Touch key structure and electronic device

Abstract

This utility model discloses a touch button structure and an electronic device. The touch button structure includes a top cover with a through hole, a button, a conductive bracket, a switch body, and a circuit board. The button is movably disposed within the through hole, the conductive bracket is nested within the button and extends from below the button, the switch body is disposed opposite to the conductive bracket, and the circuit board is located between the conductive bracket and the switch body. The circuit board has a capacitive sensing surface, the switch body is electrically connected to the circuit board, and the conductive bracket is fixed to the circuit board and electrically connected to the capacitive sensing surface. The switch body drives the conductive bracket to close by pressing the button. This touch button structure can achieve touch detection and switch body press-to-conduct without a spring, improving the accuracy of touch detection, while also reducing the overall size of the touch button structure, meeting the requirements of thin and light design.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of electronic equipment technology, and more specifically, to a touch button structure and an electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] Current electronic devices typically use springs placed around the switch body to achieve touch sensing and reset functions after pressing. Using springs increases the overall size of the button structure, making it unsuitable for thin and light electronic devices. Furthermore, springs result in less precise touch signal acquisition, leading to inaccurate touch detection. Additionally, the combination of springs and switches requires increased pressure to close the switch, increasing the risk of accidental presses or excessive pressure. Utility Model Content

[0003] In view of this, the present invention provides a touch button structure and an electronic device, which reduces the overall size of the touch button structure and improves the accuracy of touch detection.

[0004] In a first aspect, this utility model embodiment provides a touch button structure, the touch button structure comprising:

[0005] The top cover has a through hole;

[0006] The button is movable within the through hole;

[0007] A conductive support is nested within the button, and the conductive support extends from below the button;

[0008] The switch body is disposed opposite to the conductive bracket;

[0009] A circuit board is located between the conductive support and the switch body. The circuit board has a capacitive sensing surface, and the switch body is electrically connected to the circuit board.

[0010] The conductive bracket is fixed to the circuit board and electrically connected to the capacitive sensing surface. The switch body drives the conductive bracket to close via the button.

[0011] Optionally, the touch button structure further includes a lower cover, which is connected to and surrounds the upper cover to form a receiving cavity, the through hole communicates with the receiving cavity, and the switch body is located inside the receiving cavity.

[0012] Optionally, the side wall of the lower cover is provided with an opening, and one end of the circuit board extends into the accommodating cavity through the opening and is electrically connected to the lower end of the switch body and the conductive bracket.

[0013] Optionally, the conductive support includes a first conductive part, a second conductive part, and two third conductive parts. The first conductive part is fixed to the top of the second conductive part and extends radially outward. The two third conductive parts are fixed to both sides of the bottom end of the second conductive part and extend outward respectively. The lower surfaces of the two third conductive parts are respectively provided with protrusions. The protrusions protrude from the lower surface of the button and are electrically connected to the capacitive sensing surface of the circuit board.

[0014] Optionally, the bottom end of the button is provided with a limiting part, which is a cap edge provided at the bottom end of the button and extending outward, and the limiting part abuts against the inner end face of the through hole for limiting.

[0015] Optionally, the touch button structure further includes a sealing ring disposed on the outer surface of the button, and the button is sealed to the through hole through the sealing ring.

[0016] Optionally, the outer surface of the button is provided with an annular groove, and the sealing ring is disposed in the annular groove.

[0017] Optionally, the inner side of the upper cover is provided with an extension post and a mounting groove, the through hole penetrates the extension post, and the mounting groove is arranged around the outer side of the extension post.

[0018] Optionally, the lower cover has an upward-opening cavity, the extension post extends into the cavity, and the lower cover extends into the mounting groove for connection.

[0019] Secondly, this utility model embodiment also provides an electronic device, the electronic device comprising:

[0020] Motherboard;

[0021] As described in the first aspect, the touch button structure is electrically connected to the motherboard.

[0022] This utility model provides a touch button structure and an electronic device. The touch button structure includes a top cover with a through hole, a button, a conductive bracket, a switch body, and a circuit board. The button is movably disposed within the through hole, the conductive bracket is nested within the button and extends from below the button, the switch body is disposed opposite to the conductive bracket, and the circuit board is located between the conductive bracket and the switch body. The circuit board has a capacitive sensing surface, the switch body is electrically connected to the circuit board, and the conductive bracket is fixed to the circuit board and electrically connected to the capacitive sensing surface. The switch body, through the button, drives the conductive bracket to press and close. This touch button structure achieves touch detection and switch body press-to-conduct without a spring, improving the accuracy of touch detection, while also reducing the overall size of the touch button structure, meeting the requirements of thin and light design. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer from the following description of embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0024] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the touch button structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the touch button structure according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the top cover of an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the lower cover of an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0028] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the button in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0029] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the conductive support according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0031] 1-Top cover; 11-Through hole; 12-Extension post; 13-Mounting groove; 2-Button; 21-Limiting part; 22-Annular groove; 3-Conductive bracket; 31-First conductive part; 32-Second conductive part; 33-Third conductive part; 34-Protrusion; 4-Switch body; 5-Circuit board; 6-Lower cover; 61-Opening; 62-Cavity; 7-Accommodation cavity; 8-Sealing ring. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The present application is described below based on embodiments, but it is not limited to these embodiments. In the detailed description of the present application below, certain specific details are described in detail. Those skilled in the art can fully understand the present application without these details. To avoid obscuring the substance of the present application, well-known methods, processes, flows, elements, and circuits are not described in detail.

[0033] Furthermore, those skilled in the art should understand that the accompanying drawings provided herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0034] Unless the context explicitly requires it, words such as "including" or "contains" throughout the application should be interpreted as including rather than exclusive or exhaustive; that is, meaning "including but not limited to".

[0035] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. Furthermore, in the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0036] The solutions described in this specification and embodiments, if involving the processing of personal information, will be processed only under the premise of having a legal basis (such as obtaining the consent of the personal information subject, or being necessary for the performance of a contract), and will only be processed within the scope stipulated or agreed upon. A user's refusal to process personal information beyond what is necessary for basic functions will not affect the user's use of basic functions.

[0037] This application provides a touch button structure applicable to various electronic devices. These devices can be smart devices, such as mobile phones, computers, and wearable devices, or various household electronic devices, such as rice cookers, induction cookers, range hoods, and air conditioners. No limitation is made herein; all electronic devices equipped with this touch button structure are within the protection scope of this application. The electronic device includes a motherboard and a touch button structure. The circuit board 5 within the touch button structure is electrically connected to the motherboard of the electronic device, thereby enabling the touch button structure to control the operation of the electronic device.

[0038] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the touch button structure includes a top cover 1, a button 2, a conductive support 3, a switch body 4, and a circuit board 5. The conductive support 3 is nested within the button 2 and extends from below the button 2. The top cover 1 has a through hole 11, allowing the button 2 to move within the through hole 11 along with the conductive support 3. The circuit board 5 is located below the conductive support 3 and the button 2. The circuit board 5 has a capacitive sensing surface, which is positioned opposite the conductive support 3. The conductive support 3 is fixed to the circuit board 5 and is electrically connected to the capacitive sensing surface. Thus, a capacitive coupling is formed between the conductive support 3 and the capacitive sensing surface. Changes in the capacitance or potential of the capacitive sensing surface can determine whether the user has touched the button 2, thereby realizing the touch function of the touch button structure.

[0039] like Figure 2As shown, the switch body 4 is positioned below and opposite the conductive support 3. The circuit board 5 is located between the conductive support 3 and the switch body 4, and the switch body 4 is electrically connected to the circuit board 5. When the user presses down on button 2, button 2 moves the conductive support 3 downwards, pressing the switch body 4 and closing the circuit within the switch body 4. The switch body 4 contains a spring-loaded structure. When the user stops pressing button 2, the spring-loaded structure resets the conductive support 3 and button 2, disconnecting the circuit of the switch body 4 and achieving the reset and disconnection operation of the touch button structure.

[0040] like Figure 2 As shown, the conductive support 3 is nested within the button 2 via in-mold injection molding. This results in a small overall size for the conductive support 3 and button 2, thereby miniaturizing the touch button structure and preventing static electricity. The in-mold injection molding process involves first fixing the conductive support 3 within a mold to form the injection cavity 62 of the button 2, and then injecting the button 2 material into the mold and allowing it to solidify to form the button 2 encasing the conductive support 3. Furthermore, this formation method of the conductive support 3 and button 2 improves the stability and contact yield of their connection, thereby enhancing the stability of touch detection and pressing operations. Simultaneously, the direct and electrically conductive connection of the button 2 to the circuit board 5 via the conductive support 3 improves the reliability of electrical conduction, thus enhancing the reliability of touch judgment.

[0041] The shape of button 2 matches the shape of through hole 11, which reduces wobbling and offset during the movement of button 2, ensures the accuracy of the movement path, and improves the stability of operation. Preferably, through hole 11 is a cylindrical hole, and button 2 is a cylinder of a suitable size.

[0042] like Figure 1 and Figure 5 As shown, a limiting part 21 is provided at the bottom of button 2. The limiting part 21 is a cap edge provided at the bottom of button 2 and extending outward. The size of the limiting part 21 is larger than the size of the through hole 11, which allows the limiting part 21 to abut against the inner end face of the through hole 11 and limit it, thus preventing button 2 from falling off the top cover 1. The limiting part 21 can be a plurality of spaced-apart stop structures extending outward from the outer surface of button 2, or it can be a ring-shaped structure surrounding the outer surface of button 2. The button 2 is made of insulating material to prevent electrostatic interference from causing incorrect touch judgments.

[0043] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the touch button structure also includes a sealing ring 8, which is disposed on the outer surface of the button 2. The button 2 is sealed to the through hole 11 through the sealing ring 8. The sealing ring 8 can protect the internal circuit structure of the touch button from the influence of environmental humidity, and also prevent electrostatic interference.

[0044] Specifically, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, an annular groove 22 is provided on the outer surface of button 2, and a sealing ring 8 is disposed in the annular groove 22. The outer diameter of the sealing ring 8 is larger than the diameter of the through hole 11, which allows the button 2 to achieve a seal by compressing the sealing ring 8 when it moves within the through hole 11.

[0045] like Figure 1 and Figure 6 As shown, the conductive support 3 includes a first conductive part 31, a second conductive part 32, and two third conductive parts 33. The first conductive part 31 is fixed to the top of the second conductive part 32 and extends radially outward. This allows the button 2, formed by in-mold injection molding, to limit the conductive support 3, preventing separation and improving contact and connection stability. The two third conductive parts 33 are fixed to both sides of the bottom end of the second conductive part 32 and extend outward respectively. The lower surface of each of the two third conductive parts 33 is provided with a protrusion 34. The protrusion 34 protrudes from the lower surface of the button 2 and is electrically connected to the capacitive sensing surface of the circuit board 5, improving the stability of the electrical conduction between the conductive support 3 and the circuit board 5. The two protrusions 34 are soldered to the circuit board 5 to ensure the reliability of touch contact.

[0046] The conductive support 3 is preferably made of metal, as metal has a high conductivity, resulting in a larger capacitance for the touch capacitor. The conductive support 3 can be a conductor or have a conductive layer. The conductor can be a metallic conductor, a non-metallic + metallic hybrid conductor, or other types. The conductive layer can be applied physically or chemically, such as through electroplating, vapor deposition, sputtering, electrophoresis, vacuum plating, spraying, coating, chemical plating, etc. Physical methods include spraying, brushing, and vacuum plating. Spraying, brushing, or vacuum plating are preferred due to their low cost and ease of implementation.

[0047] Optionally, the conductive support 3 has a cavity, which can be used to reduce the weight of the touch button structure. LEDs can also be built into the cavity to illuminate or flash when the touch button structure performs an operation, thus alerting the user.

[0048] In this embodiment, circuit board 5 can be either a PCB board or an FPC board, depending on the requirements. The other end of circuit board 5 can be electrically connected to the motherboard of the electronic device, thereby enabling the touch button structure to control the corresponding functions of the electronic device. The capacitive sensing surface can be replaced with a capacitive sensor, and the conductive bracket 3, after being soldered to circuit board 5, is electrically connected to the capacitive sensor. It is understood that the detailed working principle of the capacitive sensor is well known to those skilled in the art and will not be elaborated further.

[0049] like Figure 2 As shown, the switch body 4 is positioned opposite the conductive support 3 and below the circuit board 5. The switch body 4 is soldered to the circuit board 5 and is electrically connected. In one example, the two electrical contacts of the switch body 4 are electrically connected to the circuit board 5. The button 2 moves the conductive support 3 downward, compressing and deforming the switch body 4, causing the middle electrical contact of the switch body 4 to contact the two electrical contacts, thus achieving current conduction and triggering the switch. It is understood that the detailed working principle of the switch body 4 is well known to those skilled in the art and will not be elaborated further. The method of directly pressing the switch body 4 through the conductive support 3 to open and close the switch body 4 reduces the pressure applied by the user and improves the sensitivity of opening and closing the switch body 4.

[0050] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the touch button structure also includes a lower cover 6. The lower cover 6 and the upper cover 1 are connected to form a receiving cavity 7, and the through hole 11 communicates with the receiving cavity 7. The switch body 4 is located inside the receiving cavity 7. When the button 2 is placed inside the through hole 11, the lower end of the conductive bracket 3 extends into the receiving cavity 7. The lower cover 6 has an opening 61 on its side wall, and one end of the circuit board 5 extends into the receiving cavity 7 through the opening 61. The lower end of the conductive bracket 3 and the switch body 4 are both soldered to the circuit board 5 for electrical conduction. When the button 2 is pressed and moved downwards, the switch body 4 deforms by abutting against the bottom surface of the receiving cavity 7, thus achieving internal current conduction. The height of the opening 61 meets the height requirements of the circuit board 5 during the pressing of the switch body 4 by the button 2, providing movement space and preventing damage to the circuit board 5 due to compression. Optionally, the lower cover 6 and the upper cover 1 can be connected by adhesive or screws.

[0051] In one example, such as Figure 3 As shown, the inner side of the upper cover 1 is provided with an extension post 12 and a mounting groove 13. A through hole 11 penetrates the extension post 12, and the mounting groove 13 is arranged around the outer side of the extension post 12. The extension post 12 increases the local thickness of the upper cover 1, resulting in a larger height for the through hole 11, which can meet the requirements for the movable installation of the button 2. Figure 4As shown, the lower cover 6 has an upward-opening cavity 62. The lateral dimension of the cavity 62 is greater than the lateral dimension of the extension post 12, and the height of the cavity 62 is greater than the height of the extension post 12. When the lower cover 6 is assembled with the upper cover 1, the extension post 12 can extend into the cavity 62, and the top of the lower cover 6 extends into the mounting groove 13 for connection, thereby forming a sealed receiving cavity 7. The opening 61 is laterally connected to the receiving cavity 7.

[0052] During assembly, button 2 and conductive bracket 3 are injection molded together, and sealing ring 8 is installed on button 2; then one end of circuit board 5 is inserted into cavity 62 of lower cover 6 from the outside of opening 61; then conductive bracket 3 and switch body 4 are placed into cavity 62 and soldered to circuit board 5 respectively; then the through hole 11 of upper cover 1 is moved down from above button 2 to position, and upper cover 1 and lower cover 6 are fixed together.

[0053] The touch button structure of this embodiment includes a top cover 1 with a through hole 11, a button 2, a conductive bracket 3, a switch body 4, and a circuit board 5. The button 2 is movably disposed within the through hole 11. The conductive bracket 3 is nested within the button 2 and extends from below the button 2. The switch body 4 is disposed opposite to the conductive bracket 3. The circuit board 5 is located between the conductive bracket 3 and the switch body 4. The circuit board 5 has a capacitive sensing surface. The switch body 4 is electrically connected to the circuit board 5. The conductive bracket 3 is fixed to the circuit board 5 and electrically connected to the capacitive sensing surface. The switch body 4 presses the conductive bracket 3 to close via the button 2. This touch button structure achieves touch detection and switch body 4 activation without a spring, improving the accuracy of touch detection. Simultaneously, by injection molding the conductive bracket 3 and the button 2 into a single unit, the overall volume of the touch button structure is reduced, meeting the requirements of a thin and light design. Furthermore, the button 2 presses the switch body 4 via the conductive bracket 3, reducing the pressing force and making the switch control more sensitive.

[0054] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A touch button structure, characterized in that, The touch button structure includes: The top cover (1) has a through hole (11); Button (2) is movable within the through hole (11); A conductive support (3) is nested inside the button (2), and the conductive support (3) extends from below the button (2); The switch body (4) is disposed opposite to the conductive support (3); The circuit board (5) is located between the conductive support (3) and the switch body (4). The circuit board (5) has a capacitive sensing surface, and the switch body (4) is electrically connected to the circuit board (5). The conductive bracket (3) is fixed to the circuit board (5) and electrically connected to the capacitive sensing surface. The switch body (4) drives the conductive bracket (3) to press and close through the button (2).

2. The touch button structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The touch button structure also includes a lower cover (6), which is connected to the upper cover (1) to form a cavity (7). The through hole (11) communicates with the cavity (7), and the switch body (4) is located inside the cavity (7).

3. The touch button structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The side wall of the lower cover (6) is provided with an opening (61), and one end of the circuit board (5) extends into the accommodating cavity (7) through the opening (61) and is electrically connected to the lower end of the switch body (4) and the conductive bracket (3).

4. The touch button structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The conductive support (3) includes a first conductive part (31), a second conductive part (32) and two third conductive parts (33). The first conductive part (31) is fixed to the top of the second conductive part (32) and extends radially outward. The two third conductive parts (33) are fixed to the bottom sides of the second conductive part (32) and extend outward respectively. The lower surfaces of the two third conductive parts (33) are respectively provided with protrusions (34). The protrusions (34) protrude from the lower surface of the button (2) and are electrically connected to the capacitive sensing surface of the circuit board (5).

5. The touch button structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom end of the button (2) is provided with a limiting part (21), which is a cap edge provided at the bottom end of the button (2) and extending outward. The limiting part (21) abuts against the inner end face of the through hole (11) for limiting.

6. The touch button structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The touch button structure also includes a sealing ring (8) disposed on the outer surface of the button (2), and the button (2) is sealed to the through hole (11) through the sealing ring (8).

7. The touch button structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, The outer side of the button (2) is provided with an annular groove (22), and the sealing ring (8) is disposed in the annular groove (22).

8. The touch button structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The inner side of the upper cover (1) is provided with an extension post (12) and a mounting groove (13). The through hole (11) passes through the extension post (12), and the mounting groove (13) is arranged around the outside of the extension post (12).

9. The touch button structure according to claim 8, characterized in that, The lower cover (6) has an upward-opening cavity (62), the extension post (12) extends into the cavity (62), and the lower cover (6) extends into the mounting groove (13) for connection.

10. An electronic device, characterized in that, The electronic device includes: Motherboard; According to any one of claims 1-9, the touch button structure, the circuit board (5) is electrically connected to the motherboard.

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