Key, electronic device, and key control method

Abstract

Disclosed in the present application are a key, an electronic device, and a key control method. The key comprises a shell, piezoelectric sensors, a controller and a vibration feedback member, wherein the shell has a touch area; there are a plurality of piezoelectric sensors, and the plurality of piezoelectric sensors are arranged at intervals and are used for acquiring elastic-wave information of the touch area and outputting detection information; the controller is electrically connected to the piezoelectric sensors, and the controller is used for performing analysis on the basis of the detection information, so as to obtain feedback information, the feedback information comprising vibration information and instruction information; and the vibration feedback member is also electrically connected to the controller, such that the controller can control, on the basis of the vibration information, the vibration feedback member to drive at least part of the touch area to vibrate.

Description

Key, electronic device and key control method

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the China Patent Office on October 30, 2023, with application number 202311431210.1, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of intelligent control technology, and in particular to a button, an electronic device, and a button control method. Background Art

[0003] At present, common electronic devices on the market generally work by pressing a physical button. After the detection component detects that the button has been pressed, it transmits the relevant information to the controller, and the controller directly controls the vibration feedback device to vibrate. The user can know that the button has been pressed through the vibration feedback of the vibration feedback device. Since the traditional detector has a single detection item, it can generally only be used to detect whether the button has been pressed, or to detect the force of pressing the button through a pressure sensor. Its detection items are relatively single, resulting in the types of user operations that can be detected by the detection device are also relatively single.

[0004] In view of this, it is necessary to provide a new key, electronic device and key control method to solve or at least alleviate the above technical defects. Technical issues

[0005] The main purpose of this application is to provide a button, an electronic device and a button control method, aiming to solve the technical problem that the existing user actions that can be recognized by the detector are relatively single. Technical Solutions

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present application provides a key, which includes:

[0007] a housing, wherein the housing is provided with a touch area;

[0008] a piezoelectric sensor, wherein the number of the piezoelectric sensors is multiple and the plurality of piezoelectric sensors are arranged at intervals, and are used to obtain elastic wave information of the touch area and output detection information;

[0009] a controller electrically connected to the piezoelectric sensor, configured to analyze the detection information to obtain feedback information; wherein the feedback information includes vibration information and instruction information;

[0010] A vibration feedback element is further electrically connected to the controller, so that the controller can control the vibration feedback element to drive at least a portion of the touch area to vibrate according to the vibration information.

[0011] In one embodiment, the touch area includes an active touch part and a fixed touch part, and a plurality of piezoelectric sensors are arranged on the active touch part for obtaining the first elastic wave information of the active touch part and outputting first detection information, and the controller is used to analyze the vibration information based on the first detection information.

[0012] In one embodiment, the controller controls the vibration feedback element to vibrate at least a portion of the active touch portion according to the vibration information.

[0013] In one embodiment, the controller further controls the vibration intensity of the vibration feedback element according to the vibration information.

[0014] In one embodiment, the touch area includes an active touch part and a fixed touch part, and a plurality of piezoelectric sensors are arranged in the fixed touch part for obtaining the second elastic wave information of the fixed touch part and outputting second detection information, and the controller is used to obtain the instruction information based on the analysis of the second detection information.

[0015] In one embodiment, the movable touch portion includes a button key and a mounting base connected to each other, the button key and the vibration feedback member are respectively arranged on two sides of the mounting base, and the fixed touch portion is provided with a through hole for exposing the button key.

[0016] In one embodiment, the button key includes a first button and a second button, the first button and the second button are spaced apart on the mounting base, the through hole includes a first sub-hole and a second sub-hole spaced apart, the first sub-hole corresponds to the first button, the second sub-hole corresponds to the second button, the length of the second button is greater than the length of the first button, the instruction information includes first pressing information and first sliding information, the piezoelectric sensor detects the elastic wave of the first button and outputs the first pressing information, and the piezoelectric sensor detects the elastic wave of the second button and outputs the first sliding information.

[0017] In one embodiment, one side of the fixed touch portion is a mounting surface, and the other side of the fixed touch portion is a touch surface. The mounting surface is provided with a receiving groove for accommodating the mounting seat, and the bottom wall of the receiving groove is provided with the through hole. A first gap is formed between the bottom wall of the receiving groove and the mounting seat. The button also includes an annular seal arranged in the first gap, and the annular seal extends along the circumference of the mounting seat, and one side of the annular seal is connected to the mounting seat, and the other side of the annular seal is connected to the bottom wall of the receiving groove.

[0018] In one embodiment, the button further includes a sealing member, which abuts against the mounting surface so that a second gap is formed between the sealing member and the mounting seat on the side facing away from the button key. The button further includes a sealing layer, which is arranged in the second gap, one side of the sealing layer is connected to the mounting seat, and the other side of the sealing layer is connected to the sealing member.

[0019] In one embodiment, the mounting seat includes a seat body and a positioning boss that are connected to each other, the button key and the positioning boss are relatively arranged on both sides of the seat body, the sealing member is provided with a limiting hole for the positioning boss to pass through, the positioning boss passes through the limiting hole and is connected to the vibration feedback member; the second gap is formed between the seat body and the sealing member, and the sealing layer extends along the circumference of the sealing member.

[0020] In one embodiment, the key further includes a resonance plate, and the resonance plate is connected to the vibration feedback member.

[0021] In one embodiment, the button further includes a base, the shell is connected to the base, and the shell and the base form an installation space.

[0022] In addition, the present application also provides an electronic device, which at least includes the above-mentioned button.

[0023] In one embodiment, the electronic device is a mobile phone, and the touch area includes an active touch portion and a fixed touch portion, the active touch portion is provided as a side key of the mobile phone, and the fixed touch portion is provided as a housing of the mobile phone.

[0024] In addition, the present application also provides a key control method, wherein the key includes a housing, a controller, a vibration feedback element, and a plurality of piezoelectric sensors, wherein the housing is provided with a touch area, and the plurality of piezoelectric sensors are used to obtain elastic wave information of the touch area. The key control method includes:

[0025] controlling the piezoelectric sensor to acquire the elastic wave information of the touch area in real time, and outputting detection information to the controller according to the elastic wave information;

[0026] Controlling the controller to analyze the detection information to obtain feedback information; wherein the feedback information includes vibration information and instruction information;

[0027] The controller controls the vibration feedback element to drive the area within the touch area generating the elastic wave information to vibrate according to the vibration information.

[0028] In one embodiment, the step of the controller controlling the vibration feedback element to drive the area within the touch area generating the elastic wave information to vibrate according to the vibration information includes:

[0029] The controller controls the vibration feedback element to drive the vibration intensity of the area within the touch area that generates the elastic wave information according to the vibration information.

[0030] In one embodiment, the step of the controller controlling the vibration intensity of the area within the touch area generating the elastic wave information driven by the vibration feedback element according to the vibration information includes:

[0031] Determining whether the finger is performing a pressing action or a sliding action according to the instruction information;

[0032] If the finger is in a pressing action, the controller controls the vibration intensity or vibration frequency of the vibration feedback element according to the vibration information;

[0033] If the finger is sliding, the controller controls the vibration feedback element to make a sound according to the vibration information.

[0034] In one embodiment, the touch area includes an active touch portion and a fixed touch portion, the elastic wave information includes first elastic wave information, a plurality of piezoelectric sensors are used to obtain the first elastic wave information of the active touch portion, the detection information includes first detection information, the piezoelectric sensor outputs the first detection information based on the first elastic wave information, the controller analyzes the first detection information to obtain the vibration information: the controller controls the vibration feedback member to drive the area within the touch area generating the elastic wave information to vibrate based on the vibration information, the steps comprising:

[0035] The controller controls the vibration feedback element to drive the movable touch portion to vibrate according to the vibration information. Beneficial effects

[0036] In the above technical solution of the present application, when the user's finger contacts the touch area, an elastic wave will be generated in the touch area. Since multiple piezoelectric sensors are provided, and the piezoelectric sensors can accurately identify the elastic waves generated in the touch area and output corresponding detection information, the controller then analyzes the detection information to obtain feedback information. The controller then controls the vibration feedback component to drive at least part of the touch area to vibrate based on the vibration information in the feedback information. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] In order to more clearly illustrate the implementation methods of the present application or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the implementation methods or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some implementation methods of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0038] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of a key according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0039] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of a key according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0040] FIG3 is a schematic structural diagram of a housing according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0041] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of a key according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0042] FIG5 is a schematic structural diagram of a button assembly according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0043] FIG6 is a schematic top view of a button according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0044] FIG7 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG6 ;

[0045] FIG8 is a partial enlarged schematic diagram of point C in FIG7;

[0046] FIG9 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG6 ;

[0047] FIG10 is a schematic structural diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0048] FIG11 is a flow chart of a first embodiment of the key control method of the present application;

[0049] FIG12 is a flow chart of a second embodiment of the key control method of the present application;

[0050] FIG13 is a flow chart of a third embodiment of the key control method of the present application;

[0051] FIG14 is a flow chart of a fourth embodiment of the key control method of the present application;

[0052] FIG15 is a flow chart of the fifth embodiment of the key control method of the present application.

[0053] Description of Figure Numbers:

[0054] 1 button 11 housing 111 touch surface 112 mounting surface 113 receiving groove 114 through hole 1141 first sub-hole 1142 second sub-hole 115 touch area 1151 movable touch portion 11511 button key 11512 first button 11513 second button 11514 mounting seat 11515 seat body 11516 positioning boss 1152 fixed touch portion 12 piezoelectric sensor 14 vibration feedback member 15 resonance plate 161 first gap 162 second gap 17 sealing member 171 limiting hole 18 annular seal 19 sealing layer 20 base 21 mounting space 3 electronic device

[0055] The realization of the objectives, functional features and advantages of this application will be further explained in conjunction with the implementation methods and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0056] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of this application to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of this application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0057] It should be noted that all directional indications (such as up, down, etc.) in the implementation manner of this application are only used to explain the relative position relationship, movement status, etc. between the various components under a certain specific posture (as shown in Figure 1). If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly.

[0058] In addition, the terms "first," "second," and so on, used in this application are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, features defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of these features.

[0059] Moreover, the technical solutions between the various implementation methods of the present application can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the fact that ordinary technicians in this field can implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is mutually contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be deemed that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection required by this application.

[0060] The present application provides a button 1. In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, the button 1 includes a shell 11, a piezoelectric sensor 12, a controller (not shown) and a vibration feedback member 14. The shell 11 is provided with a touch area 115. There are multiple piezoelectric sensors 12, and the multiple piezoelectric sensors 12 are arranged at intervals, and are used to obtain elastic wave information of the touch area 115 and output detection information. The controller is electrically connected to the piezoelectric sensor 12, and the controller is used to obtain feedback information based on the detection information. The feedback information includes vibration information and instruction information. The vibration feedback member 14 is also electrically connected to the controller, so that the controller can control the vibration feedback member 14 to drive at least a part of the touch area 115 to vibrate according to the vibration information.

[0061] Among them, when the user's finger contacts the touch area 115, the touch area 115 generates elastic waves. Since multiple piezoelectric sensors 12 are provided, the generated elastic waves propagate through the solid and act on the piezoelectric sensors 12. Under the positive piezoelectric action, the piezoelectric sensors 12 are prompted to generate electrical signals, that is, the electrical signals are detection information. The controller captures the voltage signal generated by the piezoelectric sensors 12. Since different pressing actions will generate elastic wave pressures of different modes, different elastic waves are transmitted to the piezoelectric sensors 12 at different positions. The acted piezoelectric sensors 12 generate electrical signals of different waveforms at different time periods. The controller obtains feedback information by identifying and calculating these electrical signals. According to the instruction information in the feedback information, the position and strength of the user's finger pressing can be known, thereby sensing the user's specific actions. Through this sensing method, different degrees of pressing actions such as light pressing, heavy pressing or long pressing can be identified, thereby realizing the perception of different instructions; the controller then controls the vibration feedback element 14 to drive at least part of the area within the touch area 115 to vibrate according to the vibration information in the feedback information. In addition, the piezoelectric sensor 12 can sense the position of the finger and the speed of movement of the finger in real time according to the changes in elastic waves at different positions when the finger is pressed at different positions / speeds. That is, the controller can obtain feedback information by identifying and calculating the electrical signal output by the piezoelectric sensor 12. According to the instruction information in the feedback information, it can also be obtained whether the user's finger is sliding or stopped. If the user's finger is sliding, relevant information such as the sliding stroke and sliding speed can also be obtained, so that the user's actions that can be recognized are richer. It should be noted that the feedback information can be applied to the control of the electronic device 3, and different feedback information can correspond to different operation instructions of the electronic device 3. For example, if the user's finger is sliding, the sliding stroke of the finger and the sliding speed and other related information can be known according to the instruction information. This information is graded to correspond to one or several operation instructions of the electronic device 3, and a multi-level sliding function is realized to meet the user's control of the electronic device 3; for example: the sliding speed is graded, slow sliding and fast sliding can correspond to different operation instructions respectively, that is, the user can trigger different operation instructions by fast sliding and slow sliding of the finger, thereby realizing different control of the device; similarly, the sliding stroke can also be graded, and each stroke has a corresponding operation instruction, which can also realize different control of the device. It should also be noted that the piezoelectric sensor 12 can be a sensing piezoelectric ceramic sensor with a small triggering force and a wide triggering range, which can achieve a sensing range from 10gf to 5000gf. It can be triggered under a very small triggering force; therefore, the button 1 can not only recognize the user's actions in the touch area 115, but also drive at least a part of the touch area 115 to vibrate through the vibration feedback member 14 to provide vibration feedback to the user's fingers moving in the touch area 115.

[0062] In one embodiment, the touch area 115 includes an active touch portion 1151 and a fixed touch portion 1152. A plurality of piezoelectric sensors 12 are provided on the active touch portion 1151 for obtaining first elastic wave information of the active touch portion 1151 and outputting first detection information. The controller is configured to analyze the first detection information to obtain vibration information. The detection information includes first detection information. When a user touches the active touch portion 1151, the elastic wave generated by the user's finger is detected by the piezoelectric sensor 12. This information is the first elastic wave information. The piezoelectric sensor 12 collects the first elastic wave information and outputs the first detection information to the controller. The controller analyzes the first detection information to obtain vibration information. It should be noted that the controller can also analyze the first detection information to obtain instruction information.

[0063] In one embodiment, the controller can control the vibration feedback element 14 to vibrate at least a portion of the active touch portion 1151 based on the vibration information. Considering customer privacy requirements, the vibration feedback element 14 does not vibrate the entire active touch portion 1151, but only a portion of the active touch portion 1151. It should be noted that the portion of the active touch portion 1151 is generally the area where elastic waves are generated.

[0064] In one embodiment, the controller can also control the vibration intensity of the vibration feedback element 14 based on the vibration information. By providing the vibration feedback element 14, after the controller recognizes the vibration information, the controller outputs an electrical signal to the vibration feedback element 14 while implementing the function control instruction. A voltage is applied to the vibration feedback element 14, and the vibration feedback element 14 generates vibration or sounds under the action of the inverse piezoelectric effect, thereby providing feedback to the user's operation, so that the button 1 has a feedback function. It should be noted that the controller can determine, based on the instruction information, whether the user's finger has performed different operations, such as a light press, a hard press, a long press, or a slide. Different instruction information has corresponding vibration information, so that the controller can determine the vibration information corresponding to the instruction information based on the different instruction information, and then control the vibration intensity or sound of the vibration feedback element 14 to provide feedback to the user based on the vibration information. For example, if it is a light press, the controller controls the vibration feedback element 14 to vibrate lightly; if it is a hard press, the controller controls the vibration feedback element 14 to vibrate strongly; if it is a long press, the controller controls the vibration feedback element 14 to vibrate at a high frequency or a low frequency; if it is a slide, the controller controls the vibration feedback element 14 to produce a sound. It should be noted that the vibration feedback element 14 can be a feedback piezoelectric ceramic. The feedback piezoelectric ceramic has high feedback timeliness, fast feedback start and stop speed, and realistic vibration. It should also be noted that the piezoelectric sensor 12 has a passive sensing function. Only when the user touches the touch area 115 will the piezoelectric sensor 12 sense the elastic waves generated by the user. The passive sensing power consumption of the piezoelectric sensor 12 is low. If the button 1 is applied to the electronic device 3, it can also effectively reduce the power consumption of the electronic device 3. For example, if it is applied to a mobile phone, it can effectively save the mobile phone's energy.

[0065] It should be noted that the vibration feedback member 14 is connected to the active touch portion 1151. Therefore, the vibration generated by the vibration feedback member 14 mainly drives the active touch portion 1151 to vibrate. That is, if the button 1 is applied to a mobile phone, the active touch portion 1151 is equivalent to the side button of the mobile phone, and the fixed touch portion 1152 is equivalent to the shell 11 of the mobile phone. Since the vibration feedback member 14 mainly drives the active touch portion 1151 to vibrate and does not drive the entire mobile phone to vibrate, the user's privacy and usage experience are effectively improved; furthermore, the controller will only control the vibration feedback member 14 to vibrate when it receives the first detection information and obtains feedback information based on the analysis of the first detection information. That is, only when the user's finger acts on the active touch portion 1151 and performs corresponding actions, the vibration feedback member 14 will drive the active touch portion 1151 to vibrate to provide feedback to the user. This local vibration is easier for the user to perceive, so the feedback effect is also better.

[0066] In one embodiment, the touch area 115 includes an active touch portion 1151 and a fixed touch portion 1152. A plurality of piezoelectric sensors 12 are provided on the fixed touch portion 1152 for obtaining second elastic wave information from the fixed touch portion 1152 and outputting second detection information. The controller is configured to analyze the second detection information to obtain instruction information. The detection information also includes second detection information. When a user touches the fixed touch portion 1152, the elastic wave generated by the user's finger is detected by the piezoelectric sensor 12. This information is the second elastic wave information. The piezoelectric sensor 12 collects the second elastic wave information and outputs the second detection information to the controller. The controller analyzes the second detection information to obtain instruction information. Based on the instruction information, it can be determined whether the user's finger has performed different operations on the fixed touch portion 1152, such as light pressing, hard pressing, long pressing, or sliding. Therefore, the second detection information can also be used to control different instructions.

[0067] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the key 1 further includes a resonance plate 15, which is connected to the vibration feedback member 14. The resonance plate 15 is provided so that when the vibration feedback member 14 vibrates, it drives the resonance plate 15 to vibrate together. At a certain frequency, the vibration feedback member 14 and the resonance plate 15 resonate to achieve a maximum vibration effect. The vibration is then transmitted to the active touch portion 1151, causing the active touch portion 1151 to vibrate together. The active touch portion 1151 transmits the vibration to the fingertips, which then feel the vibration feedback effect.

[0068] 2 to 5 , in one embodiment, the active touch portion 1151 includes a button key 11511 and a mounting base 11514. The button key 11511 and the vibration feedback member 14 are respectively arranged on both sides of the mounting base 11514. The mounting base 11514 is connected to the mounting surface 112. The mounting surface 112 is provided with a through hole 114 for the button key 11511 to extend into. The piezoelectric sensor 12 can detect the elastic wave of the button key 11511 and output the first detection information. By providing the through hole 114 for the button key 11511 to extend into, the overall volume of the key 1 is effectively reduced. It should be noted that the button key 11511 can be arranged to protrude from the touch surface 111, or the button key 11511 can be arranged flush with the touch surface 111.

[0069] Moreover, in one embodiment, the button key 11511 includes a first button 11512 and a second button 11513, and the first button 11512 and the second button 11513 are spaced apart on the mounting base 11514, and the through hole 114 includes a first sub-hole 1141 and a second sub-hole 1142 spaced apart, the first sub-hole 1141 is arranged corresponding to the first button 11512, and the second sub-hole 1142 is arranged corresponding to the second button 11513, the length of the second button 11513 is greater than the length of the first button 11512, the first detection information includes pressing information and sliding information, the piezoelectric sensor 12 can detect the elastic wave of the first button 11512 and output pressing information, and the piezoelectric sensor 12 can detect the elastic wave of the second button 11513 and output sliding information. Among them, the length of the first button 11512 is smaller than the second button 11513, that is, the appearance makes the two buttons easy to distinguish, and the user can also easily distinguish the first button 11512 from the second button 11513 through touch perception. Since the first button 11512 is shorter, the first button 11512 is generally used for pressing operations, that is, if the user needs to trigger different operation instructions by pressing, the first button 11512 can be pressed. The piezoelectric sensor 12 detects that the first button 11512 is pressed and outputs pressing information, and the controller then analyzes the pressing information to obtain the corresponding second pressure information; since the second button 11513 is longer, the second button 11513 is generally used for sliding operations, that is, if the user needs to trigger different operation instructions by sliding, the finger can be slid on the second button 11513. The piezoelectric sensor 12 detects that the second button 11513 is pressed and outputs sliding information, and the controller then analyzes the sliding information to obtain the corresponding second pressure information. It should be noted that the first button 11512 and the second button 11513 can be metal buttons.

[0070] Furthermore, in one embodiment, one side of the fixed touch portion 1152 serves as the mounting surface 112, and the other side of the fixed touch portion 1152 serves as the touch surface 111. The mounting surface 112 defines a receiving groove 113 for accommodating the mounting seat 11514. The bottom wall of the receiving groove 113 is provided with a through hole 114, and a first gap 161 is formed between the bottom wall of the receiving groove 113 and the mounting seat 11514. The key 1 further includes an annular seal 18 disposed within the first gap 161, extending circumferentially along the mounting seat 11514. The placement of the annular seal 18 within the first gap 161 enhances the sealing performance of the key 1, preventing water on the touch surface 111 from entering the mounting surface 112 through the gap between the button 11511 and the housing 11, thereby affecting the normal operation of the piezoelectric sensor 12. It should be noted that the annular seal 18 fills the first gap 161 , and the annular seal 18 is a flexible annular seal 18 , which can be formed by injecting soft sealing glue into the first gap 161 .

[0071] In one embodiment, the button key 11511 includes a first button 11512 and a second button 11513, and the first button 11512 and the second button 11513 are spaced apart on the mounting seat 11514. The through hole 114 includes a first sub-hole 1141 and a second sub-hole 1142. The first sub-hole 1141 is used for the first button 11512 to pass through, and the second sub-hole 1142 is used for the second button 11513 to pass through. The inner wall of the first sub-hole 1141 is fitted with the side wall of the first button 11512, and the inner wall of the second sub-hole 1142 is fitted with the side wall of the second button 11513. The side wall of the mounting seat 11514 is fitted with the groove wall of the accommodating groove 113. Among them, the inner wall of the first sub-hole 1141 is fitted with the side wall of the first button 11512, thereby effectively preventing dust or water on one side of the touch surface 111 from moving to the side where the mounting surface 112 is located through the gap between the first button 11512 and the first sub-hole 1141; similarly, the inner wall of the second sub-hole 1142 is fitted with the side wall of the second button 11513, thereby effectively preventing dust or water on one side of the touch surface 111 from moving to the side where the mounting surface 112 is located through the gap between the second button 11513 and the second sub-hole 1142, so that the piezoelectric sensor 12 has a good working environment.

[0072] In one embodiment, the key 1 further includes a sealing member 17, which abuts the mounting surface 112 so that a second gap 162 is formed between the sealing member 17 and the mounting seat 11514 on the side facing away from the button key 11511. The key 1 further includes a sealing layer 19, which is disposed within the second gap 162. One side of the sealing layer 19 is connected to the mounting seat 11514, and the other side of the sealing layer 19 is connected to the sealing member 17. By providing the sealing layer 19 and the sealing member 17, the sealing effect of the key 1 is further enhanced, preventing water on the touch surface 111 side from migrating to the mounting surface 112 side, thereby providing effective protection for the piezoelectric sensor 12, the controller, and the vibration feedback member 14. It should be noted that because the key 1 has good sealing performance, the use of the key 1 will not be affected by water and oil stains, and therefore the material of the housing 11 is not limited.

[0073] As shown in Figures 2 to 9, in one embodiment, the mounting seat 11514 includes a seat body 11515 and a positioning boss 11516 that are interconnected. The button 11511 and the positioning boss 11516 are disposed on opposite sides of the seat body 11515. The seal 17 defines a retaining hole 171 through which the positioning boss 11516 passes. The positioning boss 11516 passes through the retaining hole 171 and connects to the vibration feedback member 14. A second gap 162 is formed between the seat body 11515 and the seal 17, and the sealing layer 19 extends along the circumference of the seal 17. The retaining hole 171 is provided to retain the positioning boss 11516 within the retaining hole, thereby limiting the movement of the button 11511 relative to the seal 17. It should be noted that the seal 17 is a hard seal, which effectively ensures the position of the button 11511. The hard seal may be a sealing steel ring. It should be noted that the sealing layer 19 is also a flexible sealing layer 19. An annular seal 18 and a sealing layer 19 are respectively formed in the first gap 161 and the second gap 162 by injecting soft sealing glue. The annular seal 18 is used to seal the first gap 161, and the sealing layer 19 is used to seal the second gap 162. Since the height of the first gap 161 is generally 10μm-1000μm, and the first gap 161 and the second gap 162 are respectively located on the upper and lower sides of the seat body 11515, the button key 11511 can vibrate up and down under the action of the vibration feedback component 14, and its vibration displacement is 10μm-1000μm.

[0074] In one embodiment, the key 1 further includes a base 20, the housing 11 being connected to the base 20, and the housing 11 and the base 20 enclosing an installation space 21. The piezoelectric sensor 12 and a portion of the main body of the movable touch portion 1151 are both disposed within the installation space 21. The housing 11 and the base 20 enclose the installation space 21, thereby effectively protecting the components within the installation space 21 and, to a certain extent, preventing the ingress of dust or moisture from the outside. It should be noted that the housing 11 and the base 20 may be sealed, thereby enhancing the sealing performance of the key 1.

[0075] Furthermore, in one embodiment, a plurality of piezoelectric sensors 12 form a sensor group. The plurality of piezoelectric sensors 12 within the sensor group are spaced apart along the extension direction of the mounting surface 112. There are at least two sensor groups, and at least two sensor groups are spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the mounting surface 112. By providing at least two sensor groups, each including a plurality of spaced apart piezoelectric sensors 12, the detection accuracy of the button 1 is effectively improved.

[0076] In addition, the present application also provides an electronic device 3, as shown in FIG10 , which includes at least the aforementioned key 1. Since the electronic device 3 adopts all the technical solutions of all the aforementioned embodiments, it has at least all the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the aforementioned embodiments, which will not be described in detail here.

[0077] As shown in Figure 10 , in one embodiment, electronic device 3 is a mobile phone, and touch area 115 includes an active touch portion 1151 and a fixed touch portion 1152. Active touch portion 1151 serves as the side key of the mobile phone, while fixed touch portion 1152 serves as the housing 11 of the mobile phone. In other words, first button 11512 and second button 11513 of this embodiment can replace the side keys on a mobile phone. It should be noted that electronic device 3 can also be a tablet computer or a game controller, and first button 11512 and second button 11513 can replace the side keys of a tablet computer or the keys of a game controller.

[0078] In addition, the present application also provides a key control method, wherein the key includes a housing, a controller, a vibration feedback element, and a plurality of piezoelectric sensors. The housing is provided with a touch area, and the plurality of piezoelectric sensors are used to obtain elastic wave information of the touch area. Referring to FIG. 11 , FIG. 11 is a flow chart of a first embodiment of the key control method of the present application, wherein the key control method includes:

[0079] S100, controlling the piezoelectric sensor to acquire the elastic wave information of the touch area in real time, and outputting detection information to the controller according to the elastic wave information;

[0080] When the user's finger touches the touch area, the shell will generate elastic waves. Since multiple piezoelectric sensors are provided, the generated elastic waves are transmitted through the solid and act on the piezoelectric sensors, that is, the piezoelectric sensors can obtain elastic wave information in real time; under the positive piezoelectric action, the piezoelectric sensor is prompted to generate an electrical signal, that is, the electrical signal is detection information, and the controller captures the voltage signal generated by the piezoelectric sensor. Different pressing actions will generate different patterns of elastic wave pressure. Different elastic waves are transmitted to piezoelectric sensors at different positions, and the piezoelectric sensors affected generate electrical signals with different waveforms at different time periods.

[0081] S200, controlling the controller to analyze the detection information to obtain feedback information; wherein the feedback information includes vibration information and instruction information;

[0082] The controller obtains feedback information by identifying and calculating the electrical signals of different waveforms generated by the piezoelectric sensor at different time periods. Based on the instruction information in the feedback information, the position and strength of the user's finger pressing can be known, thereby sensing the user's specific actions. Through this perception method, different degrees of pressing actions such as light press, heavy press or long press can be identified, thereby realizing the perception of different instructions.

[0083] S300: The controller controls the vibration feedback element to drive the area within the touch area generating the elastic wave information to vibrate according to the vibration information.

[0084] By providing a vibration feedback element, the controller can not only implement functional control instructions but also output an electrical signal to the vibration feedback element based on the vibration information. When a voltage is applied to the vibration feedback element, the vibration feedback element generates vibration or sound due to the inverse piezoelectric effect, thus providing feedback to the user's operation, thus giving the key a feedback function. To protect user privacy, the vibration feedback element only vibrates the area within the touch area that generates elastic wave information, and does not vibrate the entire touch area.

[0085] When the user's finger acts on the touch area, the shell will generate elastic waves. Since multiple piezoelectric sensors are provided, and the piezoelectric sensors can accurately identify the elastic waves and output corresponding detection information, the controller then analyzes the detection information to obtain feedback information. According to the instruction information in the feedback information, the finger's pressing position, pressing strength, and finger sliding movement can be obtained, thereby enriching the user actions that can be identified; according to the vibration information in the feedback information, the controller controls the vibration feedback part to vibrate according to the vibration information, thereby driving the area generating elastic wave information in the touch area to vibrate through the vibration feedback part, thereby giving feedback to the user.

[0086] 12 , which is a flow chart of a second embodiment of the key control method of the present application, the step S300 includes:

[0087] S310: The controller controls the vibration feedback element to drive the vibration intensity of the area within the touch area that generates the elastic wave information according to the vibration information.

[0088] By providing a vibration feedback element, after the controller recognizes vibration information, the controller implements the function control instruction while outputting an electrical signal to the vibration feedback element, applying a voltage to the vibration feedback element. The vibration feedback element generates vibration or sounds under the action of the inverse piezoelectric effect, thereby providing feedback on the user's operation, so that the key has a feedback function. It should be noted that the controller can determine, based on the instruction information, whether the user's finger is performing different operations such as light pressing, hard pressing, long pressing, or sliding. Different instruction information has corresponding vibration information, so that the controller can determine the vibration information corresponding to the instruction information based on the different instruction information, and then control the vibration intensity of the vibration feedback element or emit a sound to provide feedback to the user based on the vibration information. For example, if it is a light press, the controller controls the vibration feedback element to vibrate lightly; if it is a hard press, the controller controls the vibration feedback element to vibrate strongly; if it is a long press, the controller controls the vibration feedback element to vibrate at a high frequency or low frequency; if it is a sliding, the controller controls the vibration feedback element to emit a sound.

[0089] 13 , which is a flow chart of a third embodiment of the key control method of the present application, and FIG. 14 , which is a flow chart of a fourth embodiment of the key control method of the present application, the step S310 includes:

[0090] S311, determining whether the finger is performing a pressing action or a sliding action according to the instruction information;

[0091] S312, if the finger is in a pressing action, the controller controls the vibration intensity or vibration frequency of the vibration feedback element according to the vibration information;

[0092] S312': If the finger is sliding, the controller controls the vibration feedback element to make a sound according to the vibration information.

[0093] Among them, the controller can know whether the user's finger is performing a pressing action or a sliding action based on the instruction information. Furthermore, if it is a pressing action, the pressing strength of the finger can be judged. For example, if it is a light press, the controller controls the vibration feedback part to vibrate lightly; if it is a heavy press, the controller controls the vibration feedback part to vibrate heavily; if it is a long press, the controller controls the vibration feedback part to vibrate at a high frequency or a low frequency; if it is a slide, the controller controls the vibration feedback part to make a sound, so that the user's different operations can obtain corresponding feedback, thereby improving the user experience.

[0094] In one embodiment, the touch area includes an active touch portion and a fixed touch portion, the elastic wave information includes first elastic wave information, the plurality of piezoelectric sensors are used to obtain the first elastic wave information of the active touch portion, the detection information includes first detection information, the piezoelectric sensor outputs the first detection information based on the first elastic wave information, and the controller analyzes the first detection information to obtain the vibration information. Referring to FIG. 15 , FIG. 15 is a flow chart of a third embodiment of the key control method of the present application, and the step of S300 includes:

[0095] S320: The controller controls the vibration feedback element to drive the active touch portion to vibrate according to the vibration information.

[0096] The vibration feedback element is connected to the active touch part. Therefore, the vibration generated by the vibration feedback element mainly drives the active touch part to vibrate. That is, if the button is applied to a mobile phone, the active touch part is equivalent to the side button of the mobile phone, and the fixed touch part is equivalent to the shell of the mobile phone. Since the vibration feedback element mainly drives the active touch part to vibrate and does not drive the entire mobile phone to vibrate, it effectively improves the user's privacy and usage experience. Furthermore, the controller will only control the vibration feedback element to vibrate when it receives the first detection information and obtains feedback information based on the analysis of the first detection information. That is, only when the user's finger acts on the active touch part and performs corresponding actions, the vibration feedback element will drive the active touch part to vibrate to provide feedback to the user. This local vibration is easier for the user to perceive, so the feedback effect is also better.

[0097] The above is only an implementation method of the present application and does not limit the patent scope of the present application. All equivalent structural transformations made based on the contents of the present application description and drawings, or direct / indirect application in other related technical fields, are included in the patent protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A key, wherein: The buttons include: A housing, wherein the housing is provided with a touch area; A piezoelectric sensor, wherein the number of the piezoelectric sensors is multiple and the multiple piezoelectric sensors are arranged at intervals, and are used to obtain elastic wave information of the touch area and output detection information; A controller, the controller being electrically connected to the piezoelectric sensor, and the controller being used to obtain feedback information according to the detection information analysis; wherein the feedback information includes vibration information and instruction information; A vibration feedback member is also electrically connected to the controller, so that the controller controls the vibration feedback member to drive at least a part of the touch area to vibrate according to the vibration information.

2. The key according to claim 1, wherein: The touch area includes an active touch part and a fixed touch part. A plurality of piezoelectric sensors are arranged on the active touch part for acquiring first elastic wave information of the active touch part and outputting first detection information. The controller is used for analyzing the vibration information according to the first detection information.

3. The key according to claim 2, wherein: The controller controls the vibration feedback element to drive at least a partial area within the active touch portion to vibrate according to the vibration information.

4. The key according to claim 3, wherein: The controller also controls the vibration intensity of the vibration feedback member according to the vibration information.

5. The key according to claim 1, wherein: The touch area includes an active touch part and a fixed touch part. A plurality of piezoelectric sensors are arranged on the fixed touch part for acquiring second elastic wave information of the fixed touch part and outputting second detection information. The controller is used for analyzing the second detection information to obtain the instruction information.

6. The key according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein: The movable touch part comprises a button key and a mounting seat connected to each other, the button key and the vibration feedback member are respectively arranged on two sides of the mounting seat opposite to each other, and the fixed touch part is provided with a through hole for exposing the button key.

7. The key according to claim 6, wherein: The button key includes a first button and a second button, the first button and the second button are arranged at intervals on the mounting base, the through hole includes a first sub-hole and a second sub-hole arranged at intervals, the first sub-hole corresponds to the first button, the second sub-hole corresponds to the second button, the length of the second button is greater than the length of the first button, the instruction information includes first pressing information and first sliding information, the piezoelectric sensor detects the elastic wave of the first button and outputs the first pressing information, and the piezoelectric sensor detects the elastic wave of the second button and outputs the first sliding information.

8. The key according to claim 6, wherein: One side of the fixed touch portion is a mounting surface, and the other side of the fixed touch portion is a touch surface. The mounting surface is provided with a receiving groove for accommodating the mounting seat, and the bottom wall of the receiving groove is provided with the through hole. A first gap is formed between the bottom wall of the receiving groove and the mounting seat, and the key also includes an annular seal arranged in the first gap, the annular seal extends along the circumference of the mounting seat, and one side of the annular seal is connected to the mounting seat, and the other side of the annular seal is connected to the bottom wall of the receiving groove.

9. The key according to claim 6, wherein: The button also includes a sealing member, which abuts against the mounting surface so that a second gap is formed between the sealing member and the mounting seat on a side facing away from the button key. The button also includes a sealing layer, which is arranged in the second gap, one side of the sealing layer is connected to the mounting seat, and the other side of the sealing layer is connected to the sealing member.

10. The key according to claim 9, wherein: The mounting seat includes a seat body and a positioning boss that are connected to each other, the button key and the positioning boss are relatively arranged on both sides of the seat body, the sealing component is provided with a limiting hole for the positioning boss to pass through, the positioning boss passes through the limiting hole and is connected to the vibration feedback component; the second gap is formed between the seat body and the sealing component, and the sealing layer extends along the circumference of the sealing component.

11. The key according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The key further comprises a resonance plate, and the resonance plate is connected to the vibration feedback member.

12. The key according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The button also includes a base, the shell is connected to the base, and the shell and the base enclose an installation space.

13. An electronic device, wherein: The electronic device comprises at least the key as described in any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. The electronic device according to claim 13, wherein: The electronic device is a mobile phone, the touch area includes an active touch portion and a fixed touch portion, the active touch portion is arranged as a side key of the mobile phone, and the fixed touch portion is arranged as a shell of the mobile phone.

15. A key control method, the key comprising a housing, a controller, a vibration feedback member and a plurality of piezoelectric sensors, the housing being provided with a touch area, the plurality of piezoelectric sensors being used to obtain elastic wave information of the touch area, wherein: The key control method comprises: Controlling the piezoelectric sensor to obtain the elastic wave information of the touch area in real time, and outputting detection information to the controller according to the elastic wave information; Controlling the controller to analyze the detection information to obtain feedback information; wherein the feedback information includes vibration information and instruction information; The controller controls the vibration feedback element according to the vibration information to drive the area in the touch area where the elastic wave information is generated to vibrate.

16. The key control method according to claim 15, wherein: The step of the controller controlling the vibration feedback element to drive the area generating the elastic wave information in the touch area to vibrate according to the vibration information comprises: The controller controls the vibration feedback member to drive the vibration intensity of the area within the touch area that generates the elastic wave information according to the vibration information.

17. The key control method according to claim 16, wherein: The step of the controller controlling the vibration feedback element to drive the vibration intensity of the area within the touch area to generate the elastic wave information according to the vibration information comprises: Determine whether the finger is in a pressing action or a sliding action according to the instruction information; If the finger is in a pressing action, the controller controls the vibration intensity or vibration frequency of the vibration feedback element according to the vibration information; If the finger is sliding, the controller controls the vibration feedback element to make a sound according to the vibration information.

18. The key control method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein: The touch area includes an active touch portion and a fixed touch portion, the elastic wave information includes first elastic wave information, a plurality of piezoelectric sensors are used to obtain the first elastic wave information of the active touch portion, the detection information includes first detection information, the piezoelectric sensor outputs the first detection information according to the first elastic wave information, the controller analyzes the first detection information to obtain the vibration information: the controller controls the vibration feedback member to drive the area generating the elastic wave information within the touch area to vibrate according to the vibration information, the steps comprising: The controller controls the vibration feedback element to drive the active touch part to vibrate according to the vibration information.

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