CN105119592A - Electronic device and input module thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention discloses an input module for an electronic device, which comprises a key and a touch sensing unit. The touch sensing unit comprises a substrate, a conductive part and a sensing circuit, wherein the conductive part can be extended and protruded on the substrate. The conductive part is provided with a connecting end and a sensing end, wherein the connecting end is electrically connected to the sensing circuit, and the sensing end can move relative to the substrate and is coupled with the key to sense the contact on the key.

Description

Electronic device and its input module

This application is a divisional application of an invention patent application with a filing date of November 30, 2007, an application number of 200710196234.8, and an invention title of "electronic device and its input module".

technical field

The invention relates to an input module of an electronic device, in particular to an input module with a touch sensing unit.

Background technique

First please refer to FIG. 1A. US Patent Publication No. US2004/0077373A1 discloses a mobile phone 100, which includes an input module 110 and a display unit 120, wherein the input module 100 has a plurality of input buttons, and the user can press the input module 110 In addition to inputting data using the buttons on the input module 110 , you can also use your finger to slide on the input module 110 to input text data (as shown by the letter A in FIG. 1 ) through handwriting input.

1B, the aforementioned input module 110 mainly includes a circuit board 111, a plurality of metal dome (metaldome) switches 112, a flat capacitive sensing component 113, a rubber layer 114, a plurality of abutting portions 115 and a button layer 116. , wherein the capacitive sensing component 113 is connected to the rubber layer 114 and the button layer 116 , and the abutment portion 115 protrudes under the rubber layer 114 for pressing against the metal dome switch 112 on the circuit board 111 . As shown in the figure, the user can selectively press the button with the finger, or slide the finger on the button layer 116 to perform the function of inputting data.

Since the position of the finger must be sensed by the capacitive sensing component 113 when performing the handwriting input function, in order to make the capacitive sensing component 113 as close as possible to the finger, the traditional capacitive sensing component 113 must usually be adjacent to the key layer 116, Moreover, the thickness of the aforementioned button layer 116 is often limited to a certain extent. In addition, since the structure of the button layer 116, the capacitive sensing component 113 and the rubber layer 114 in the input module 110 is flat and close to each other, it is easy to cause difficulties for the operator when pressing the button, and the optimal Click feeling (clickfeeling).

Contents of the invention

An embodiment of the invention discloses an input module for an electronic device, including a key, a touch sensing unit, a circuit board, and a switch. The touch sensing unit has a substrate, a sensing circuit and a conductive part, wherein the sensing circuit is disposed on the substrate, and the conductive part protrudes from the substrate in an extensible manner. The aforementioned conductive part has a connecting end and a sensing end, the connecting end is electrically connected to the sensing circuit, the sensing end is movable relative to the substrate and coupled to the lower surface of the aforementioned key to sense the contact on the key. The button has an abutting portion passing through the conductive portion and the substrate. The circuit board is arranged under the substrate, and the switch is arranged on the circuit board and corresponds to the button, wherein when the button is pressed by an external force, the external force passes through the conductive part and the button through the contact part of the button The substrate is used to press against the switch so that the switch is turned on.

In one embodiment, the aforementioned input module further includes a circuit board and a switch, wherein the circuit board is disposed under the substrate, and the aforementioned switch is disposed on the circuit board, and corresponds to the aforementioned key, when the key is pressed by an external force, the aforementioned switch is activated. conduction.

In one embodiment, the aforementioned button has a contact portion passing through the conductive portion and the aforementioned substrate to press against the switch and turn on the switch.

In one embodiment, the aforementioned switch is a metal dome switch.

In one embodiment, the material of the aforementioned conductive portion is conductive rubber.

In one embodiment, the aforementioned conductive portion has a ㄇ-shaped cross section.

In one embodiment, the aforementioned input module further includes a switch disposed on the substrate and corresponding to the aforementioned key, wherein when the key is pressed by an external force, the switch is turned on.

In one embodiment, the aforementioned touch sensing unit further has at least one conductive part, and the conductive part forms a scissors-like support structure for pivotally connecting the substrate and the key.

In an embodiment, the aforementioned conductive portion is formed of a conductive polymer material.

In one embodiment, the aforementioned input module is a dial keyboard or a QWERTY keyboard.

In one embodiment, the aforementioned touch sensing unit is a capacitive touch sensing element.

An embodiment of the present invention also discloses an electronic device, including a display unit and an input module, wherein the input module is used for inputting data on the display unit. The aforementioned input module includes a button and a touch sensing unit, wherein the touch sensing unit has a substrate, a sensing circuit and a conductive part. In particular, the above-mentioned conductive part can protrude from the substrate, and the conductive part has a connecting end and a sensing end, wherein the connecting end is electrically connected to the sensing circuit, and the sensing end can move relative to the substrate and couple to the aforementioned The lower surface of the key used to sense the touch on the key.

An embodiment of the invention also discloses an input module for an electronic device, including a touch element with a touch surface and a touch sensing unit. The aforementioned touch sensing unit is disposed under the touch surface, and mainly includes a sensing circuit and a conductive part. The aforementioned conductive part has a connecting end and a sensing end, the connecting end is electrically connected to the sensing circuit, and the sensing end extends from the connecting end toward the touch surface and is coupled under the touch surface for sensing the touch surface contact on.

In order to make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of the present invention more comprehensible, preferred embodiments are specifically cited below and described in detail with accompanying drawings.

Description of drawings

Figure 1A shows a schematic diagram of a known mobile phone;

Figure 1B shows a schematic diagram of the input module in Figure 1A;

FIG. 2A shows a schematic diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2B represents the sectional view along the C1-C2 direction of Fig. 2A;

FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of an input module according to another embodiment of the present invention; and

Fig. 4 shows a schematic diagram of an input module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of reference signs

Key unit 30 input modules 110, 200, 300

Display unit 120, 400 electronic device 600

Circuit board 111, 201 switch 112, 202

Capacitive sensing component 113 rubber layer 114

Contact portion 115, 205 key cap layer 116

Circuit components 203, 31 conductive parts 204, 302

Keycap 206 substrate 2031, 311

Sensing circuit 2032, 312 first opening 2033

Second opening 2041 connection end 2042

Sensing end 2043 surface S1, S2, S3

Detailed ways

First, please refer to FIGS. 2A and 2B together, wherein FIG. 2B shows a cross-sectional view along C1 - C2 in FIG. 2A . As shown in Figure 2A, the electronic device 600 of one embodiment of the present invention is for example mobile phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), PDA mobile phone, and it has input module 200 and display unit 400, and wherein aforementioned input module 200 is for example dial keypad ( dialingkeypad) for inputting data on the display unit 400. 2B, the aforementioned input module 200 mainly includes a circuit board 201, a plurality of switches 202, a circuit assembly 203, a plurality of conductive parts 204, a plurality of columnar abutting parts 205 and a plurality of keys 206, and the aforementioned circuit assembly 203 consists of Composed of the substrate 2031 and the sensing circuit 2032, the conductive part 204 is electrically connected to the sensing circuit 2032, wherein the circuit component 203 and the conductive part 204 can form a touch sensing unit (such as a capacitive touch sensing component) , used to sense the contact of the touch surface 2061 above the button 206 .

Please continue to refer to FIG. 2B , the abutting portion 205 passes through the first opening 2033 on the circuit assembly 203 and the second opening 2041 on the conductive portion 204 . When the user presses the button 206 , the corresponding switch 202 on the circuit board 201 can be pressed against by the abutting portion 205 , so that the switch 202 can be turned on to achieve the purpose of inputting data. Wherein, the aforementioned switch 202 is, for example, a metal dome, and the aforementioned abutting portion 205 and the key 206 can also be manufactured in an integrated manner.

It should be noted that the conductive portion 204 protrudes above the substrate 2031 in an extensible manner, wherein the connection end 2042 of the conductive portion 204 is electrically connected to the sensing circuit 2032, and the sensing end 2043 of the conductive portion 204 is coupled to the button. 206 and can move relative to the base plate 2031 . In this embodiment, the conductive part 204 can be flexible conductive rubber, such as silicon rubber (Siliconrubber), and can also be formed by mixing conductive materials such as conductive powder with other polymer materials such as rubber materials. The present invention can accurately sense the finger on the touch surface 2061 above the button 206 by providing the protruding conductive portion 204 , so as to facilitate the user to perform functions such as touch input or touch control.

Since the conductive portion 204 protrudes from the upper surface S1 of the sensing circuit 2032 and extends toward the button 206, an appropriate distance can be separated between the button 206 and the circuit assembly 203 to increase the clickstroke, compared with the traditional one. The input module can greatly improve the tactile feel when hitting the keys. In this embodiment, when the user's finger slides on the touch surface 2061 above the button 206, not only the position of the finger can be sensed through the conductive part 204, but also when the user presses the button 206, it is flexible. The conductive part 204 will be deformed by force and force the contact part 205 to touch the switch 202 below, so as to achieve the function of inputting data.

Referring to FIG. 3 , in another embodiment of the input module 200 , the aforementioned key 206 and the abutting portion 205 are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the conductor 204 . As shown in Figure 3, the conductor 204 has a ㄇ-shaped cross-section and does not need to be provided with openings, wherein the aforementioned columnar abutting portion 205 and the conductor 204 can be made in one piece, thereby simplifying the assembly process and reducing manufacturing costs. .

Referring to Fig. 4 again, the input module 300 of another embodiment of the present invention is, for example, a QWERTY keyboard used in a notebook computer or a personal computer, which mainly includes a circuit assembly 31 and a plurality of key units 30, each of the key units 30 Including a button 301 and two conductive parts 302, the aforementioned conductive parts 302 are paired to form a scissors-like support structure, wherein the connecting end below the conductive part 302 is pivotally connected to the circuit assembly 31, and the sensing terminal above the conductive part 302 is pivotally connected Corresponding button 301. However, in other embodiments, the aforementioned scissor-shaped support structure may also be composed of the conductive part 302 and the non-conductive support. In addition, it should be noted that a plurality of switches (not shown) are provided on the substrate 311 of the circuit assembly 31, corresponding to the aforementioned key 301, when the key 301 is pressed by an external force, the switch is turned on to achieve input Purpose of Data.

As shown in FIG. 4 , the circuit component 31 and the conductive part 302 of this embodiment can form a touch sensing unit (such as a capacitive touch sensing component), wherein the circuit component 31 is composed of a substrate 311 and a sensing circuit 312 As a result, the conductive portion 302 is electrically connected to the sensing circuit 312 , and each conductive portion 302 protrudes from the upper surface S2 of the sensing circuit 312 so as to be connected to the corresponding key 301 . For example, the aforementioned conductive portion 302 can be a metal material, or a conductive material mixed with a polymer material. In this embodiment, the conductive part 302 can be formed by mixing conductive powder with polymer materials such as Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), Polycarbonate (Polycarbonate; PC) or other plastic materials.

In this embodiment, a plurality of protruding conductive parts 302 are provided on the surface S2 of the circuit assembly 31, which can effectively sense the finger above the button 301, so as to facilitate the user to perform touch input or touch control through the button 301. Function. Wherein, since the conductive part 302 extends upwards from the circuit assembly 31 to the lower surface S3 of the key 301, an appropriate distance can be placed between the key 301 and the circuit assembly 31 to increase the knocking stroke, which can be greatly improved compared with traditional input modules. The tap tactile sensation when the user presses the button.

To sum up, the present invention provides an input module with both touch and key input functions. Users can not only use their fingers to slide on the keys to perform touch input or touch control, such as handwriting input, character input or mouse In addition, you can also enter data by pressing the button. By providing the protruding conductive part, the present invention can increase the knocking stroke of the key, and can greatly improve the user's touch and comfort when pressing the key, so it can be applied to input modules of various electronic devices.

Although the present invention is disclosed above with the foregoing preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art may make some changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention The scope of protection of the invention should be defined by the appended claims.

Claims (6)

1., for an input module for electronic installation, comprising:

Multiple button for inputting data by pressing, the plurality of key arrangement forms a matrix and does not contact mutually, and each button has upper surface and lower surface, and each button has abutting part, and abutting part is arranged on the center of button;

For being performed the touch sensing cell of touch-control input or touch-control control by touch-control, there is substrate, this substrate protrudes from the conductive part on this substrate with having the multiple extensions corresponding to the plurality of button, and the sensing circuit be arranged on this substrate, wherein this conductive part has link and sense terminals, this link is electrically connected described sense terminals to this sensing circuit, this sense terminals can move relative to this substrate and couple the described lower surface of this button, described sense terminals senses the contact of the object on the described upper surface of this button, this touch sensing cell slides to perform handwriting input on multiple button via described sense terminals object sensing, character input or mouse function, described abutting part is through this sense terminals, this link, this sensing circuit and this substrate,

Circuit board, is arranged at the below of this substrate; And

Multiple switch, is arranged between this circuit board and this substrate, and corresponds to this button and this abutting part,

Wherein when this button is by a pressed by external force, this button and this sense terminals move to this orientation substrate relative to this substrate, this abutting part moves to this switch direction relative to this switch, external force is by the abutting part of button, through this conductive part and this substrate, and contact by this abutting part and compress this switch, make this switch switched on and input data via this circuit board.

2. input module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the material of this conductive part is conductive rubber.

3. input module as claimed in claim 1, wherein this touch sensing cell is capacitance type touch control sensing assembly.

4., for an input module for electronic installation, comprising:

Multiple button for inputting data by pressing, the plurality of key arrangement forms a matrix and does not contact mutually, and each button has upper surface and lower surface, and each button has abutting part, and abutting part is arranged on the center of button;

For being performed the touch sensing cell of touch-control input or touch-control control by touch-control, there is substrate, what correspond to the plurality of button extendably protrudes from the conductive part on this substrate and the scissor-shaped supporting construction formed by multiple, and the sensing circuit be arranged on this substrate, wherein this conductive part has link and sense terminals, this link is electrically connected this sense terminals to this sensing circuit, this sense terminals can move relative to this substrate and couple the described lower surface of this button, described sense terminals senses the contact of the object on the described upper surface of this button, this touch sensing cell slides to perform handwriting input on multiple button via described sense terminals object sensing, character input or mouse function,

Multiple switch, is arranged on this substrate, and corresponds to the plurality of button, and wherein when this button is by a pressed by external force, this switch is switched on.

5. an electronic installation, comprising:

Display unit;

Input module, in order to input data on this display unit, this input module comprises:

Multiple button for inputting data by pressing, the plurality of key arrangement forms a matrix and does not contact mutually, and each button has upper surface and lower surface, and each button has abutting part, and abutting part is arranged on the center of button;

For being performed the touch sensing cell of touch-control input or touch-control control by touch-control, there is substrate, this substrate protrudes from the conductive part on this substrate with having the multiple extensions corresponding to the plurality of button, and the sensing circuit be arranged on this substrate, wherein this conductive part has link and sense terminals, this link is electrically connected described sense terminals to this sensing circuit, this sense terminals can move relative to this substrate and couple the described lower surface of this button, described sense terminals senses the contact of the object on the described upper surface of this button, should, this touch sensing cell slides to perform handwriting input on multiple button via described sense terminals object sensing, character input or mouse function, described abutting part is through this sense terminals, this link, this sensing circuit and this substrate, circuit board, is arranged at the below of this substrate, and

Multiple switch, is arranged between this circuit board and this substrate, and corresponds to this button and this abutting part,

Wherein when this button is by a pressed by external force, this button and this sense terminals move to this orientation substrate relative to this substrate, this abutting part moves to this switch direction relative to this switch, external force is by the abutting part of button, through this conductive part and this substrate, and contact by this abutting part and compress this switch, make this switch conduction and input data via this circuit board.

6. electronic installation as claimed in claim 5, wherein this conductive part is shaping by conducting polymer composite.