Haptic feedback mechanism

Abstract

Haptic feedback mechanism attached to a touch device (10), wherein the touch device (10) has a touch module (11) and an outer frame (12), characterized in that the haptic feedback mechanism comprises the following: a vibration frame (20) made of elastic material, wherein the vibration frame (20) comprises a frame body (21), a cavity (22) arranged within the frame body (21), several spring arms (23, 23A, 23B, 23C) and a mounting plate (24), wherein the mounting plate (24) is rigidly connected to the frame body (21) and projects into the cavity (22), wherein the spring arms (23, 23A, 23B, 23C) are arranged on an edge section (211) of the frame body (21) and each has a first end (231) and second end (232) arranged on opposite sides, wherein each first end (231) is attached to the frame body (21) and each second end (232) has a locking opening (25) for attaching the outer frame (12), and wherein the touch module (11) is attached to the frame body (21) is attached, covers the cavity (22) and is in contact with the mounting plate (24); and an actuator (30) which is attached to the mounting plate (24).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an auxiliary element for a touch module, in particular a haptic feedback mechanism, which serves to generate a perceptible vibration feedback in a touch device.

[0002] Conventional touch modules often employ a haptic feedback mechanism to enhance the user experience, allowing the user to clearly recognize whether a touch was successful and made in the correct position. This is typically achieved using an actuator on the outer frame of the touch module, which generates vibrations when triggered, thus providing haptic feedback. Once the user has touched the correct position and completed the touch, the actuator produces a perceptible vibration, confirming the successful activation.

[0003] In conventional designs, however, the actuators are usually attached to the outer frame of the touch module. This significantly reduces the vibration force on its way to the touch surface, especially in large modules. With such large touch modules, the haptic feedback (vibration intensity) is often barely perceptible to the user.

[0004] To address the problem of severely weakened vibration transmission, Taiwanese patent no. I796967B, "Display Device," proposed a concept that utilizes multiple actuators and an extension section of a back frame to achieve segmented vibration of large touch display panels. This improves the vibration feedback of large modules. However, this solution leads to higher manufacturing, control, and maintenance costs, as well as increased energy consumption and weight, which contradicts the requirements for lightweight and miniaturized device design.

[0005] Similarly, Taiwanese patent no. I866756B, "Haptic Feedback Device," discloses a solution in which the actuator is mounted directly on the touch surface or the housing. The actuator's oscillation direction is parallel to the displacement direction of several elastic suspension and return support elements. Since the vibration direction coincides with the movement of the suspension, interference at the structural support points is avoided, resulting in a more uniform transmission of the vibration to the touch surface. This allows the user to clearly feel the haptic feedback. However, this structure requires several elastic suspension elements arranged between a first and a second support, with the first and second supports being attached to the touch surface and the housing, respectively.This increases the overall height of the system and makes a thin design of the device more difficult, which in turn does not meet modern requirements for compact and flat devices.

[0006] The invention is based on the objective of providing a haptic feedback mechanism through which the user can clearly perceive the touch feedback and which at the same time meets the spatial requirements of a thin design.

[0007] This problem is solved according to the invention by a haptic feedback mechanism having the features specified in claim 1. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the features of the dependent claims.

[0008] According to the invention, a haptic feedback mechanism is provided which is attached to a touch device. The touch device has a touch module and an outer frame. The haptic feedback mechanism comprises a vibration frame and an actuator, wherein the vibration frame is made of an elastic material and has a frame body, a cavity arranged within the frame body, several spring arms, and a mounting plate. The cavity is located within the frame body, and the mounting plate is fixedly connected to the frame body and projects into the cavity. The spring arms are arranged on an edge section of the frame body and each has a first end and a second end located on opposite sides, each first end being attached to the frame body and each second end being provided with a locking opening through which the outer frame can be fixed.The touch module is attached to the frame, covers the cavity, and is in contact with the mounting plate. The actuator is attached to the mounting plate.

[0009] The invention and its embodiments are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 a perspective view of an embodiment of the haptic feedback mechanism according to the invention; Fig. 2 an exploded structural representation of the embodiment of the haptic feedback mechanism according to the invention; Fig. 3 a partial view from a different perspective, which shows a local structure of an embodiment of the haptic feedback mechanism according to the invention; Fig. 4 a schematic representation of the relative movement of the vibration frame according to the invention; Fig. 5 a representation of a further embodiment of the spring arm according to the invention; Fig. 6 a representation of yet another embodiment of the spring arm according to the invention; Fig. 7 a representation of the arrangement of the actuator according to the invention; and Fig. 8 a structural representation of a further embodiment of the haptic feedback mechanism according to the invention.

[0010] As in Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the present invention relates to a haptic feedback mechanism attached to a touch device 10. The touch device 10 has a touch module 11 and an outer frame 12. In one embodiment, the outer frame 12 has a frame body 121 and a back cover 122. The touch module 11 is arranged on the front of the frame body 121, while the back of the frame body 121 is covered by the back cover 122. The haptic feedback mechanism has a vibration frame 20 and an actuator 30. The vibration frame 20 is made of an elastic material, for example, spring steel or plastic. The vibration frame 20 has a frame body 21, a cavity 22, several spring arms 23, and a mounting plate 24. The cavity 22 is located inside the frame body 21. The mounting plate 24 is fixedly connected to the frame body 21 and projects into the cavity 22. As in Fig. 3 and Fig. As shown in Figure 4, each of the spring arms 23 has a first end 231 and a second end 232 on opposite sides. Each first end 231 is fixedly connected to the frame body 21, while each second end 232 has a locking hole 25. Preferably, each spring arm 23 has an extension plate 233 on which the locking hole 25 is formed. The outer frame 12 can be fixed in the locking hole 25 by means of a fastening element 40A. The touch module 11 is attached to the frame body 21 and covers the cavity 22.

[0011] Furthermore, the respective spring arms 23 are arranged on an edge section 211 of the frame body 21. In one embodiment, the multiple spring arms 23 extend along the edge section 211 of the frame body 21. Preferably, the spring arms 23 are distributed symmetrically along the edge section 211 of the frame body 21. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, it is preferred that the multiple spring arms 23 are provided in an even number, with each pair of spring arms 23 forming a pair that is jointly arranged on the edge section 211 of the frame body 21. The first ends 231 of the two spring arms 23 belonging to a group are arranged adjacent to each other. In a preferred embodiment, four spring arms 23 are provided, which are arranged in pairs on opposite sides of the edge section 211 of the frame body 21. In other embodiments, the number of spring arms 23 can be varied as required to generate different vibration effects.

[0012] The actuator 30 is mounted on the mounting plate 24. In one embodiment, the actuator 30 is configured as one of the group consisting of an eccentric motor, a piezoelectric actuator, or a linear resonant actuator. The eccentric motor, the piezoelectric actuator, and the linear resonant actuator can all generate a vibration force in a specific direction of oscillation when actuated. Preferably, the mounting plate 24 has a stop plate 241 to which the actuator 30 can be fixed by means of a fastening element [not shown] or by double-sided adhesive tape. In another embodiment, a plurality of actuators 30 can be provided, which are arranged evenly on the mounting plate 24 to further amplify the vibration effect.

[0013] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, in one embodiment each of the spring arms 23 is made of spring steel or plastic. As shown, the spring arms 23 are integrally formed from the frame body 21 and extend from it in one piece. Since both spring steel and plastic are elastic materials, each spring arm 23 has a vibration deflection direction 234. When the touch module 11 is attached to the frame body 21 and the outer frame 12 is fixed at the locking openings 25, the touch module 11 can move along the vibration deflection direction 234 of the respective spring arms 23. In other words, relative movement can occur between the outer frame 12 and the touch module 11, thereby enhancing the vibration sensation. When the actuator 30 is in operation and generating vibrations, the user's finger can perceive a significantly improved haptic feedback sensation when touching the touch module 11.

[0014] As in Fig. Figure 5 shows another embodiment of a spring arm 23A. Here, the spring arm 23A is designed as a separate component and fixed to the frame body 21 by means of a fastening element 40B. The spring arm 23A can have a different shape – for example, a greater or lesser plate thickness or a curved or wave-like shape. Furthermore, the spring arm 23A can be made of different materials, such as spring steel or plastic. In this way, depending on the application requirements, a spring arm 23A with a specific shape or made of a specific material can be mounted to achieve different vibration effects of the touch device 10.

[0015] As in Fig. Figure 6 shows another embodiment of a spring arm 23B. Each spring arm 23B can be composed of several components 235A, 235B. As shown, the spring arm 23B is divided into two components 235A, 235B, which are connected to each other by means of a fastening element 40C. Preferably, the components 235A, 235B are made of different materials. For example, the components 235A, 235B can each be made of spring steel or plastic. By using different materials for the components 235A, 235B, the material properties can be specifically adapted to achieve different vibration effects of the touch device 10, depending on the application requirements.

[0016] As in Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the actuator 30 is not only attached to the mounting plate 24 of the vibration frame 20, but also fixed to the outer frame 12. In one embodiment, the actuator 30 is mounted on a circuit board holder 13, which in turn is attached to the outer frame 12. When the actuator 30 generates a vibration force, this force is transmitted via the mounting plate 24 to the frame body 21 and the spring arms 23. Since the actuator 30 is fixed on both sides—on the one hand to the mounting plate 24 and on the other hand to the outer frame 12—the outer frame 12 can serve as a point of force application. This amplifies the vibration force generated by the actuator 30, causing the mounting plate 24 to vibrate more intensely.

[0017] As in Fig.Figure 8 shows a further embodiment of the present invention. Several spring arms 23C extend into the cavity 22 and form an angle A with the edge section 211 of the frame body 21. In practice, both the number of spring arms 23C and the angle A can be varied depending on different application requirements in order to generate different vibration effects. Likewise, the number, position, and direction of the actuators 30 mounted on the mounting plate 24 can be adapted to the respective application in order to achieve the desired haptic effect. To reduce costs, the assembly of several spring arms 23C and the mounting plate 24 can also be manufactured in one piece and fixed to the frame body 21 by at least one side plate 212.

[0018] In summary, the following advantages, for example, can be realized with the haptic feedback mechanism according to the invention: 1. The spring arms 23 are arranged along the edge section 211 of the frame body 21, leaving the central area of ​​the touch module 11 free. This meets the requirements for compact and flat device designs. 2. By designing the spring arms 23 with a defined vibration deflection direction 234, the touch module 11 can move along this direction. This creates a relative movement between the outer frame 12 and the touch module 11, which amplifies the vibration amplitude and, through the elastic return of the spring arms, enables improved haptic feedback. 3. The spring arms 23A, 23B are designed as independent components and can be subdivided into several parts. Different structural shapes and materials, e.g., spring steel or plastic, enable the generation of different vibration characteristics for the touch device 10. 4. The actuator 30 is attached to both the mounting plate 24 and the outer frame 12, with the outer frame 12 serving as the point of force application. This increases the vibration energy transmitted from the actuator 30 to the mounting plate 24 and amplifies the vibration effect of the touch module 11. 5. The spring arms 23C can have different structural shapes, for example projecting into the cavity 22 and forming a variable angle A with the edge section 211 of the frame body 21.

[0019] Both the number and angle and the material of the spring arms can be adjusted as needed to achieve different vibration modes and to adapt the Touch Device 10 to different application scenarios.

[0020] Haptic feedback mechanism attached to a touch device 1. The touch device 10 has a touch module 11 and an outer frame 12. The haptic feedback mechanism comprises a vibration frame 20 made of elastic material and an actuator 30. The vibration frame 20 has a frame body 21, a cavity 22 arranged within the frame body 21, several spring arms 23, and a mounting plate 24. The mounting plate 24 is fixedly connected to the frame body 21 and projects into the cavity 22. The spring arms 23 are arranged on an edge section 211 of the frame body 21 and each has a first end 231, which is attached to the frame body 21, and a second end 232 with a locking opening 25, through which the outer frame 12 can be fixed. The touch module 11 is attached to the frame body 21, covers the cavity 22 and is in contact with the mounting plate 24.The actuator 30 is attached to the mounting plate 24.

Claims

[1] Haptic feedback mechanism attached to a touch device (10), wherein the touch device (10) comprises a touch module (11) and an outer frame (12), characterized by , that the haptic feedback mechanism has the following features: a vibration frame (20) made of elastic material, wherein the vibration frame (20) comprises a frame body (21), a cavity (22) arranged within the frame body (21), several spring arms (23, 23A, 23B, 23C) and a mounting plate (24), wherein the mounting plate (24) is rigidly connected to the frame body (21) and projects into the cavity (22), wherein the spring arms (23, 23A, 23B, 23C) are arranged on an edge section (211) of the frame body (21) and each has a first end (231) and second end (232) arranged on opposite sides, wherein each first end (231) is attached to the frame body (21) and each second end (232) has a locking opening (25) for attaching the outer frame (12), and wherein the touch module (11) is attached to the frame body (21) is attached, covers the cavity (22) and is in contact with the mounting plate (24); and an actuator (30) which is attached to the mounting plate (24). [2] Haptic feedback mechanism according to claim 1, characterized by , that the actuator (30) is additionally attached to the outer frame (12) and generates a vibration force which changes the relative position between the outer frame (12) and the mounting plate (24). [3] Haptic feedback mechanism according to claim 1, characterized by , that each spring arm (23) has an extension plate (233) on which the locking opening (25) is arranged. [4] Haptic feedback mechanism according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the multiple spring arms (23) run along the edge section (211) of the frame body (21). [5] Haptic feedback mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , that the multiple spring arms (23) are arranged symmetrically along the edge section (211) of the frame body (21). [6] Haptic feedback mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by , that the multiple spring arms (23) are provided in an even number, wherein two spring arms (23) form a group which are arranged together on the edge section (211) of the frame body (21), wherein the first ends (231) of the two spring arms (23) belonging to a group are arranged adjacent to each other. [7] Haptic feedback mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that the actuator (30) is selected from the group consisting of eccentric motors, piezoelectric actuators and linear resonant actuators. [8] Haptic feedback mechanism according to claim 1, characterized by , that each spring arm (23) is selected from a group consisting of spring steel and plastic. [9] Haptic feedback mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by, that each spring arm (23A) is fixed to the frame body (21) by means of a fastening element (40B). [10] Haptic feedback mechanism according to claim 9, characterized by , that several spring arms (23C) extend into the cavity (22) and form an angle (A) with the edge section (211) of the frame body (21). [11] Haptic feedback mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by , that the mounting plate (24) has a stop plate (241) for additionally fixing the actuator (30). [12] Haptic feedback mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by , that several spring arms (23C) extend into the cavity (22) and form an angle (A) with the edge section (211) of the frame body (21).

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