connector, or an inter-board connector.

[0012] Optionally, the sensing element includes an induction coil or an induction electrode, and the induction coil or the induction electrode forms a capacitive key with the opposite key area.

[0013] Optionally, at least two sensors are provided, and the at least two sensors are arranged at intervals.

[0014] Optionally, the circuit board is further provided with a charging coil and a communication coil, and the charging coil, the communication coil and the sensing element are spaced apart from each other.

[0015] Optionally, the communication coil at least surrounds the charging coil.

[0016] Optionally, a camera module is also provided on the bottom cover, and the camera module is located at the edge of the bottom cover.

[0017] Optionally, along a first direction of the housing, induction elements are respectively provided on opposite sides of the charging coil, the communication coil surrounds the charging coil, and one of the induction elements.

[0018] Optionally, a camera module is also provided on the bottom cover, and the camera module is located in the middle of the bottom cover.

[0019] Optionally, along a first direction of the housing, the camera module, the charging coil, and one of the sensors are arranged in sequence, with the communication coil surrounding the charging coil.

[0020] Optionally, along the second direction of the housing, at least one of the opposite sides of the camera module is further provided with the sensing element, and the second direction intersects the first direction.

[0021] This application also provides a smart terminal, including the button structure described above.

[0022] As described above, the button structure and smart terminal of this application, through the above technical solutions, can increase the area of ​​the buttons, making them easier to position and press, thereby facilitating user operation, and also ensuring the integrity and thinness of the entire device. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application. To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without any creative effort.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a smart terminal in some embodiments;

[0025] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the bottom cover of the smart terminal provided in this application;

[0026] Figure 3 A schematic diagram illustrating the holding of the smart terminal provided in this application;

[0027] Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing the positions of the sensing element, communication coil, and charging coil provided in this application;

[0028] Figure 5 Another schematic diagram showing the positions of the sensing element, communication coil, and charging coil provided in this application;

[0029] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a smart terminal that implements the various embodiments of this application.

[0030] The realization of the objectives, functional features, and advantages of this application will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings have illustrated specific embodiments of this application, which will be described in more detail below. These drawings and textual descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the concept in any way, but rather to illustrate the concepts of this application to those skilled in the art through reference to specific embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this application. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of this application as detailed in the appended claims.

[0032] It should be noted that, in this document, 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 limitations, 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 that element. Optionally, components, features, and elements with the same names in different embodiments of this application may have the same meaning or different meanings, the specific meaning of which needs to be determined by its interpretation in that specific embodiment or further in conjunction with the context of that specific embodiment.

[0033] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various information, such information should not be limited to these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish information of the same type from one another. For example, without departing from the scope of this document, first information may also be referred to as second information, and similarly, second information may also be referred to as first information. Depending on the context, the word "if," as used herein, may be interpreted as "when," "when," or "in response to determination." Furthermore, as used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to also include the plural forms unless the context indicates otherwise. It should be further understood that the terms "comprising," "including," indicate the presence of a feature, step, operation, element, component, item, kind, and / or group, but do not exclude the presence, occurrence, or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, items, kinds, and / or groups. The terms "or," "and / or," "including at least one of the following," etc., used in this application may be interpreted as inclusive, or mean any one or any combination thereof. For example, "including at least one of the following: A, B, C" means "any one of the following: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A and B and C." Similarly, "A, B, or C" or "A, B, and / or C" means "any one of the following: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A and B and C." Exceptions to this definition only occur when the combination of elements, functions, steps, or operations is inherently mutually exclusive in some way.

[0034] See Figure 1 In related technologies, especially in mobile phones, the buttons 11 in smart terminals 10 are very small, requiring the fingers to accurately locate the correct position for pressing, making operation inconvenient. This is because buttons 11 are often located on the side of the smart terminal 10. Whether it's volume buttons, power buttons, dedicated buttons 11, or shoulder buttons, they are usually located on the narrow side of the smart terminal 10, resulting in a limited and unreliable position. Furthermore, the limited area on the side makes it difficult to locate and press the small buttons 11, leading to inconvenient operation.

[0035] When playing games or watching videos in landscape mode, only the index or middle finger can be used for operation, while the ring and little fingers are often not used, which can be tiring for extended periods. Additionally, button 11 has limited functionality and poor expandability.

[0036] Therefore, this application provides a button structure and a smart terminal. By setting the button area on the bottom cover and sensing it through a sensor to form a button, the operating area of ​​the button can be increased, making it easier to locate and press, thereby facilitating user operation.

[0037] See Figures 2 to 5This application provides a smart terminal 10, which can be implemented in various forms. For example, the smart terminal 10 described in this application may include mobile terminals such as mobile phones, tablets, handheld computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and portable media players (PMPs), as well as fixed terminals such as digital TVs and desktop computers.

[0038] Optionally, the following description will use a mobile terminal as an example to illustrate the smart terminal in this application. Those skilled in the art will understand that, apart from elements specifically designed for mobile purposes, the construction according to the embodiments of this application can also be applied to fixed-type terminals.

[0039] like Figure 2 As shown, the smart terminal 10 includes a button structure located on the back of the smart terminal 10, and a display screen is provided on the front of the smart terminal 10 for presenting images to the user and realizing touch interaction.

[0040] The display screen may include a display panel, a touch panel (TP), and a cover plate. The display panel may include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), an active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED), a flexible light-emitting diode (FLED), a Mini-LED, a Micro-LED, or a quantum dot light-emitting diode (QLED). The touch panel may include a capacitive touchscreen, such as a projected capacitive touchscreen. The cover plate may be a glass cover to protect the touch panel, etc. The display screen of the smart terminal 10 can adopt existing structures, which will not be described in detail here.

[0041] See Figure 2The button structure includes a housing 20, a sensor 30, and a control board. The housing 20 provides support and protection, and an internal cavity is formed to accommodate the sensor 30, control board, and other structures. For example, the housing 20 includes a bottom cover 21, which also serves as a battery cover. The bottom cover 21 is opposite to the display screen along the thickness direction of the housing 20. Optionally, the display screen is located at the top of the smart terminal 10, and the bottom cover 21 is located at the bottom of the smart terminal 10. Optionally, the bottom cover 21 can be made of insulating materials such as plastic, ceramic, or glass, for example, polycarbonate. The material of the bottom cover 21 can be selected as needed.

[0042] Optionally, the housing 20 also includes a middle frame, which is a frame that surrounds the bottom cover 21 circumferentially. The middle frame, housing 20, and display screen together form a receiving cavity. The middle frame and bottom cover 21 can be connected by snap-fit, adhesive, or integral molding. Optionally, the middle frame and bottom cover 21 can be bonded together by adhesive application or adhesive backing. The middle frame and bottom cover 21 can be made of the same material, forming a single integrated structure. Optionally, the material of the middle frame can include metal, plastic, etc., and can be aluminum. The specific material of the middle frame can be selected as needed.

[0043] Optionally, continue reading Figure 2 The bottom cover 21 has at least one button area 22 for touch control, which allows for large-area touch control without compromising the overall integrity of the device or increasing its thickness. The number and area of ​​the button area 22 can be designed according to actual needs, and this embodiment is not limited in this respect.

[0044] In some possible examples, the bottom cover 21 has a button area 22 that is used as a single button 11. In other possible examples, such as Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the bottom cover 21 has two spaced-apart button areas 22, which are located near the two ends of the bottom cover 21, allowing for two-handed operation in landscape mode. Figure 3 As shown, this significantly increases the operable area, allowing not only the middle and index fingers to operate, but also the ring and little fingers, greatly improving ease of use. In some other possible examples, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the bottom cover 21 has three spaced-apart button areas 22. The three button areas 22 can be located near the edge of the bottom cover 21, allowing for zoned control and customizable functions, making it convenient to use and adding new functional experiences.

[0045] The button area 22 is flexibly positioned on the bottom cover 21, meaning its area, shape, and position can be adjusted as needed, increasing its flexibility. Optionally, the button area 22 can be combined with ID CMF (color, material, and surface treatment). Optionally, the button area 22 can be combined with at least one of a logo area, a special pattern area, or a special texture area (e.g., anti-slip texture), for example, at least partially overlapping. Figure 2 As shown, the button area 22 can also be spaced apart from the above-mentioned areas.

[0046] See Figure 4 and Figure 5 The sensor 30 is disposed within the housing 20 and faces the button area 22, forming a button. Optionally, the sensor 30 facing the sensing area means that the orthographic projection of the sensor 30 on the bottom cover 21 at least partially overlaps with the button area 22, or they may completely overlap. The button 11 is, for example, a capacitive button, which can be triggered by single-clicking, double-clicking, or sliding the button area 22. The button can also be operated in conjunction with a corresponding software interface, triggered when the button area 22 is subjected to a specific operation (such as double-clicking or sliding), which can prevent accidental touches of the button area 22.

[0047] In some possible implementations, the button structure may further include a circuit board 40 disposed within the housing 20 and opposite the bottom cover 21. The circuit board 40 is also connected to a control board, and a sensor is disposed on the circuit board 40. The circuit board 40 may be attached between the bottom cover 21 and the battery / control board. The circuit board 40 may be, for example, a printed circuit board (PCB) or a flexible printed circuit board (FPC). The sensor 30 may be integrated on the circuit board 40, supported and externalized by the circuit board 40, and the sensor 30 may also have pins extending from it to form the circuit board 40.

[0048] In some possible implementations, the sensing element 30 includes an induction coil, which, together with the opposing button area 22, forms a capacitive key. In other possible embodiments, the sensing element 30 includes a sensing electrode, which, together with the opposing button area 22, forms a capacitive key. The induction coil or sensing electrode forms one electrode of the capacitive key, and the finger forms the other electrode. When the finger touches the button area 22, the capacitance of the capacitive key changes, generating a sensing signal. The sensing electrode can be a thin film or foil, and its material can be, for example, metal. Thus, the sensing element 30 has no complex structure, is easy to implement, and adds only a small amount of cost.

[0049] Optionally, at least two sensors 30 can be provided, spaced apart, to form at least two capacitive buttons, achieving the same or different functions, making complex operations more convenient and versatile. The functions of the capacitive buttons can be customized for specific apps or games. Optionally, in a media player, one capacitive button functions as the previous track, operated by clicking, while the other capacitive button functions as the next track, operated by clicking. Optionally, in a camera, one capacitive button functions as switching between telephoto, wide-angle, macro, etc., operated by clicking, while the other capacitive button functions as taking a photo, operated by clicking.

[0050] Continue reading Figure 4 and Figure 5 The circuit board 40 also includes a charging coil 50 and a communication coil 60, with the charging coil 50, communication coil 60, and sensor 30 spaced apart from each other. The charging coil 50 can be a wireless charging coil to enable wireless charging of the smart terminal 10. The communication coil 60 can be a Near Field Communication (NFC) coil to enable data exchange between the smart terminal 10 and other devices. Integrating the charging coil 50, communication coil 60, and sensor 30 (e.g., an induction coil) on the circuit board 40 increases its integration density and allows for flexible layout, enabling large-area, multi-position touch control.

[0051] In some possible examples, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the communication coil 60 at least surrounds the charging coil 50. Optionally, the charging coil 50 can be circular, elliptical, rectangular, or annular, and is located at the center of the bottom cover 21. The communication coil 60 being annular, such as a rectangular ring, with the charging coil 50 disposed inside, can improve the space utilization of the circuit board 40. The two ends of the charging coil 50 and the two ends of the communication coil 60 can respectively lead out to form pins on the circuit board 40. Optionally, the pins corresponding to the sensing element 30, the charging coil 50, and the communication coil 60 can be located on the same side of the circuit board 40 or on different sides. Pins located on the same side can share an interface or partially share an interface; pins located separately can use individual interfaces.

[0052] Alternatively, the layout of the signal coil 60, charging coil 50, and sensor 30 can be configured according to the position of the camera module 23, which is mounted on the bottom cover 21 and includes a rear camera. At least two sensors 30 are positioned on different sides of the camera module 23 to fully utilize the space of the bottom cover 21 and facilitate grip and operation.

[0053] In some possible implementations, such as Figure 4As shown, the camera module 23 is located at the edge of the bottom cover 21. Along the first direction of the housing 20, sensors 30 are respectively arranged on opposite sides of the charging coil 50, and a communication coil 60 surrounds the charging coil 50, along with one of the sensors 30. The camera module 23 occupies relatively little space in the housing 20. The charging coil 50 is centrally located, and a sensor 30 is arranged on each side of the charging coil 50. The charging coil 50 and the sensors 30 are arranged along the first direction of the housing 20, such as the length direction of the housing 20. Figure 4 The Y direction is shown in the diagram. In this way, the sensor 30 is located near both ends of the bottom cover 21 along the first direction, making it easy to touch when holding the device and facilitating operation.

[0054] A communication coil 60 surrounds a charging coil 50 and a sensor 30 located adjacent to the pins of a circuit board 40 to facilitate the lead-out of the communication coil 60 and its connection to the control board. Figure 3 As shown, the charging coil 50 and the sensing element 30 above the charging coil 50 are located inside the communication coil 60, and the pins connected to the sensing element 30, the communication coil 60 and the charging coil 50 are located at the upper end of the circuit board 40.

[0055] In some other possible implementations, such as Figure 5 As shown, the camera module 23 is located in the middle of the bottom cover 21. Along the first direction of the housing 20, the camera module 23, the charging coil 50 and one of the sensors 30 are arranged in sequence, and the communication coil 60 surrounds the charging coil 50. Along the second direction of the housing 20, at least one of the opposite sides of the camera module 23 is also provided with a sensor 30. The second direction intersects the first direction.

[0056] like Figure 5 As shown, the camera module 23 is centered and located on one side of the charging coil 50. A sensor 30 is located on the side of the charging coil 50 away from the rear camera. These three components are arranged along a first direction, such as the length direction of the housing 20. The charging coil 50 is located inside the communication coil 60 to facilitate the layout of the communication coil 60. At least one side of the camera module 23 has a sensor 30. Optionally, one sensor 30 is provided on each side of the camera module 23 to fully utilize the space on the circuit board 40. These three components are arranged along a second direction. The second direction intersects the first direction, for example, perpendicular to it. The first direction is, for example, the length direction of the housing 20. Figure 5 The Y direction shown is an example of the width direction of the housing 20. Figure 5 The X direction is shown.

[0057] Optionally, the camera module 23 is shaped to match the adjacent sensor 30. Optionally, the camera module 23 is circular or elliptical, and the end of the sensor 30 adjacent to the camera module 23 facing the camera module 23 is arc-shaped to increase the area of ​​the sensor 30. Figure 5 As shown, among the sensors 30 on both sides of the camera module 23, the distance between the end of each sensor 30 facing the camera module 23 and the camera module 23 is basically equal along the circumference of the camera module 23.

[0058] The sensors 30 adjacent to each other on the camera module 23 can be connected, so that the button areas 22 on both sides of the camera module 23 can trigger the same function. That is, one of the capacitive buttons can be divided into two or more parts, and clicking any position on the corresponding button area 22 can achieve the same trigger function.

[0059] In other possible examples, along the second direction, one sensor 30 is provided on one of the opposite sides of the camera module 23. Optionally, along the second direction, one sensor 30 is provided on one of the opposite sides of the camera module 23, and two sensors 30 are provided on the other side. The position and number of the camera module 23 and its adjacent sensors 30 are not limited and can be selected as needed.

[0060] To reduce accidental triggering of buttons, such as capacitive buttons, some possible implementations limit the trigger area of ​​the capacitive button, selecting its position and area based on ergonomics. In other possible implementations, the capacitive button has multiple connected and independently positioned contacts, which are triggered by contact to activate the corresponding function.

[0061] The control board is housed within the housing 20 and electrically connected to the sensor 30. The control board can be a mainboard, but it is not shown in the figure. The control board can receive and process sensing signals from the sensor 30. Optionally, when a button is pressed, i.e., when the button area 22 is triggered, the control board can process these sensing signals and execute corresponding commands, such as adjusting volume or switching.

[0062] In some possible implementations, the control board is electrically connected to the circuit board 40, thereby achieving an electrical connection with the sensing element 30. For example, the control board and the circuit board 40 are electrically connected via at least one of a spring, a zero insertion force (ZIF) connector, and a board-to-board connector (B2B), wherein the spring is also a pad, and the zero insertion force connector and the board-to-board connector are both connectors 70.

[0063] The button structure provided in this embodiment includes a housing 20, a sensor 30, and a control board. The housing 20 includes a bottom cover 21, which has at least one button area 22. The sensor 30 is disposed within the housing 20 and opposite the button area 22, forming a button. The control board is disposed within the housing 20 and is electrically connected to the sensor 30. By placing the button area 22 on the bottom cover 21 and forming a button with the sensor 30, the button area can be increased, making it easier to position and press, thus facilitating user operation and ensuring the integrity and thinness of the entire device.

[0064] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a smart terminal implementing various embodiments of this application. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 6 The smart terminal 200 may include: an RF (Radio Frequency) unit 201, a WiFi module 202, an audio output unit 203, an A / V (Audio / Video) input unit 204, a sensor 205, a display unit 206, a user input unit 207, an interface unit 208, a memory 209, a processor 210, and a power supply 211, etc. Those skilled in the art will understand that... Figure 6 The smart terminal structure shown does not constitute a limitation on the smart terminal. A smart terminal may include more or fewer components than shown, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0065] The following is combined Figure 6 A detailed introduction to each component of the smart terminal:

[0066] The radio frequency (RF) unit 201 can be used for receiving and transmitting signals during information transmission or calls. Specifically, it receives downlink information from the base station and processes it with the processor 210; additionally, it transmits uplink data to the base station. Typically, the RF unit 201 includes, but is not limited to, an antenna, at least one amplifier, a transceiver, a coupler, a low-noise amplifier, and a duplexer. Furthermore, the RF unit 201 can also communicate wirelessly with networks and other devices. The aforementioned wireless communications may use any communication standard or protocol, including but not limited to GSM (Global System of Mobile communication), GPRS (General Packet Radio Service), CDMA2000 (Code Division Multiple Access 2000), WCDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access), TD-SCDMA (Time Division-Synchronous Code Division Multiple Access), FDD-LTE (Frequency Division Duplexing-Long Term Evolution), TDD-LTE (Time Division Duplexing-Long Term Evolution), 5G, and 6G.

[0067] WiFi is a short-range wireless transmission technology. Smart terminals, through the WiFi module 202, can help users send and receive emails, browse web pages, and access streaming media, providing users with wireless broadband internet access. Although Figure 6 The WiFi module 202 is shown, but it is understood that it is not a necessary component of a smart terminal and can be omitted as needed without changing the essence of the utility model.

[0068] The audio output unit 203 can convert audio data received by the radio frequency unit 201 or the WiFi module 202, or stored in the memory 209, into audio signals and output them as sound when the smart terminal 200 is in call signal receiving mode, call mode, recording mode, voice recognition mode, broadcast receiving mode, etc. Furthermore, the audio output unit 203 can also provide audio output related to specific functions performed by the smart terminal 200 (e.g., call signal receiving sound, message receiving sound, etc.). The audio output unit 203 may include a speaker, a buzzer, etc.

[0069] The A / V input unit 204 is used to receive audio or video signals. The A / V input unit 204 may include a graphics processing unit (GPU) 2041 and a microphone 2042. The GPU 2041 processes image data of still images or videos acquired by an image capture device (such as a camera) in video capture mode or image capture mode. The processed image frames can be displayed on the display unit 206. The image frames processed by the GPU 2041 can be stored in the memory 209 (or other storage media) or transmitted via the radio frequency unit 201 or the WiFi module 202. The microphone 2042 can receive sound (audio data) in operating modes such as telephone call mode, recording mode, and voice recognition mode, and can process such sound into audio data. The processed audio (voice) data can be converted into a format that can be transmitted to a mobile communication base station via the radio frequency unit 201 in telephone call mode. The microphone 2042 can implement various types of noise cancellation (or suppression) algorithms to eliminate (or suppress) noise or interference generated during the reception and transmission of audio signals.

[0070] The smart terminal 200 also includes at least one sensor 205, such as a light sensor, a motion sensor, and other sensors. Optionally, the light sensor includes an ambient light sensor and a proximity sensor. Optionally, the ambient light sensor can adjust the brightness of the display panel 2061 according to the ambient light level, and the proximity sensor can turn off the display panel 2061 and / or backlight when the smart terminal 200 is moved to the ear. As a type of motion sensor, an accelerometer sensor can detect the magnitude of acceleration in various directions (generally three axes), and can detect the magnitude and direction of gravity when stationary. It can be used for applications that recognize the phone's posture (such as landscape / portrait switching, related games, magnetometer posture calibration), vibration recognition-related functions (such as pedometer, tapping), etc. Other sensors that can also be configured in the phone, such as fingerprint sensors, pressure sensors, iris sensors, molecular sensors, gyroscopes, barometers, hygrometers, thermometers, and infrared sensors, will not be described in detail here.

[0071] The display unit 206 is used to display information input by the user or information provided to the user. The display unit 206 may include a display panel 2061, which may be configured in the form of a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), or the like.

[0072] User input unit 207 can be used to receive input numerical or character information, and generate key signal inputs related to user settings and function control of the smart terminal. Optionally, user input unit 207 may include touch panel 2071 and other input devices 2072. Touch panel 2071, also known as a touch screen, can collect touch operations performed by the user on or near it (such as operations performed by the user using a finger, stylus, or any suitable object or accessory on or near touch panel 2071), and drive corresponding connection devices according to a pre-set program. Touch panel 2071 may include two parts: a touch detection device and a touch controller. Optionally, the touch detection device detects the user's touch position and the signal generated by the touch operation, and transmits the signal to the touch controller; the touch controller receives touch information from the touch detection device, converts it into touch point coordinates, sends it to processor 210, and can receive and execute commands sent by processor 210. In addition, touch panel 2071 can be implemented using various types such as resistive, capacitive, infrared, and surface acoustic wave. In addition to the touch panel 2071, the user input unit 207 may also include other input devices 2072. Optionally, other input devices 2072 may include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: physical keyboard, function keys (such as volume control buttons, power buttons, etc.), trackball, mouse, joystick, etc., without being specifically limited here.

[0073] Optionally, the touch panel 2071 may cover the display panel 2061. When the touch panel 2071 detects a touch operation on or near it, it transmits the information to the processor 210 to determine the type of touch event. Subsequently, the processor 210 provides corresponding visual output on the display panel 2061 based on the type of touch event. Although in Figure 6 In this embodiment, the touch panel 2071 and the display panel 2061 are two independent components to realize the input and output functions of the smart terminal. However, in some embodiments, the touch panel 2071 and the display panel 2061 can be integrated to realize the input and output functions of the smart terminal. The specific implementation is not limited here.

[0074] Interface unit 208 serves as an interface through which at least one external device can connect to smart terminal 200. For example, the external device may include a wired or wireless headset port, an external power supply (or battery charger) port, a wired or wireless data port, a memory card port, a port for connecting a device with an identification module, an audio input / output (I / O) port, a video I / O port, a headphone port, and so on. Interface unit 208 may be used to receive input (e.g., data, power, etc.) from the external device and transmit the received input to one or more elements within smart terminal 200, or it may be used to transmit data between smart terminal 200 and the external device.

[0075] The memory 209 can be used to store software programs and various data. The memory 209 may primarily include a program storage area and a data storage area. Optionally, the program storage area may store the operating system, applications required for at least one function (such as sound playback, image playback, etc.), etc.; the data storage area may store data created based on the use of the mobile phone (such as audio data, phonebook, etc.). Furthermore, the memory 209 may include high-speed random access memory, and may also include non-volatile memory, such as at least one disk storage device, flash memory device, or other volatile solid-state storage device.

[0076] Processor 210 is the control center of the smart terminal. It connects various parts of the smart terminal via various interfaces and lines. By running or executing software programs and / or modules stored in memory 209, and by calling data stored in memory 209, it performs various functions and processes data of the smart terminal, thereby providing overall monitoring of the smart terminal. Processor 210 may include one or more processing units; preferably, processor 210 may integrate an application processor and a modem processor. Optionally, the application processor mainly handles the operating system, user interface, and applications, while the modem processor mainly handles wireless communication. It is understood that the modem processor may not be integrated into processor 210.

[0077] The smart terminal 200 may also include a power supply 211 (such as a battery) that supplies power to various components. Preferably, the power supply 211 can be logically connected to the processor 210 through a power management system, thereby enabling functions such as charging, discharging, and power consumption management through the power management system.

[0078] although Figure 6 As not shown, the smart terminal 200 may also include a Bluetooth module, etc., which will not be described in detail here.

[0079] It is understood that the above scenarios are merely examples and do not constitute a limitation on the application scenarios of the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. The technical solutions of this application can also be applied to other scenarios. For example, as those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0080] The sequence numbers of the embodiments in this application are for descriptive purposes only and do not represent the superiority or inferiority of the embodiments.

[0081] The units in the device of this application embodiment can be merged, divided, and deleted according to actual needs.

[0082] In this application, the same or similar terms, concepts, technical solutions and / or application scenario descriptions are generally described in detail only when they appear for the first time. When they appear again, they are generally not repeated for the sake of brevity. When understanding the technical solutions and other contents of this application, the same or similar terms, concepts, technical solutions and / or application scenario descriptions that are not described in detail later can be referred to their previous relevant detailed descriptions.

[0083] In this application, the descriptions of the various embodiments have different focuses. For parts that are not described in detail or recorded in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions of other embodiments.

[0084] The technical features of the present application can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of the present application.

[0085] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this application and do not limit the patent scope of this application. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made using the content of this application's specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A key structure characterized by comprising: include: A housing, the housing including a bottom cover having at least one button area; A sensor is disposed inside the housing and opposite to the button area, the sensor and the button area forming a button; The control board, located inside the housing, is also electrically connected to the sensing element.

2. The key structure according to claim 1, wherein The button structure also includes a circuit board, which is disposed inside the housing and opposite to the bottom cover. The circuit board is also connected to the control board, and the sensing element is disposed on the circuit board.

3. The button structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The circuit board is electrically connected to the control board via at least one of a spring contact, a zero insertion / removal force connector, or an inter-board connector.

4. The button structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The sensing element includes an induction coil or an induction electrode, and the induction coil or the induction electrode forms a capacitive key with the opposite key area.

5. The button structure according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, The sensor is provided in at least two parts, and the at least two sensors are arranged at intervals.

6. The button structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, The circuit board is also provided with a charging coil and a communication coil, and the charging coil, the communication coil and the sensing element are spaced apart from each other.

7. The button structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, The communication coil at least surrounds the charging coil.

8. The button structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, A camera module is also provided on the bottom cover, and the camera module is located on the edge of the bottom cover; Along a first direction of the housing, induction elements are respectively provided on opposite sides of the charging coil, the communication coil surrounds the charging coil, and one of the induction elements.

9. The button structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, A camera module is also provided on the bottom cover, and the camera module is located in the middle of the bottom cover; Along a first direction of the housing, the camera module, the charging coil, and one of the sensors are arranged in sequence, with the communication coil surrounding the charging coil; Along the second direction of the housing, at least one of the opposite sides of the camera module is also provided with the sensing element, and the second direction intersects the first direction.

10. A smart terminal, characterized in that, The button structure includes any one of claims 1 to 9.

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