Haptic feedback system

Abstract

The present invention provides a haptic feedback system, applied to a terminal device. The haptic feedback system comprises: a pressing portion, at least one pressing portion being comprised, and the pressing portion being disposed in a through hole and partially exposed out of a middle frame; a pressure sensor, the pressure sensor being fixed to the inner side of the pressing portion, the pressure sensor being in one-to-one correspondence to the pressing portion, and the pressure sensor being used for collecting a pressure parameter generated after the pressing portion is pressed; and a haptic feedback vibrator, the haptic feedback vibrator being used for performing corresponding vibration feedback driving on the basis of the pressure parameter collected by the pressure sensor, the haptic feedback vibrator, the pressure sensor, and the pressing portion being rigidly connected to form an integrated module, the integrated module being flexibly connected to the middle frame by means of elastic bodies, and the direction of deformation of the elastic bodies being consistent with the direction of vibration of the haptic feedback vibrator. Compared with the prior art, the haptic feedback system of the present invention can save the mounting space, has a broad range of application scenarios, and achieves a good user experience effect.

Description

tactile feedback system Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of tactile feedback, and in particular to a tactile feedback system. Background Art

[0002] Haptic feedback technology is currently widely used in mobile phones and games, achieving excellent user experience and market response. Currently, virtually all mobile phones incorporate an internal motor to generate vibrations, serving as reminders for things like alarms and incoming calls. Mechanical buttons, such as volume and power buttons, are also used in mobile applications. However, these buttons often have limited functionality, lacking the ability to create special effects tailored to specific scenarios and provide users with more direct prompts and feedback that would benefit muscle memory. Technical issues

[0003] In the related art, tactile feedback is achieved by buttons and pots connected to the buttons. The function of the button is mainly achieved by pressing the pot to turn on the circuit, and the feel is achieved through force feedback during the deformation of the pot. However, this will result in a single button feel feedback effect and a short service life. In addition, when buttons and linear motors are used to achieve virtual vibration feedback, a linear motor is added under each button for tactile feedback, which makes the motor occupy a large space and the driving circuit more complicated. The effect of each button needs to be debugged separately, and the button effect is easily affected by assembly, resulting in poor feedback experience.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a new tactile feedback system to solve the above technical problems. Technical Solutions

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a tactile feedback system that is easy to assemble and has a good virtual feedback experience effect.

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides

[0007] A tactile feedback system is applied to a terminal device, wherein the terminal device includes a middle frame, the middle frame is provided with a through hole therethrough, and the tactile feedback system includes:

[0008] A pressing portion, the pressing portion including at least one, the pressing portion being disposed in the through hole and partially exposed from the middle frame;

[0009] a pressure sensor, the pressure sensor being fixed to the inner side of the pressing portion, and the pressure sensor corresponding to the pressing portion on a one-to-one basis, and being used to collect pressure parameters generated when the pressing portion is pressed; and

[0010] A tactile feedback vibrator, which is used to perform corresponding vibration feedback drive according to the pressure parameters collected by the pressure sensor; the tactile feedback vibrator, the pressure sensor and the pressing part are rigidly connected to form an integrated module, and the integrated module is flexibly connected to the middle frame through an elastomer, and the deformation direction of the elastomer is consistent with the vibration direction of the tactile feedback vibrator.

[0011] Preferably, the pressing portion includes a key body and at least one keycap protruding from the key body, the key body is arranged on the inner side of the middle frame, the keycap is arranged in the through hole, and a pressure sensor is correspondingly arranged on the side of each keycap close to the tactile feedback vibrator; the key body can generate strain and reset after being pressed.

[0012] Preferably, the pressing portion further comprises a space-avoiding groove formed by a depression on a side of the button body close to the tactile feedback vibrator, and the pressure sensor is fixed in the space-avoiding groove;

[0013] The tactile feedback system also includes a fixing plate, which is fixed to the button body on a side close to the button body and covers the pressure sensor in the air-avoiding groove. The tactile feedback vibrator is fixed to a side of the fixing plate away from the pressure sensor.

[0014] Preferably, the fixing piece is a spring piece, and the spring piece is made of any one of silicone, foam and plastic.

[0015] Preferably, the elastic body is a metal or non-metal spring, or a flexible body made of any one of silicone, rubber and foam.

[0016] Preferably, the pressure sensor is any one of a piezoresistive, piezoelectric and pressure-capacitive type sensor that senses pressing force through strain.

[0017] Preferably, the tactile feedback system further includes a touch module, and the touch module is used to detect gesture operations.

[0018] Preferably, the vibration direction of the tactile feedback vibrator is perpendicular to the pressing direction of the pressing part, the elastomer is arranged perpendicular to the fixing plate, and the two ends of the elastomer are respectively fixed to the middle frame; the peripheral side of the button body is fixed to the position between the two ends of the elastomer.

[0019] Preferably, the vibration direction of the tactile feedback vibrator is parallel to the pressing direction of the pressing part, the elastomer is arranged parallel to the fixing plate, the two ends of the elastomer are respectively fixed to the middle frame, and the peripheral side of the button body is fixed to the position between the two ends of the elastomer.

[0020] Preferably, the tactile feedback vibrator is a vibration motor or a magnetic actuator. Beneficial effects

[0021] Compared with the prior art, in the tactile feedback system of the present invention, a through hole is provided on the middle frame of the terminal device, and at least one pressing part is arranged in the through hole and partially exposed to the middle frame; a pressure sensor is fixed on the inner side of the pressing part, and the pressure sensor corresponds to the pressing part one-to-one, and the pressure sensor is used to collect the pressure parameters of the pressing part; the tactile feedback vibrator is used to perform corresponding vibration feedback drive according to the pressure parameters collected by the pressure sensor; the tactile feedback vibrator, the pressure sensor and the pressing part are rigidly connected to form an integrated module, which reduces the volume of the module and can be used for various virtual key effect simulation devices that require local feedback. The module can be installed on electronic devices such as mobile phones, PADs, remote controls, and car computers, and can meet the tactile feedback needs of various application scenarios; the integrated module and the middle frame are flexibly connected by an elastomer, and the deformation direction of the elastomer is consistent with the vibration direction of the tactile feedback vibrator, so that the tactile feedback experience effect is good. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for describing the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can also derive other drawings based on these drawings without inventive work, among which:

[0023] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of a terminal device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] FIG2 is an exploded view of a terminal device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] FIG3 is an exploded view of the tactile feedback system in FIG2 ;

[0026] FIG4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG1 ;

[0027] FIG5 is a partial enlarged view of A in FIG4 ;

[0028] FIG6 is a schematic structural diagram of the Z-axis vibration of the tactile feedback system provided by an embodiment of the present invention. Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0029] The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0030] As shown in Figures 1 to 6 , an embodiment of the present invention provides a haptic feedback system 100 for use with a terminal device 200. The terminal device 200 includes a bottom housing 21 and a middle frame 22 secured to the bottom housing 21. The terminal device 200 can be an electronic device such as a mobile phone, a PAD (tablet), a remote control, or an in-vehicle computer. The middle frame 22 is provided with a through hole 221 extending therethrough. Optionally, the middle frame 22 is secured to the bottom housing 21 by a plurality of screws.

[0031] The tactile feedback system 100 includes: a pressing part 1, a pressure sensor 2 and a tactile feedback vibrator 3. The pressing part 1 is used to contact with the human body to achieve tactile pressure stimulation, which is convenient for the pressure sensor 2 to

[0032] The pressing portion 1 includes at least one pressing portion 1, which is disposed within the through hole 221 and partially exposed outside the middle frame 22. By partially protruding from the middle frame 22, the pressing portion 1 senses external tactile pressure. The through hole 221 also serves as a guide and limiter for the pressing portion 1, preventing it from deflecting when subjected to force.

[0033] The pressure sensor 2 is fixed to the inner side of the pressing part 1 , and the pressure sensor 2 corresponds to the pressing part 1 one-to-one. The pressure sensor 2 is used to collect pressure parameters generated when the pressing part 1 is pressed.

[0034] The tactile feedback vibrator 3 is used to perform corresponding vibration feedback drive based on the pressure parameters collected by the pressure sensor 2; the pressure sensor 2 and the pressing part 1 are rigidly connected to form an integrated module, and the integrated module is flexibly connected to the middle frame 22 via an elastic body 5, and the deformation direction of the elastic body 5 is consistent with the vibration direction of the tactile feedback vibrator 3. The flexible connection of the tactile feedback vibrator 3 to the middle frame 22 can not only achieve local vibration, but also shield or reduce tactile feedback in unwanted directions due to the flexible connection between the integrated module and the middle frame 22. At the same time, the frequency response range of the tactile feedback system 100 can be increased, and the vibration amount can be amplified at the resonance point of the tactile feedback system 100. The F0 (operating frequency) of the tactile feedback system 100 can be controlled above 300Hz to meet different vibration requirements.

[0035] The vibration direction of the tactile feedback vibrator 3 can be X-axis, Y-axis or Z-axis, wherein the X-axis and Y-axis are parallel to the pressing part 1 , the Z-axis is perpendicular to the pressing part 1 , and the vibration direction is consistent with the flexible connection direction.

[0036] Specifically, the tactile feedback vibrator 3, the pressure sensor 2 and the pressing part 1 are rigidly connected to form an integrated module, which effectively reduces the volume of the module and can be used for various virtual key effect simulation devices that require local feedback. The module can be installed on electronic devices such as mobile phones, PADs, remote controls, and car computers, and can meet the tactile feedback needs of various application scenarios.

[0037] Preferably, when the pressing portion 1 needs to have a relatively large area, a new adaptive system can be established by connecting multiple tactile feedback modules including pressure feedback in series or in parallel.

[0038] In this embodiment, the pressing portion 1 includes a key body 11 and at least one keycap 12 formed by the key body 11 extending from the middle frame 22. The key body 11 is disposed inside the middle frame 22, and the keycap 12 is disposed within the through hole 221. Each keycap 12 is provided with a corresponding pressure sensor 2 on a side adjacent to the tactile feedback vibrator 3. The key body 11 is capable of generating strain and resetting after being pressed. By pressing the keycap 12, the pressure is transmitted through the key body 11 to the pressure sensor 2. The pressure sensor 2 collects the pressure parameters of the pressing and transmits the pressure parameter signal to the tactile feedback vibrator 3. The tactile feedback vibrator 3 outputs a corresponding vibration frequency based on the pressure parameters to provide tactile feedback, thereby providing a good user experience.

[0039] A single keycap 12 represents a single-key key. In a single-key key, the key body 11 is disposed within the through-hole, and the keycap 12 is disposed away from the middle frame 22. Two keycaps 12 represent a double-key key. In this case, the key body 11 is disposed inside the middle frame 22, and the keycap 12 is disposed within the through-hole 221. Of course, the present invention is not limited to single or two keys, and multiple keys can also be used.

[0040] Preferably, the button body 11 realizes the strain and reset functions by itself or through other structures.

[0041] In this embodiment, the pressing portion 1 further includes a clearance groove 13 formed by a recessed portion of the button body 11 on a side thereof adjacent to the tactile feedback vibrator 3, and the pressure sensor 2 is fixed in the clearance groove 13. This can reduce the installation space required for the pressure sensor 2 and the assembly space required for the entire module.

[0042] The tactile feedback system 100 further includes a fixing plate 4, which is fixed to the button body 11 on a side close to the button body 11 and covers the pressure sensor 2 in the air-avoidance groove 13. The tactile feedback vibrator 3 is fixed to the side of the fixing plate 4 away from the pressure sensor 2. The fixing plate 4 is used to sense and transmit the pressing force applied to the pressing part 1. The tactile feedback vibrator 3 can drive two or more buttons, thereby reducing the volume of the module and occupying less space.

[0043] Preferably, the rigid connection between the pressure sensor 2 and the tactile feedback vibrator 3 can be a direct connection or an indirect connection. Among them, the method of connecting the pressure sensor 2 and the tactile feedback vibrator 3 with the fixing plate 4 belongs to the indirect rigid connection.

[0044] In this embodiment, the fixing piece 4 is a spring piece, which is made of any material selected from silicone, foam and plastic. Any material will have a corresponding strain and can be reset after a force is applied to the surface.

[0045] In this embodiment, the elastic body 5 is a metal or non-metal spring, or a sensor made of any one of silicone, foam and plastic. The material parameters of the elastic body 5 can be adjusted to adapt to different motors or systems.

[0046] In this embodiment, the pressure sensor 2 is a piezoresistive, piezoelectric, or pressure-capacitive sensor that senses pressing force through strain.

[0047] Optionally, the pressure sensor 2 can detect changes in resistance, voltage, capacitance, etc. Examples include piezoresistive, piezoelectric, and piezoresistive sensors. Their common characteristics are that they are capable of responding to small deformations of less than 20 μm, and one or more pressure thresholds can be pre-set in the system.

[0048] In this embodiment, the haptic feedback system 100 also includes a touch module for detecting gestures. This helps prevent misoperations, such as triggering caused by changes in pressure due to external forces such as drops and squeezes. Even without the touch module, the included pressure sensor 2 module can still be used to detect gestures, such as sliding and multi-level pressure.

[0049] In this embodiment, the tactile feedback vibrator 3 is a vibration motor or a magnetic actuator.

[0050] In this embodiment, the vibration direction of the tactile feedback vibrator 3 is perpendicular to the pressing direction of the pressing portion 1, the elastic body 5 is arranged perpendicular to the fixing plate 4, and the two ends of the elastic body 5 are respectively fixed to the middle frame 22; the peripheral side of the button body 11 is fixed to the position between the two ends of the elastic body 5. When the vibration direction of the tactile feedback vibrator 3 is perpendicular to the pressing direction of the pressing portion 1, the vibration of the vibration motor has less impact on the pressure sensor 2. Through signal debugging, the motor driver outputs different electrical signals to meet different application requirements, and the pressure sensor driver receives the signal of the pressure sensor 2 through pressure sensing and recognizes the gesture through processing.

[0051] In this embodiment, the vibration direction of the tactile feedback vibrator 3 is parallel to the pressing direction of the pressing part 1, the elastomer 5 is arranged parallel to the fixing plate 4, the two ends of the elastomer 5 are respectively fixed to the middle frame 22, and the peripheral side of the button body 11 is fixed to the position between the two ends of the elastomer 5. The vibration direction of the tactile feedback vibrator 3 is parallel to the pressing direction of the pressing part 1, and some design of the fixing plate 4 is required to prevent the vibration motor from transmitting strain to the sensor when vibrating. Through signal debugging, the vibration motor drive outputs different electrical signals to meet different application requirements, receives the signal of the pressure sensor 2 through pressure sensing drive, and recognizes gestures through processing.

[0052] Compared with the prior art, in the tactile feedback system of the present invention, a through hole is provided on the middle frame of the terminal device, and at least one pressing part is arranged in the through hole and partially exposed to the middle frame; a pressure sensor is fixed on the inner side of the pressing part, and the pressure sensor corresponds to the pressing part one-to-one, and the pressure sensor is used to collect the pressure parameters of the pressing part; the tactile feedback vibrator is used to perform corresponding vibration feedback drive according to the pressure parameters collected by the pressure sensor; the tactile feedback vibrator, the pressure sensor and the pressing part are rigidly connected to form an integrated module, which reduces the volume of the module and can be used for various virtual key effect simulation devices that require local feedback. The module can be installed on electronic devices such as mobile phones, PADs, remote controls, and car computers, and can meet the tactile feedback needs of various application scenarios; the integrated module and the middle frame are flexibly connected by an elastomer, and the deformation direction of the elastomer is consistent with the vibration direction of the tactile feedback vibrator, so that the tactile feedback experience effect is good.

[0053] The above description is only an embodiment of the present invention. It should be pointed out that those skilled in the art can make improvements without departing from the creative concept of the present invention, but these improvements all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A haptic feedback system is applied to a terminal device. The terminal device includes a middle frame, and the middle frame is provided with a through hole penetrating therethrough. Characterized in that, The haptic feedback system includes: A pressing part, at least one pressing part is included, and the pressing part is arranged in the through hole and partially exposed outside the middle frame; A pressure sensor, the pressure sensor is fixed inside the pressing part, and the pressure sensor corresponds to the pressing part one by one. The pressure sensor is used to collect the pressure parameters generated after the pressing part is pressed; and, A haptic feedback vibrator, the haptic feedback vibrator is used to perform corresponding vibration feedback driving according to the pressure parameters collected by the pressure sensor; the haptic feedback vibrator, the pressure sensor and the pressing part are rigidly connected to form an integrated module, and the integrated module is flexibly connected to the middle frame through an elastic body, and the deformation direction of the elastic body is consistent with the vibration direction of the haptic feedback vibrator.

2. The haptic feedback system according to claim 1, Characterized in that, The pressing part includes a key body and at least one key cap protruding from the key body. The key body is arranged inside the middle frame, and the key cap is arranged in the through hole. One pressure sensor is correspondingly arranged on one side of each key cap close to the haptic feedback vibrator; the key body can generate strain and reset after being pressed.

3. The haptic feedback system according to claim 2, Characterized in that, The pressing part further includes a clearance groove recessed from one side of the key body close to the haptic feedback vibrator, and the pressure sensor is fixed in the clearance groove; The haptic feedback system further includes a fixing piece. One side of the fixing piece close to the key body is fixed to the key body and covers the pressure sensor in the clearance groove, and the haptic feedback vibrator is fixed to the side of the fixing piece away from the pressure sensor.

4. The haptic feedback system according to claim 3, Characterized in that, The fixing piece is a spring piece, and the spring piece is made of any one of silicone, foam and plastic.

5. The haptic feedback system according to claim 1, Characterized in that, The elastic body is a spring piece made of metal or non-metal, or a flexible body made of any one of silicone, rubber and foam.

6. The haptic feedback system according to claim 1, Characterized in that, The pressure sensor is any one of piezoresistive, piezoelectric and piezocapacitive sensors that sense the pressing force through strain.

7. The haptic feedback system according to claim 1, Characterized in that, The haptic feedback system further includes a touch module, and the touch module is used to detect gesture operations.

8. The haptic feedback system according to claim 3, Characterized in that, The vibration direction of the haptic feedback vibrator is perpendicular to the pressing direction of pressing the pressing part. The elastic body is perpendicular to the fixing piece, and both ends of the elastic body are respectively fixed to the middle frame; the periphery of the key body is fixed at a position between both ends of the elastic body.

9. The tactile feedback system according to claim 3, wherein, the vibration direction of the tactile feedback vibrator is parallel to the pressing direction of pressing the pressing part, the elastic body is arranged parallel to the fixing piece, both ends of the elastic body are respectively fixed to the middle frame, and the periphery of the button body is fixed at a position between both ends of the elastic body.

10. The tactile feedback system according to claim 1, wherein, the tactile feedback vibrator is a vibration motor or a magnetic attraction type actuator.

Images