Capacitive sensing key, device, moving distance detection method, and storage medium

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a key structure. Disclosed are a capacitive sensing key, a device, a moving distance detection method, and a storage medium. The capacitive sensing key in the present invention comprises: a base and a moving assembly. The moving assembly penetrates through the top surface of the base, and the moving assembly moves to and fro in a direction perpendicular to the top surface. The moving assembly comprises: a stem and a conductive medium having a position fixed relative to the stem. The base comprises: a first electrode plate and a plurality of second electrode plates, which are arranged opposite to the conductive medium, wherein the first electrode plate, the conductive medium, and the second electrode plates jointly form a capacitor, and when the stem moves to and fro, a capacitive signal generated by the capacitor changes accordingly. The distance of movement of the conductive medium can be calculated on the basis of the change condition of the capacitive signal. Since the position of the conductive medium and that of the stem are relatively fixed, the distance of movement of the stem can be determined by means of the distance of movement of the conductive medium.

Description

Capacitive touch buttons, devices, methods for detecting movement distance, and storage media

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application is based on and claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202410510224.0, filed on April 26, 2024, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The embodiments of the present invention relate to button structures, and particularly to capacitive sensing buttons, devices, methods for detecting movement distance, and storage media. Background Technology

[0004] In a conventional mechanical button, when not pressed, the raised part of the stem presses against the moving contact, separating it from the stationary contact, and the circuit is open. When the stem is pressed, the raised part separates from the moving contact, and the moving contact springs back and contacts the stationary contact, closing the circuit. The button's state is detected by checking the continuity of the circuit.

[0005] The inventors discovered at least the following problems with the related technology: conventional mechanical keyboards can only detect on / off states and cannot perform functions such as key travel adjustment. Furthermore, their lifespan is relatively short due to oxidation and wear of the contacts.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide a capacitive sensing button, device, movement distance detection method, and storage medium, enabling the button to achieve multi-state monitoring, and based on structural improvements, avoiding contact wear and increasing the button's lifespan.

[0008] To address the aforementioned technical problems, embodiments of the present invention provide a capacitive sensing button, comprising: a base and a motion component; the motion component extends through the top surface of the base and reciprocates perpendicular to the top surface; the motion component includes: a shaft and a conductive medium fixed relative to the shaft; the base includes: a first electrode plate and a plurality of second electrode plates disposed opposite to the conductive medium; wherein, the first electrode plate, the conductive medium, and the second electrode plates together form a capacitor, and the capacitance signal generated by the capacitor changes accordingly when the shaft reciprocates.

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention also provide an electronic device, including: a housing and a plurality of the above-described capacitive touch buttons disposed within the housing.

[0010] An embodiment of the present invention also provides a method for detecting the movement distance of a key, applied to the above-mentioned capacitive sensing key, the method comprising: detecting a capacitance signal generated by a capacitor; and determining the movement distance of the key based on the change of the capacitance signal.

[0011] Embodiments of the present invention also provide a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, which, when executed by a processor, implements the above-described method for detecting the movement distance of a key.

[0012] Compared to related technologies, the embodiments of this invention involve a first electrode, a conductive medium, and a second electrode forming a capacitor in the button. As the shaft reciprocates, the capacitance signal generated by the capacitor changes. Based on this change in capacitance signal, the distance traveled by the conductive medium can be calculated. Since the conductive medium and the shaft are relatively fixed, the distance traveled by the conductive medium can determine the distance traveled by the shaft. Based on the accurate determination of the shaft's movement distance, arbitrary trigger travel and trigger time can be set on the button, providing users with different tactile experiences. Furthermore, multi-level triggering can be designed on a single button to enrich the tactile experience of that single button.

[0013] In addition, there are multiple second plates, and the first plate forms a capacitor with each of the second plates through a conductive medium. When the shaft moves back and forth, the moving distance of the shaft is determined according to the change of the capacitance signal corresponding to the multiple capacitors formed.

[0014] In addition, multiple second plates are on the same horizontal plane.

[0015] In addition, the first electrode plate and the plurality of second electrodes plate are all located on the same side of the conductive medium; or, the first electrode plate and the plurality of second electrodes plate are located on different sides of the conductive medium.

[0016] Alternatively, multiple second plates may be located on the same side of the conductive medium; or, multiple second plates may be located on different sides of the conductive medium.

[0017] In addition, the conductive medium is parallel to the opposite surface of the first electrode plate; and / or, the conductive medium is parallel to the opposite surface of the second electrode plate.

[0018] Alternatively, the conductive medium is fixed on the shaft core; or, the conductive medium is fixed on the connection structure between the shaft core and the base. Attached Figure Description

[0019] One or more embodiments are illustrated by way of example with reference numerals in the accompanying drawings. These illustrations do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments. Elements with the same reference numerals in the drawings are denoted as similar elements. Unless otherwise stated, the figures in the drawings are not to be limited by scale.

[0020] Figure 1 is an exploded view of a capacitive sensing key provided by the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a configuration of a first electrode plate and a second electrode plate according to the present invention;

[0022] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of another arrangement of the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate according to the present invention;

[0023] Figure 4 is a front view of the structure provided by the present invention when the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate are arranged in the same lateral direction;

[0024] Figure 5 is a left view of the structure provided by the present invention when the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate are arranged in the same lateral direction;

[0025] Figure 6 is a front view of the structure provided by the present invention when the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate are arranged in different lateral directions;

[0026] Figure 7 is a left view of the structure provided by the present invention when the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate are arranged in different lateral directions;

[0027] Figure 8 is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the first and second electrode plates provided by the present invention when they are disposed in different lateral directions.

[0028] Figure 9 is a top view of a structure provided by the present invention when the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate are arranged in different lateral directions;

[0029] Figure 10 is a front view of a structure provided by the present invention when the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate are arranged in different lateral directions;

[0030] Figure 11 is a top view of the structure provided by the present invention, in which the opposing surfaces of the first electrode plate and the conductive medium are not parallel.

[0031] Figure 12 is a top view of an irregularly shaped conductive dielectric structure provided according to the present invention;

[0032] Figure 13 is a top view of the irregularly shaped first electrode plate according to the present invention;

[0033] Figure 14 is a front view of the structure according to another embodiment of the present invention, in which the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate are arranged in different lateral directions;

[0034] Figure 15 is a left view of the structure according to another embodiment of the present invention, in which the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate are arranged in different lateral directions;

[0035] Figure 16 is an exploded view of another capacitive sensing key provided by the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0036] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, those skilled in the art will understand that many technical details have been presented in the various embodiments of the present invention to enable the reader to better understand this application. However, the technical solutions claimed in this application can be implemented even without these technical details and various changes and modifications based on the following embodiments.

[0037] The division of the following embodiments is for ease of description and should not constitute any limitation on the specific implementation of the present invention. The various embodiments can be combined with and referenced by each other without contradiction.

[0038] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a capacitive sensing button, as shown in FIG1. ​​The capacitive sensing button includes: a base 1 and a motion component 2; the motion component 2 penetrates the top surface of the base 1 and reciprocates perpendicular to the top surface; the motion component 2 includes: a core 21 and a conductive medium 22 fixed relative to the core 21; the base 1 includes: a first electrode plate 11 and a plurality of second electrode plates 12 disposed opposite to the conductive medium 22; wherein, the first electrode plate 11 forms a capacitor with the second electrode plates 12 through the conductive medium 22, and the capacitance signal generated by the capacitor changes accordingly when the core 21 reciprocates.

[0039] Specifically, as the user presses the button, the shaft core 21 moves downwards (vertically downwards as shown in the diagram). The area between the conductive medium 22 and the first electrode 11 and several second electrode plates 12 gradually increases with this movement. Due to the increased area, the capacitance signal generated by the capacitor formed by the first electrode 11 through the conductive medium 22 and the second electrode plates 12 gradually increases. This achieves a correspondence between the magnitude of the capacitance signal change and the magnitude of the displacement of the conductive medium 22.

[0040] When the button is not pressed, the conductive medium 22 can be located at the upper edge of both the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12. At this time, the conductive medium 22 and the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 do not have a directly opposite area. After the conductive medium 22 undergoes a displacement change, the directly opposite area of ​​the conductive medium 22 and the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 changes accordingly. Alternatively, when the button is not pressed, the conductive medium 22 overlaps with the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12, and as the conductive medium 22 moves, the directly opposite area of ​​the conductive medium 22 and the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 changes accordingly.

[0041] In addition, the conductive medium 22 is fixed on the shaft core, or the conductive medium is fixed on the connection structure between the shaft core and the base. This ensures that the moving distance of the conductive medium 22 is the same as the moving distance of the shaft core 21, or that the moving distance of the conductive medium 22 and the moving distance of the shaft core 21 have a fixed variation law, thereby ensuring that the moving distance of the shaft core 21 can be inferred from the determined displacement change of the conductive medium 22.

[0042] Compared to related technologies, the embodiments of this invention involve a first electrode, a conductive medium, and a second electrode forming a capacitor in the button. As the shaft reciprocates, the capacitance signal generated by the capacitor changes. Based on this change in capacitance signal, the distance traveled by the conductive medium can be calculated. Since the conductive medium and the shaft are relatively fixed, the distance traveled by the conductive medium can determine the distance traveled by the shaft. Based on the accurate determination of the shaft's movement distance, arbitrary trigger travel and trigger time can be set on the button, providing users with different tactile experiences. Furthermore, multi-level triggering can be designed on a single button to enrich the tactile experience of that single button.

[0043] In this invention, the arrangement of the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate can include a variety of different situations. For example, the number of the second electrode plates can be adjusted, as shown in Figures 2 and 3. The number of the second electrode plates 12 can be one, two, or even more.

[0044] The following example illustrates the placement of the first and second electrodes, using a configuration of two second electrodes:

[0045] In the first case, where the first electrode and the two second electrodes are all located on the same side of the conductive medium, and the second electrodes are all the same size and are trapezoidal, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the first electrode (Tx) sends an electrical signal, which forms two capacitors with the second electrodes (Rx1 and Rx2) through the conductive medium (the medium shown in the figure). The distance moved by the conductive medium can be calculated by detecting the capacitance change between Tx and Rx1, and the capacitance change between Tx and Rx2.

[0046] Furthermore, since the first and second plates form a capacitor through a conductive medium, the resulting capacitance actually comprises two parts: the first capacitance formed between the first plate and the conductive medium, and the second capacitance formed between the conductive medium and the second plate. As the shaft reciprocates, the capacitance signals of the first and second capacitors change accordingly. Therefore, to simplify calculations, the distance the conductive medium moves can be calculated using the changes in the first or second capacitance, thereby determining the distance the shaft moves. In practical applications, the first or second capacitance, which is easier to calculate, can be chosen as the calculation parameter based on the designed structure of the first plate, conductive medium, and second plate.

[0047] The following describes the implementation method using the first or second capacitor as a calculation parameter for the structure shown in Figures 4 and 5. For this structure, since the conductive medium moves with the shaft, it is best not to connect the conductive medium to the circuit. For this reason, it is necessary to obtain the capacitance signal of the first or second capacitor by analyzing the equivalent circuit of the capacitor formed between the first and second plates. The equivalent circuit of the first and second plates is as follows: the first plate (Tx) and the conductive medium form the first capacitor; the electrical signal sent by Tx is transmitted to the conductive medium through this first capacitor. One of the second plates (Rx1) and the other second plate (Rx2) form two second capacitors with the conductive medium, and the two second capacitors are connected in parallel; the conductive medium then transmits the received electrical signal from Tx to Rx1 and Rx2. For Rx1 and Rx2, the driving signals they receive are consistent, and the current flowing through their respective paths depends on their own capacitance. By detecting the current, the capacitance formed by Rx1, Rx2, and the conductive medium can be calculated. The capacitance C1 formed by the conductive medium and one of the second plates (Rx1) is... The capacitor C2 is formed by the conductive dielectric and another second plate (Rx2). In this diagram, the distance between the conductive medium and the first and second plates is d1, and the dielectric constant of air is ε1. L1, L2, and L3 are shown in Figures 4 and 5, where L1 is one bottom edge of the second plate, L2 is the other bottom edge of the second plate, L3 is the height of the first and second plates, and x is the distance the conductive medium moves. Since the dielectric constant of the conductive medium is very small, the change in capacitance signal generated under the conductive medium is negligible compared to the change in capacitance signal generated under air.

[0048] When calculating the distance *x* that the conductive medium moves, factors such as the error in the distance *d1* between the capacitor plates and the medium, and the change in the dielectric constant, are considered. Using the formulas for C1 and C2 mentioned above, an expression that does not include *d1* and *ε1* can be constructed. For example, (C1-C2) / (C1+C2) is an expression that does not include the plate spacing *d1* and the dielectric constant *ε1*. Since L1, L2, and L3 are known in the above expression, and C1 and C2 can be detected by the chip, they are also known values. Therefore, the constructed expression is a linear relationship with respect to x. This construction method greatly facilitates subsequent signal processing. Through this method of processing capacitor signals, errors in the electrode spacing d1 caused by assembly and temperature issues can be eliminated, as can errors in the dielectric constant ε1 caused by temperature and humidity, ensuring the accuracy of calculating the distance x that the conductive medium moves.

[0049] In the second scenario, the first electrode and the two second electrodes are positioned on opposite sides of the conductive medium. The second electrodes are all trapezoidal in size, as shown in Figures 6 to 8. The distance between the first electrode and the conductive medium is d1, and the distance between the second electrode and the conductive medium is d2. The dielectric constant of air is ε1. L1, L2, and L3 are shown in Figures 6 to 8, where L1 is one base of the second electrode, L2 is the other base, and L3 is the height of the first and second electrodes. x represents the distance the conductive medium moves. Based on the same principle described above, the distance x of the conductive medium's movement can be obtained by calculating the capacitance formed between the first and second electrodes, or by calculating the change in the first capacitance formed between the first electrode and the conductive medium, or by calculating the change in the second capacitance formed between the conductive medium and the second electrode. These details will not be elaborated further here.

[0050] Besides the aforementioned arrangement where the first and second plates are on opposite sides, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, the first and second plates can also be positioned on opposite sides. The shape of the conductive medium (the medium shown in the figures) varies depending on the positions of the first and second plates. For example, when the first and second plates are on opposite sides, as shown in Figure 8, the conductive medium 22 can be designed as a double-plate structure, with the two plates connected by a metal rod. This design ensures that the conductive medium 22 has opposing surfaces with the first plate 11 and the second plate 12, simplifying the subsequent capacitance signal processing flow. Furthermore, the small gaps between the first and second plates and the conductive medium ensure that there are no other structural influences besides air affecting the capacitance signal, guaranteeing the accuracy of the final processing result and avoiding errors. In addition, when the first electrode and the second electrode are on different sides that are not opposite each other, as shown in Figure 9, the conductive medium is configured to be bent at a certain angle, and the bending angle of the conductive medium is related to the relative position of the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0051] In addition, the opposing surfaces of the conductive medium and the first electrode can be parallel to each other or form any angle, as shown in Figures 11 and 12. Similarly, the opposing surfaces of the conductive medium and the second electrode can be parallel to each other or set at any angle. No angle restriction is imposed here.

[0052] In addition, as shown in Figure 13, the first and second plates can be planar or curved. The shape of the plates can be rectangular, trapezoidal, or irregular. Similarly, the conductive medium can also be shaped differently depending on the internal structure of the button and the positions of the first and second plates. There are no restrictions on the shape of the plates and the conductive medium.

[0053] In addition, the dimensional relationship between the first and second plates and the conductive medium can be designed such that the length of the conductive medium is greater than the length of any plate, or as shown in Figures 14 and 15, the length of the plates is greater than the length of the conductive medium. The dimensional relationship between the conductive medium, the first plate, and the second plate is adaptively designed based on the size and shape of the button. It is only necessary to ensure that the relative position change between the conductive medium and the first and second plates during the movement of the conductive medium can change the resulting capacitance signal.

[0054] Furthermore, when the dimensions of the plates change, as shown in Figures 14 and 15, the distance between the first and second plates is d1, the thickness of the conductive medium is d2, and the dielectric constant of air is ε1; L1, L2, L3, and θ4 are shown in Figures 14 and 15, where θ1 is the height of the second plate, L2 is the length of the second plate, L3 is the spacing between the two second plates, L4 is the length of the conductive medium, and x is the distance the conductive medium moves. In this case, constructing an expression based on the capacitance expression that does not include d1 and ε1 is relatively difficult. Therefore, we can choose to construct an expression that is independent of the x to be calculated and only related to the unknown d1. We can first calculate the value of d1, and then substitute d1 into the capacitance expression to obtain the distance x that the conductive medium moves.

[0055] Compared to related technologies, the button is equipped with at least two second plates, thereby forming at least two capacitors. The calculation of the two capacitors can eliminate the influence of the error caused by the distance between the plates. This error may be caused by the manufacturing and assembly of parts, or by objective factors such as temperature. The method of forming at least two capacitors by the first plate and at least two second plates can make the final calculated shaft movement distance more accurate.

[0056] In addition, as shown in Figure 16, in the capacitive sensing button, the base 1 is assembled from the upper cover 13 and the base 14. The upper cover 13 and the base 14 are interlocked to form a receiving space. The first electrode plate 11 and the second electrode plate 12 are disposed inside the receiving space, and the conductive medium 22 moves into the receiving space through the opening provided on the upper cover 13.

[0057] In addition to the above structure, as shown in Figure 16, the capacitive touch button also includes a spring 15 within its housing. The spring abuts against the bottom of the spindle, and during the pressing and moving of the spindle, the spring 15 is gradually compressed. After releasing the spindle, the spindle moves upward under the force of the spring and returns to its unpressed position.

[0058] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to an electronic device, comprising: a housing and a plurality of the above-described capacitive touch buttons disposed within the housing.

[0059] Compared with related technologies, the electronic device provided in this embodiment of the present invention is equipped with the capacitive sensing button provided in the aforementioned embodiments. Therefore, it also has the same technical effects as those provided in the aforementioned embodiments, and will not be described in detail here.

[0060] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for detecting the movement distance of a key, applied to the above-mentioned capacitive sensing key, the method comprising: detecting a capacitance signal generated by the capacitor; and determining the movement distance of the key based on the change of the capacitance signal.

[0061] The movement distance of the button is determined based on the changes in the capacitance signal, which is described in detail in the above embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0062] The steps of the various methods described above are only for clarity. In practice, they can be combined into one step or some steps can be split into multiple steps. As long as they include the same logical relationship, they are all within the protection scope of this invention. Adding insignificant modifications or introducing insignificant designs to the algorithm or process, without changing the core design of the algorithm and process, are also within the protection scope of this invention.

[0063] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program. When the computer program is executed by a processor, it implements the method embodiments described above.

[0064] That is, those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the steps in the methods of the above embodiments can be implemented by a program instructing related hardware. This program is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a device (which may be a microcontroller, chip, etc.) or processor to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as a USB flash drive, a portable hard drive, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.

[0065] Those skilled in the art will understand that the above embodiments are specific embodiments for implementing the present invention, and in practical applications, various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A capacitive touch button, comprising: Base and motion components; The motion component extends through the top surface of the base, and the motion component reciprocates perpendicular to the top surface; The motion component includes: a shaft core and a conductive medium that is fixed relative to the position of the shaft core; The base includes a first electrode plate and a plurality of second electrode plates disposed opposite to the conductive medium; wherein the first electrode plate, the conductive medium, and the second electrode plates together form a capacitor, and the capacitance signal generated by the capacitor changes accordingly when the shaft reciprocates.

2. The capacitive sensing button according to claim 1, wherein, There are multiple second electrode plates, and the first electrode plate forms a capacitor with each of the second electrode plates through the conductive medium; When the shaft reciprocates, the moving distance of the shaft is determined based on the changes in the capacitance signals corresponding to the multiple capacitors formed.

3. The capacitive sensing button according to claim 2, wherein, Multiple second electrode plates are on the same horizontal plane.

4. The capacitive sensing button according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The first electrode plate and the plurality of second electrode plates are all located on the same side of the conductive medium; Alternatively, the first electrode plate and a plurality of second electrodes plate are located at different lateral positions of the conductive medium.

5. The capacitive sensing button according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The plurality of second electrode plates are located on the same side of the conductive medium; or, the plurality of second electrode plates are located on different sides of the conductive medium.

6. The capacitive sensing button according to claim 1, wherein, The conductive medium is parallel to the opposite surface of the first electrode plate; and / or, the conductive medium is parallel to the opposite surface of the second electrode plate.

7. The capacitive sensing button according to claim 1, wherein, The conductive medium is fixed on the shaft core; or, the conductive medium is fixed on the connection structure between the shaft core and the base.

8. An electronic device, comprising: The housing and a plurality of capacitive touch buttons as described in any one of claims 1 to 7 disposed within the housing.

9. A method for detecting the movement distance of a key, applied to a capacitive sensing key as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, the method comprising: Detect the capacitance signal generated by the capacitor; The movement distance of the button is determined based on the changes in the capacitance signal.

10. A computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the key movement distance detection method of claim 9.

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