WO2023284622A1

WO2023284622A1 - Button module and electronic device

Info

Publication number: WO2023284622A1
Application number: PCT/CN2022/104381
Authority: WO
Inventors: 段俊杰
Original assignee: 维沃移动通信有限公司
Priority date: 2021-07-14
Filing date: 2022-07-07
Publication date: 2023-01-19
Also published as: CN113539722A; CN113539722B

Abstract

A button module and an electronic device, relating to the technical field of buttons. The button module comprises: a button support (1), a recess (2) being formed in the button support (1); a button body (3), part of the button body (3) extending into the recess (2); a deformable cantilever plate (4), the cantilever plate (4) being provided in the recess (2), a first gap (200) being formed between the cantilever plate and the bottom of the recess (2), and a second gap (100) being formed between the cantilever plate and the button body (3), wherein the cantilever plate (4) has one end fixed to the recess (2), and the other end abutting against the part of the button body (3) extending into the recess (2); and a measurement structure connected to the cantilever plate (4). When an external force acts on the button body (3), the button body (3) drives the cantilever plate (4) to deform between the first gap (200) and/or the second gap (100), and the measurement structure is triggered to measure the deformation quantity of the cantilever plate (4).

Description

Button module and electronic equipment

Cross References to Related Applications

This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202110794569.X filed in China on July 14, 2021, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

technical field

The present application relates to the technical field of keys, in particular to a key module and electronic equipment.

Background technique

In smart phones, buttons are used as a necessary interactive input method. With the development of mobile phones, the buttons in related technologies are mainly side buttons. And flexible printed circuit board (Flexible Printed Circuit, FPC) transmits the pressing signal to the system, and its realization function is generally power switch, volume adjustment, etc., and the corresponding operation method is also relatively simple, generally click and press.

Contents of the invention

The purpose of the embodiments of the present application is to provide a button module and electronic equipment, which can solve the problem in the related art that the buttons on the electronic equipment have a single operation mode due to their hardware design.

In order to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the application is implemented as follows:

In the first aspect, the embodiment of the present application provides a button module, including:

A key bracket, the key bracket has a groove;

a key body, a part of the key body extends into the groove;

A deformable cantilever plate, the cantilever plate is arranged in the groove, there is a first gap between it and the bottom of the groove, and there is a second gap between it and the key body, wherein the One end of the cantilever plate is fixed to the groove, and the other end of the cantilever plate abuts against the part of the button body extending into the groove;

A detection structure connected to the cantilever plate;

When an external force acts on the key body, the key body drives the cantilever plate to deform between the first gap and/or the second gap, triggering the detection structure to detect the shape of the cantilever plate. variable.

In the second aspect, the embodiment of the present application further provides an electronic device, including: the button module as described in the first aspect.

In the embodiment of the present application, through the key bracket having a groove, part of the key body extends into the groove; the deformable cantilever plate is arranged in the groove, and there is a first gap between it and the bottom of the groove , there is a second gap between the key body, wherein, one end of the cantilever plate is fixed to the groove, and the other end abuts against the part of the key body extending into the groove; the detection structure is connected with the cantilever plate; when an external force acts on the key When pressing, the button body drives the cantilever plate to deform between the first gap and/or the second gap, triggering the detection structure to detect the deformation of the cantilever plate, so that the button module can realize different ways The pressing input of the button module brings about the diversification of the operation mode of the button module, and also calls more functions for the subsequent application on the electronic device, and improves the user's operation experience.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 is one of the schematic structural diagrams of the button module provided by the embodiment of the present application;

Fig. 2 is the second structural schematic diagram of the button module provided by the embodiment of the present application;

Fig. 3 is the third structural schematic diagram of the button module provided by the embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 4 is the fourth structural schematic diagram of the button module provided by the embodiment of the present application.

detailed description

The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application with reference to the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present application, not all of them. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by persons of ordinary skill in the art without creative efforts fall within the protection scope of this application.

The terms "first", "second" and the like in the specification and claims of the present application are used to distinguish similar objects, and are not used to describe a specific sequence or sequence. It should be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments of the application can be practiced in sequences other than those illustrated or described herein, and that references to "first," "second," etc. distinguish Objects are generally of one type, and the number of objects is not limited. For example, there may be one or more first objects. In addition, "and/or" in the specification and claims means at least one of the connected objects, and the character "/" generally means that the related objects are an "or" relationship.

As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 4 , they are structural schematic diagrams of the button module provided by the embodiment of the present application. The button module includes: a button bracket 1, the button bracket 1 has a groove 2; a button body 3, a part of the button body 3 extends into the groove 2; a deformable cantilever plate 4, the cantilever The plate 4 is arranged in the groove 2, has a first gap 200 between it and the bottom of the groove 2, and has a second gap 100 between it and the button body 3, wherein the cantilever plate 4 One end is fixed to the groove 2 , and the other end of the cantilever plate 4 abuts against the part of the button body 3 extending into the groove 2 ; the detection structure is connected to the cantilever plate 4 .

When an external force acts on the key body 3, the key body 3 drives the cantilever plate 4 to deform between the first gap 200 and/or the second gap 100, triggering the detection structure to detect the Describe the deformation of the cantilever plate 4.

Here, when the user presses the key body 3 , the pressing force is transmitted to the cantilever plate 4 through the key body 3 , causing the cantilever plate 4 to undergo bow deformation, and the detection structure connected to the cantilever plate 4 can detect the deformation of the cantilever plate 4 . Since the deformation of the cantilever plate 4 is positively correlated with the pressing force, the pressing force can be detected by detecting the signal of the structure, and then the corresponding function is invoked according to the pressing force, for example, lightly pressing (the pressing force is less than the preset threshold value) realizes the adjustment of the screen. On and off, press again (the pressure is greater than the preset threshold) to quickly open WeChat, etc. Continuous pressing input can be used for stepless adjustment, for example, zooming photos according to pressing pressure, or controlling the speed of a car in a racing game according to pressing pressure.

It should be noted that, through the above structure of the button module, the button module can realize different ways of pressing input, which brings about the diversification of the operation mode of the button module, and also can call more buttons for subsequent application on electronic equipment. functions to improve user experience.

In addition, the button module can realize continuous pressure-sensitive input, that is, realize delicate stepless continuous operation. Compared with the switch input of the pot button in the related art, the operation is more delicate and smooth. The pressing input is realized by detecting the deformation of the cantilever plate 4. Compared with the mechanical deformation of the dome button in the related art, the service life is longer, and, compared with the contact conduction of the dome button in the related art, Electrical waterproof performance is better.

Optionally, the button body 3 is connected to a part of the first surface of the cantilever board 4 by pressing.

It should be noted that the first surface of the cantilever board 4 is the surface of the cantilever board 4 facing the key body 3 . Here, the pressing connection between the button body 3 and a part of the first surface of the cantilever board 4 is, on the one hand, to realize the transmission of the pressing force when the user presses the button body 3; Another part of the first surface of the cantilever board 4 that is press-connected is used to form a second gap 100 with the key body 3 to provide space for the cantilever board 4 to deform.

Specifically, the surface of the button body 3 facing the cantilever plate 4 is formed with a stepped surface, the first stepped surface 5 is connected to the first surface by pressing, and the second stepped surface 6 forms the first surface with the first surface. The second gap 100 .

As an optional implementation, the key body 3 includes: a keycap 31 and a support bracket 32; wherein, the support bracket 32 is disposed under the keycap 31, and the support bracket 32 extends into the recess The part inside the groove 2 abuts against the other end of the cantilever plate 4 .

Specifically, the keycap 31 can be bonded to the support bracket 32 by glue. One end of the part of the support bracket 32 extending into the groove 2 is bonded to the other end of the cantilever plate 4 by glue, and the other end of the support bracket 32 is suspended.

Specifically, the surface of the support bracket 32 facing the cantilever plate 4 is formed with the stepped surface, the first stepped surface 5 is connected to the first surface by pressing, and the second stepped surface 6 and the first surface form the said first surface. The second gap 100 .

Optionally, one end of the cantilever plate 4 fixed to the groove 2 is welded to the key bracket 1, that is to say, one end of the cantilever plate 4 fixed to the groove 2 is welded to the key bracket 1 by a welding process, and the other end of the cantilever plate 4 One end is left floating.

It should be noted that the suspended end of the cantilever plate 4 and the suspended end of the support bracket 32 are not on the same side, the purpose is to ensure the balance of the pressing stroke.

Optionally, the bottom surface of the groove 2 is formed with a stepped surface, the third stepped surface 7 is connected with the second surface of the cantilever plate 4 opposite to the first surface, and the fourth stepped surface 8 is connected with the The second surface forms the first gap 200 .

In other words, a first limit step (formed by the third stepped surface 7 and the fourth stepped surface 8) is provided between the bottom of the groove 2 and the first inner side wall of the groove 2, and the cantilever plate 4 is fixed to the groove 2 The second surface corresponding to one end is connected with the first limiting step by pressure.

It should be noted that the keycap 31 , the support bracket 32 , the cantilever plate 4 and the key bracket 1 belong to structural parts, which are manufactured by CNC machining or moulding.

As an optional implementation, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, the detection structure includes: a strain gauge 9 and a circuit substrate 10, wherein the strain gauge 9 is arranged on the circuit substrate 10, and is connected to the The cantilever plate 4 is connected.

Optionally, a part of the strain gauge 9 and the circuit substrate 10 is located in the first gap 200 or the second gap 100 .

As shown in FIG. 3 , the strain gauge 9 and a part of the circuit substrate 10 are located in the second gap 100, wherein the strain gauge 9 and the first surface of the cantilever plate 4 can be glued together and connected to the circuit by thermocompression welding. Substrate 10.

Optionally, the circuit substrate 10 is a flexible circuit board.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the strain gauge 9 and a part of the circuit substrate 10 are located in the first gap 200, wherein the strain gauge 9 and the second surface of the cantilever plate 4 can be bonded by glue and welded by thermocompression connected to the circuit board 10.

Optionally, the key support 1 is provided with a through hole, through which another part of the circuit substrate 10 passes out of the key support 1 .

It should be noted that the through hole can be provided on the bottom or side wall of the groove 2 of the key support 1 , which is not specifically limited here.

In addition, there may not be a through hole on the key bracket 1 , and an avoidance space is reserved in the groove 2 , so that another part of the circuit substrate 10 can be moved out of the key bracket 1 through the escape space.

As another optional implementation, as shown in FIG. 4, the strain gauge 9 includes a first strain gauge 11 and a second strain gauge 12, and the circuit substrate 10 includes a first circuit substrate 13 and a second circuit substrate 14. ; Wherein, the first strain gauge 11 is arranged on the first circuit substrate 13 and is connected to the cantilever plate 4, and a part of the first strain gauge 11 and the first circuit substrate 13 is located on the In the second gap 100, another part of the first circuit substrate 13 is located outside the key bracket 1; the second strain gauge 12 is arranged on the second circuit substrate 14 and connected to the cantilever plate 4, A part of the second strain gauge 12 and the second circuit substrate 14 is located in the first gap 200 , and another part of the second circuit substrate 14 is located outside the key holder 1 .

Specifically, the first strain gauge 11 is arranged on the first circuit substrate 13 and connected to the first surface of the cantilever plate 4; the second strain gauge 12 is arranged on the second circuit substrate 14 and connected to the second surface of the cantilever plate 4 connect.

It should be noted that, the way of making the other part of the first circuit substrate 13 outside the key support 1 and the way of making the other part of the second circuit substrate 14 outside the key support 1 can refer to the above implementation, that is, in the key support A through hole is opened at the bottom of the groove 2 of 1, or an escape space is reserved in the groove 2, which will not be repeated here.

Here, the strain gauges are respectively arranged on the first surface and the second surface of the cantilever plate 4 , which can improve the sensitivity and reduce the influence of unbalanced load on the pressure sensitivity accuracy.

In the button module of the embodiment of the present application, through the button bracket having a groove, the part of the button body extends into the groove; the deformable cantilever plate is arranged in the groove, and there is a gap between it and the bottom of the groove. The first gap has a second gap between the button body, wherein one end of the cantilever plate is fixed to the groove, and the other end abuts against the part of the button body extending into the groove; the detection structure is connected to the cantilever plate; when the external force When acting on the key body, the key body drives the cantilever plate to deform between the first gap and/or the second gap, triggering the detection structure to detect the deformation of the cantilever plate, so that the key module can The realization of pressing input in different ways brings about the diversification of the operation modes of the button module, and also enables more functions to be invoked for subsequent application on electronic devices, thereby improving the user's operating experience.

The embodiment of the present application also provides an electronic device, including the button module as described above, as shown in FIG. 1 .

Optionally, the electronic device in this embodiment of the present application further includes: a middle frame 15, the button module is embedded in the middle frame 15; wherein, the middle frame 15 is provided with an opening 16, and the button body passes through the The opening 16 is partially exposed outside the middle frame 15 .

Optionally, the electronic device in this embodiment of the present application further includes: a main board, and the detection structure is electrically connected to the main board.

It should be noted that the circuit substrate of the detection structure of the key module is connected to the main board, and the digital signal analysis system on the main board can calculate the deformation of the cantilever plate detected by the strain gauge, thereby measuring the pressing force of the user pressing the pressing module .

Applying the button module in the above embodiment to electronic equipment, since the part of the button body in the button module extends into the groove of the button bracket, the gap provided by the button bracket and the button body cantilever board and the connection with the cantilever board, detection The detection structure of the deformation of the cantilever plate enables the button module to realize different ways of pressing input, which brings about the diversification of the operation modes of the button module, which in turn enables more functions to be called on the electronic device and improves the user's operating experience .

The electronic device in this embodiment of the present application may be a mobile electronic device, or may be a non-mobile electronic device. Exemplary, the mobile electronic device can be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a notebook computer, a handheld computer, a vehicle electronic device, a wearable device, an ultra-mobile personal computer (Ultra-Mobile Personal Computer, UMPC), a netbook or a personal digital assistant (Personal Digital Assistant). Assistant, PDA), etc., non-mobile electronic equipment can be network attached storage (Network Attached Storage, NAS), personal computer (Personal Computer, PC), television (Television, TV), teller machine or self-service machine, etc., the embodiment of the present application Not specifically limited.

The embodiments of the present application have been described above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, but the present application is not limited to the above-mentioned specific implementations. The above-mentioned specific implementations are only illustrative and not restrictive. Those of ordinary skill in the art will Under the inspiration of this application, without departing from the purpose of this application and the scope of protection of the claims, many forms can also be made, all of which belong to the protection of this application.

Claims

A button module, comprising:

A key bracket, the key bracket has a groove;

a key body, a part of the key body extends into the groove;

A deformable cantilever plate, the cantilever plate is arranged in the groove, there is a first gap between it and the bottom of the groove, and there is a second gap between it and the key body, wherein the cantilever One end of the plate is fixed to the groove, and the other end of the cantilever plate abuts against the part of the button body extending into the groove;

A detection structure connected to the cantilever plate;

When an external force acts on the key body, the key body drives the cantilever plate to deform between the first gap and/or the second gap, triggering the detection structure to detect the shape of the cantilever plate. variable.
The button module according to claim 1, wherein the button body is connected with a part of the first surface of the cantilever board by pressing.
The button module according to claim 2, wherein a stepped surface is formed on the surface of the button body facing the cantilever plate, the first stepped surface is connected to the first surface by pressure, and the second stepped surface is connected to the cantilever plate. The second gap is formed between the first surfaces.
The button module according to claim 1, wherein the button body comprises: a keycap and a support bracket;

Wherein, the supporting bracket is arranged under the keycap, and the part of the supporting bracket extending into the groove abuts against the other end of the cantilever plate.
The button module according to claim 2, wherein the bottom surface of the groove is formed with a stepped surface, and the third stepped surface is connected to the second surface of the cantilever plate opposite to the first surface by pressure, The fourth stepped surface forms the first gap with the second surface.
The button module according to claim 1, wherein the detection structure comprises: a strain gauge and a circuit substrate, wherein the strain gauge is arranged on the circuit substrate and connected to the cantilever plate.
The button module according to claim 6, wherein the strain gauge and a part of the circuit substrate are located in the first gap or the second gap.
The button module according to claim 7, wherein the button bracket is provided with a through hole, and another part of the circuit substrate passes out of the button bracket through the through hole.
The button module according to claim 6, wherein the strain gauge comprises a first strain gauge and a second strain gauge, and the circuit substrate comprises a first circuit substrate and a second circuit substrate;

Wherein, the first strain gauge is arranged on the first circuit substrate and connected to the cantilever plate, the first strain gauge and a part of the first circuit substrate are located in the second gap, the Another part of the first circuit substrate is located outside the key bracket;

The second strain gauge is arranged on the second circuit substrate and connected to the cantilever plate, the second strain gauge and a part of the second circuit substrate are located in the first gap, and the second Another part of the circuit substrate is located outside the key bracket.
An electronic device, comprising the button module according to any one of claims 1 to 9.
The electronic device according to claim 10, further comprising:

a middle frame, the button module is embedded in the middle frame;

Wherein, the middle frame is provided with an opening, and the button body is partially exposed outside the middle frame through the opening.
The electronic device according to claim 10, further comprising:

A main board, the detection structure is electrically connected to the main board.