CN109661641A - Touch feedback control assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

Control assembly provides touch feedback to the user of the equipment of such as smart phone.Button includes shape memory alloy actuator, presses transverse shifting button relative to finger.Actuator can be programmed and be controlled to provide various haptic waveforms.Control assembly can be applied in combination with capacitance type sensor, and capacitance type sensor provides tactile feedback, and otherwise tactile feedback will not be presented in condenser type control.A series of haptic waveforms that Mechanical course cannot achieve are provided with the control assembly that Mechanical course is applied in combination.Control assembly can be used for smart phone, wearable device, keyboard and other portable electronic devices.

Description

Touch feedback control assembly

The present invention relates to a kind of control assemblies of user's operation for Electrical and Electronic product.Specifically, the present invention relates to And a kind of control assembly for the user's operation for providing a user touch feedback when operated.

There are many forms for the control (control) of user's operation on electronic product, such as button, switch, key are (on such as keyboard Key) or touch screen on highlighted region.These controls are used to provide input to electronic circuit or interact with electronic circuit, It is switched on or switched off circuit usually as switch or otherwise influences this circuit.Herein, term " smart control " It is considered referring to and the control assembly of any this user's operation of haptic effect is also provided other than input or handoff functionality.

Consumer-elcetronics devices given using different control designs user they successfully button interior establish The feedback of electrical contact.In the case where computer keyboard and smart phone control, most popular design is that " dome (dome) is opened Close " and " leaf spring (leaf spring) ".Accurate power distribution (profile) can carry out itself in the design during operation It adjusts, to meet the preference of target user, it is however noted that, the preference of different user might have very big difference.

There is the selection of a large amount of push-button designs and variant, to meet the difference preference of user.However, given push-button design is only Single response can be provided.It is, therefore, intended that given button selection will meet a certain number of users, but preference can be enabled not A big chunk client with experience is dissatisfied.

Computer keyboard button is usually only pressed next time to select specific character.However, in the feelings of smart phone button Under condition, button, which can be pressed quickly or be pinned, keeps one section of duration to access different functions.For example, In the case where " power supply " button, can quickly press the button so that display power off, or pin the button longer time with Power off whole mobile phone.Since smart phone button is using the derivative design similar with computer keyboard button, while it is desirable that holding The entirely different operation of row, but the touch feedback of Continued depression is identical with quick operating touch feedback.This is to violate (counterintuitive) of intuition, and therefore easily cause the worry and misunderstanding of user.

Conventional machinery button (such as dome switch and leaf spring switch) on many smart phone fronts is by condenser type Button replaces.In the art, button does not need prominent from equipment, and is zero to the force request for establishing electrical contact.This allows The smooth Machine Design of smart phone watchcase (casework), and if preventing the tired of user's multiple push button in a short time Labor.However, different from Machine Design, these products be entirely it is mechanical passively (passive), and therefore itself do not provide and appoint What Mechanical Touch feedback.

It is desirable that solving the above problems, or at least provide the alternative solution of currently used equipment.

According to the present invention, a kind of control assembly is provided comprising: the button being suspended in watchcase；And actuator, it should Actuator is arranged to by transmitting touch feedback relative to watchcase movable button.

Therefore, by include in control assembly for the actuator of movable button come solve mechanical button and condenser type by The current limitation of button, so as to form " intelligence " control.Actuator is to the movement of button by tactile (haptic) (sense of touch (tactile)) feedback passes to user, this is user by touching the effect perceived.This touch feedback can be for example, enhancing The mechanical response of standard mechanical button is distributed, or adds haptic effect to capacitive buttons.

With electronics miniaturization, this actuator needs to have very small size.For example, typical smart phone Button has space envelope, both in phone exteriors as typical button, also in the associated fixing piece of internal phone, electronics device Part and connection, typical big envelope size is about 15 × 4 × 1mm.It is fast moved in addition, actuator is required to transmitting.It is arrived in 2ms In the time of 10ms, movement requirement is estimated usually in 50um between 300um.In addition, actuator be required to transmit it is enough Power is sensed so as to easy by user.Required power will depend on the size and use-case scene of smart control, it is contemplated that in 200mN and Between several newton.Although standard electromagnetic actuators (EM motor or VCM) are available and are used in many applications, it is included in intelligent electricity Application in words, but they cannot achieve the smallest size or enough power.

Advantageously, actuator is marmem (SMA) actuator, preferably includes the SMA of at least one SMA wire Actuator.

The embodiment of the present invention is described in reference to the drawings in mode by way of non-limiting example now, in which:

Fig. 1 is the cross-sectional side view of button assembly；

Fig. 2 to Fig. 4 is the side view of the optional arrangement of the SMA actuator in button assembly；

Fig. 5 is the cross-sectional view of the form of the modification of button assembly；

Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 is the side view of the form of the modification of button assembly；

Fig. 8 is the perspective view of the form of the modification of button assembly；And

Fig. 9 to Figure 12 is the side view of the form of the modification of button assembly.

It is shown in FIG. 1 and arranges as follows as the exemplary button assembly 1 of control assembly.Herein, to button assembly 1 Different modifications be also described and button assembly 1 can be applied in any combination way.

Button assembly 1 includes the button 2 in the watchcase 3 for the electronic equipment for being suspended at such as mobile phone, and button 2 includes contact table Face 4, contact surface 4 are presented to the user by watchcase 3 to be pressed by the finger of user in pressing direction P.Button assembly 1 wraps Shell 5 is included, shell 5 is rigidly attached to watchcase 2 by fixing piece 6 or alternately through any other suitable device. Button 2 is suspended on mobile fixture 7 in shell 5, and mobile fixture 7 is prominent backward and is supported on shell 5, therefore As suspension system.Mobile fixture 7 is used as sliding bearing (although can optionally use other bearings), and to permit Perhaps button 2 is relative to 3 transverse shifting of watchcase, i.e., on the transverse direction L transverse to pressing direction P.In this example, transverse direction side To L perpendicular to pressing direction P, that is, it is parallel to contact surface 4, but this is not required, and generally transverse direction L can be opposite It is angularly offset from the pressing direction.

Although mobile fixture 7 in this example, as sliding bearing forms suspension, more generally, it can be with It is replaced in the desired manner relative to any suspension system of the movement of watchcase 3 by permission button 2, a for example, at least sliding axle Hold (plain bearing)；At least one ball bearing；Or at least one flex member (flexure).

Below button 2, button assembly 1 includes SMA wire 8, and SMA wire 8 forms SMA actuator.Using diameter less than 100 μm SMA wire 8 can obtain good performance.SMA wire 8 is connected to mobile fixed dress by (right hand end in Fig. 1) at one end It sets 7 and (left-hand end in Fig. 1) is connected to the static fixation device 9 formed on shell 5 and is connected at the other end Between button 2 and shell 5.Therefore, relative movement of the contraction activation button 2 of SMA wire 8 relative to watchcase 3.

Spring 12 is connected to that movement being connected to SMA wire 8 by (right hand end in Fig. 1) at one end and fixes The opposite mobile fixture 7 of device and at the other end (left-hand end in Fig. 1) be connected to shell 8 and be also attached to by Between button 2 and shell 5.Spring 12 is in compressive state, and accordingly acts as the elastic bias components against SMA wire 8, spring 12 Extend SMA wire 8 and movement of the button 2 on the direction opposite with SMA wire 8 is provided.Spring 12 can be by providing similar effect Any other elastic bias components replace, such as spring, elastic component or the flex member of stretching.

Button assembly 1 includes the driver IC (IC) 10 for being electrically connected to SMA wire 8.Driver IC 10 is to SMA wire 8 Electric signal is provided, which causes SMA wire 8 to heat and shrink, so as to cause button 2 first sensuously in transverse direction L Upper movement (towards left side in Fig. 1).When the power of electric signal is reduced or terminated after heating, SMA wire 8 is cooling and by spring 12 It stretches, in opposite sensuously movable button 2 (in Fig. 1 to the right).In this way, under the control of driver IC 9, SMA wire 8 is laterally moved forward and backward button 2.

Electric signal is selected such that the mobile transmitting touch feedback of button 2, use of the touch feedback for touch button 2 Family is appreciable., it is surprising that the transverse shifting of button 2 brings sense of touch to user, this can be perceived as resisting by The change of the resistance of the pressing of button 3, even if moving down for button is minimum.

For aesthetic reasons, it may be desirable to which the contact surface 4 of button 2 is flushed with watchcase 3, or prominent from watchcase.

Since button 3 needs transverse shifting, gap is needed between button 2 and watchcase 3.It this very little and is sealed It is fairly good, but can be considered ugly and dust and/or water is allowed to enter, therefore be undesirable.As can Feature is selected, button assembly 1 may include the sealing film 15 between button 2 and watchcase 3.Sealing film 15 can be filled or is covered on Gap between button 2 and watchcase 3.Sealing film 15 can be formed by any suitable flexible material, such as such as silicone resin Elastomer.Sealing film 15 can be labyrinth (labyrinth) film and is fully sealed with providing, while allow completely mobile.Preferably It is that sealing film 15 provides a user smooth surface, while being allowed for the transverse shifting of the button 2 of touch feedback.

Such as it is as follows, button 2 can be designed to enhance touch feedback.

The size and height of button 2 can be selected to provide optimal feel effect.For example, button 2 can protrude watchcase, Such as up to 1mm.

Contact surface 4 can have various shape.For example, contact surface 4 can be it is circular, and diameter be 7mm or More or it can be any other shape, such as oval, rectangular, rectangle or rod-shaped, but it is desirable at least one Side upwardly extends 5mm or more.

Contact surface 4 can be the texture of veining, such as: rough surface；The surface profiling (contoured)；In its model Enclose the texture of interior variation；One or more sharp edges on surface or at marginal surface；Fold (concertina) structure；Across One or more ridges (ridge) of some or all of button.

Alternatively, single SMA wire 8 can be by more in the form of some modifications of button assembly 1 for example below SMA wire 8 replaces.In this case, more SMA wires 8 may be oriented so that some SMA wires 8 are arranged in and other SMA The substantially different side of line 8 pulls up button 2, i.e. SMA wire 8 is opposite.In this arrangement, by heating different SMA wires 8 Or the combination of SMA wire 8, button 2 can move in a different direction.In such a case it is possible to spring 12 is not needed, because SMA wire 8 can be used for for button 2 being moved to any desired position.

Preferably, being connected electrically on the stationary part of button assembly 1 between SMA wire 8 and driver IC 10, that is, exist On static fixation device 9.This means that mobile electrical lead is not needed, to simplify product design and optimize operation reliably Property.This is by modification button assembly 1 to pass through the multiple even numbers crossing over the gap between button 2 and watchcase 3 and being electrically connected in series The arrangement of the SMA wire of section (length) is easiest to realize replacing single SMA wire 8.This section of SMA wire can be different The different piece of SMA wire or identical SMA wire.

Fig. 2 shows some examples for modifying button assembly 1 in this way into Fig. 4, and it illustrates be connected to movement (its of button assembly 1 for the sake of clarity, is omitted in the replacement of SMA wire 8 between fixed device 7 and static fixation device 9 Its component).

In the figure 2 example, two SMA wires 8 are connected between mobile fixture 7 and static fixation device 9, and every SMA wire provides one section of SMA wire.In this case, two SMA wires 8 are electrically connected at mobile fixture 7, so that this A little section SMA wires are electrically connected in series.

In the example of fig. 3, single SMA wire is all connected to static fixation device 7 at both ends, and is hooked in mobile solid Determine on the holding member (feature) 11 on device 7.Therefore, part of the SMA wire on the either side of holding member 11 is electric The section of the SMA wire of series connection.

Can have and more the section of SMA wire (such as four sections of SMA wires in total) is connected in series or in parallel.In the example of fig. 4, Four SMA wires 8 are connected between mobile fixture 7 and static fixation device 9, but are electrically connected in series.

The configuration of one or more SMA wire 8, quantity, length and diameter including them are selected as not only providing expectation Moving range, and device on resistance and the specification of driver IC 10 is made to match.For example, one or more SMA wire 8 is matched Set the power output that may be adapted to match driver IC 10.Driver IC 10 generally comprises control chip and feed-in one or more Power stage in root SMA wire 8.Pulsewidth modulation can be used to control the power in feed-in line in control chip.Pulse is with square wave Form output, and be amplified by power stage with heater wire.When the resistance of SMA wire 8 changes as it is heated, power Grade is configured as keeping constant voltage within the pulse duration.The resistance of SMA wire 8 is as it is heated and changes and can be with It being risen or fallen with line heating, this depends on the position of its resistance temperature curve, therefore, when SMA wire 8 is activated, from Power needed for power stage can change.

The configuration of one or more SMA wire 8 is selected as power needed for realizing the touch feedback to be detected by user, simultaneously It is maintained at out of power stage available power envelope.For example, thicker SMA wire 8 generates bigger power than relatively thin SMA wire 8, but It is that thicker SMA wire 8 has lower resistance and may need to be extended, such as by using mechanical parallel and is electrically coupled Two SMA wires 8 of arrangement.However, thicker SMA wire 8 has biggish quality, and because there is more lines to be heated, So the response time will will increase.According to the requirement of design, line length, the quantity of SMA wire 8 are advisably selected, no matter they are Series connection or parallel arrangement may be used to the power envelope for matching driver IC 10.

For example, calculation shows that, diameter be 25 μm four SMA wires 8 (wherein have two pairs of SMA wires 8 be connected in parallel and these To being connected in series) appropriate balance of power, power and action pane time requirement is provided, and deliver and typical drive The resistance of IC 10 compatible appropriate value.Similarly, two diameters provide power, power and behaviour for the line of 35 μm of series connection Make the appropriate balance of window time requirement and delivers the resistance of the appropriate value compatible with typical drive IC 10.

Button assembly 1 further includes the subsequent capacitance type sensor 20 of button 2.Capacitance type sensor 20 senses in a usual manner Pressing to button 2.In this example, capacitance type sensor 20 is fixed to shell 5, and is therefore located relative to watchcase 3 On static surface.As discussed above, this allows static electrical connection, provides benefit identical with SMA wire 8.Condenser type Sensor IC 21 is connected to capacitance type sensor 20, to detect the capacitor of capacitance type sensor 20, and thus obtain indicating to by The output signal of the pressing of button 2.

Capacitance type sensor IC 21 is connected to driver IC 10.When detecting the pressing to button 2, capacitive sensing Device IC 21 is communicated with driver IC 10.In response to this, driver IC 10 applies electrical signals to SMA wire 8 with movable button 8, To which haptic effect be passed at that time just in the user of touch button 2.

More generally, capacitance type sensor 20 can be replaced by any other sensor for sensing the pressing to button 2.Very To more generally, capacitance type sensor 20 can operate (such as cross by some other than pressing for sensing to button 2 To mobile or power) sensor replace.For example, capacitance type sensor 20 can opening by type usually used in mechanical button It closes and replaces or replaced by force-sensing sensor (such as piezoelectric transducer, resistance strain type sensor or other kinds of sensor).

However, using a benefit of capacitance type sensor 20 be do not need button 2 to the direction of watchcase 3 advance it is very big Distance (such as 0.5mm) activate.This means that button 2 does not need to protrude from watchcase, and allow button and major product Surface flushes, and to generate attracting mobile phone watchcase design.

Another benefit using capacitance type sensor 20 is that it needs small power, or does not need power.Which ensure that as behaviour When making button assembly 1, watchcase 3 will not be deformed or be shifted.This is in such as augmented reality or virtual reality glasses and earphone etc It is particularly suitable in the case where wearable device.

The available measurement result changed with environment temperature of driver IC 10.For example, measurement result can be from such as The temperature sensor of thermistor or thermocouple obtains.Optionally, measurement result can be from the electric signal for being supplied to SMA wire 8 Electrical characteristics obtain, for example, by measurement by the resistance of SMA wire 8 change a certain amount of required power or energy or resistance with Increased line temperature and the power for starting to reduce required energy.Accordingly, with respect to the environment temperature of the environment around button assembly 2 The information of degree can be directly measured or be inferred from the behavior of SMA wire 8.Driver IC 10 can according to measurement result come Change the electric signal for being supplied to SMA wire 8.In this manner, electric signal can be adjusted according to environment temperature.

The target of design is that SMA wire 8 is heated using minimum power capability, is changed from martensite to austenite phase with reaching Transition temperature.Power needed for reaching transition temperature depends on the difference between the temperature and transition temperature of SMA wire 8.If SMA Line 8 is activated recently, then therefore it is likely to be at temperature more higher than environment temperature, and uses model, which is based on ring Difference used in border temperature and recently actuating between power and the power lost since the actuating calculates required power (and therefore driving pulse duration).Power loss item will depend on the structure of SMA wire 8.When SMA wire 8 is defeated by power When entering to be heated, which is dissipated by the radiation transmission of the air passed through, but also by the machine for being attached to SMA wire 8 The heating of tool component (such as crimp (crimp)) and dissipate.Therefore the cooling rate of SMA wire 8 and the temperature of SMA wire 8 depend on In the design for the equipment that the configuration of SMA wire 8 is attached to it.

The benefit of button assembly 1 first is that can be by selecting the appropriate form of electric signal change haptic effect.Therefore, Haptic effect can have various haptic waveforms.This allows button assembly 1 to be adjusted to the preference of user and/or changes mobile divide Cloth and amplitude, the various designs for the waveform that duplication dome switch, leaf spring or conventional mechanical design cannot be transmitted.Preferred tactile Waveform can be pre-designed or can be it is variable, in this case, can by user select or adjust.Example Such as, multiple haptic waveforms can be stored in button assembly 1, and in this case, driver IC 10 can be arranged to mention Power supply signal, the electric signal is according to can one of store haptic waveform selected by user transmitting touch feedback.With the party Formula, haptic effect can be selected by user, such as on an electronic device, so that each electronic equipment can be provided as the inclined of user The unique users experience customized well.

The accurate control of haptic waveform can be controlled using resistance feedback by driver IC 10 and provide electric signal to control The haptic waveform of transmitting is realized.In this case, driver IC 10 obtains the measurement of the resistance to SMA wire 8, and using should Measurement is used as feedback signal, by resistance driving to the target value for following desired haptic waveform.In this case, resistance feedback control SMA material can be further maintained in safe machinery and temperature operating limit by system.

Optionally, haptic effect may include the duplicate haptic waveform after the single depression of button 2.With the party Formula can have multiple movements for single depression.This allows to provide a user improved feedback by haptic effect.For example, working as When pinning volume button to increased or decrease volume, haptic effect can be touchable pulse, with identify user have been pressed on by Button, and then when reaching maximum or minimal volume, it is waveform that another may be different.When user keeps electronic equipment On their ear or in their pocket and when cannot see that the screen for other feedbacks of the event, this will be It is particularly useful.In addition, when pressing power knob, single haptic waveform can be generated identify user have been pressed on by Button, and then if button is by Continued depression and mobile phone shutdown event will occur, another possible different waveform It can be generated.

Optionally, when button assembly is arranged to as toggle switch operation, feedback can be used for notifying user control Stir state.For example, short-press pressure realizes the tactile feedback for turning on and off, and generating the feeling for indicating that button is clicked.So And in extended pressing, button can lock, and provide the touch feedback of setting to indicate that locking has been implemented.To button Further short-press pressure will not be effective, and will not provide feedback；The second extended pressing is needed to carry out unblock button, again It provides and locks or unlocks waveform to indicate to the user that button is unlocked.

Haptic effect can also provide different or additional waveform to inform the user the state of mobile phone or specific application. It is low with notifying user equipment power or wait for the arrival of news for example, different or multiple pulses can be applied to power knob.Separately Outside, when button assembly 1 is for when controlling camera, then waveform to can be generated to notify that it is poly- that user images have been carried out in haptic effect Coke, such user can concentrate one's energy to the icon and notice on object rather than on screen.

It is expected that other use-cases can be generated, only limited by the number amount and type applied.

Button assembly 1 can be applied to any kind of electronic equipment, such as the electricity of any consumption with button and control Sub- product, especially mobile or hand-held device (such as smart phone, tablet computer and wearable device).In addition, button assembly 1 It can be applied to remote controler, stylus, earphone and headphone (headphone), especially in wireless product.

Button assembly 1 can be used for producing very thin computer keyboard, this will be very suitable for ultra-thin electricity on knee The unit equipment of brain and the tablet computer with detachable keyboard.

The form of the various modifications of button assembly 1 will now be described.Fig. 5 shows the form of modification into Figure 12, wherein For the sake of clarity, the modification component in button assembly 1 is illustrated only, other components are as described above.

Button assembly 1 may include two (or more) buttons 2, all be activated by identical actuator.In this case, Two buttons 2 can be formed by common component.The form of the modification of the button assembly 1 of the type is shown in Fig. 5, is shown Two buttons 2 being formed by public component 13.As a result, there are two contact surfaces 4 and two capacitance type sensors 30 to detect It is pressed.SMA wire 8 is connected to public component, and therefore transmits haptic effect in response to the pressing to either button 2.Cause For in typical usage scenario, primary operates a button 2, so user will not notice that two buttons 2 are caused together It is dynamic.

In the form of the modification for the button assembly being shown in FIG. 5, spring 12 by being connected to and SMA wire 8 at one end The identical mobile fixture 7 of the mobile fixture being connected to and be connected between button 2 and shell 5, this allow spring 12 It is longer than in Fig. 1.

In the example of button assembly 1 shown in FIG. 1, button 2 is moved up in the lateral detection L perpendicular to pressing direction P It is dynamic.This allow SMA wire be directed in the transverse direction, with allow button be designed to have elongated form factor (such as 1mm).It should be appreciated that such as such transverse shifting perceived as vertically moving similar or identical to more standard, and Suitable user experience will be transmitted.However, it is other design be it is possible, wherein SMA wire is oriented for mentioning in other directions For movement, such as from perpendicular to pressing direction P or in the transverse direction side that pressing direction P itself (i.e. perpendicular to contact surface 4) deviates To.

The form of the modification of button assembly 1 is shown into Fig. 8 in Fig. 6, and the movement on pressing direction is provided.

In the form of the modification for the button assembly 1 being shown in FIG. 6, SMA wire 8 is arranged forming V-shape, which is directed To provide movement of the button 2 on pressing direction P.Specifically, button 2 is provided with protrusion 31 on side behind.SMA wire 8 is at it Be attached at both ends watchcase 3 (optionally via the component for being attached to watchcase 3), and with V-arrangement pass through protrusion 31 be stretched ground cloth It sets.Therefore, the V-arrangement of SMA wire 8 is located at perpendicular in the plane of the contact surface 4 of button 2.

When actuating, SMA wire 8 is heated and is shunk, and is lifted up button 2 on pressing direction P.Can provide reset spring and Suspend (not shown).Movement can provide haptic effect for the user of push button 2.In addition, the SMA wire 8 of the arrangement can be used The resistance of SMA wire 8 is caused to change because the power that user applies will press down on button and elongate line in the finger of detection user, So that can be used for detecting the button press of user to the detection that resistance changes.

In the form of the modification for the button assembly 1 being shown in FIG. 7, there is the contact surface 4 inclined two relative to button 2 The inclined SMA wire 8 of root.Every SMA wire 8 extends across the width of button 2, is connected between button 2 and watchcase 2.With Fig. 6 phase Than this allows SMA wire 8 longer, provides bigger percussion (stroke).Two SMA wires 8 can operate on the contrary, i.e. a SMA Line 8 is heated, and another SMA wire 8 is cooling, so that every SMA wire 8 is for extending another SMA wire 8.This also improves frequencies Rate response.As above, suspension system can also be provided.

In the form of the modification for the button assembly 1 being shown in FIG. 8, SMA wire 8 is arranged forming V-shape, and SMA wire 8 is located at opposite In the inclined plane of contact surface 4 of button 2.Specifically, button 2 is overleaf provided with protrusion in the outer edge of button 2 51.In this example, button 2 has square shape, and protrusion 51 is at the turning of square shape 52.SMA wire 8 extends Across protrusion 51 and it is fixed to watchcase 3, so that the plane comprising SMA wire 8 is tilted relative to contact surface 4.

When activated, the contraction of line 8 and the mobile button 2 on there is the both vertically as well as horizontally direction of component.This can be with Provide a user improved haptic effect.In addition, the length of SMA wire 8 is longer compared with the other forms of above-mentioned button assembly, This can provide bigger percussion.Reset spring and suspension (not shown) can be provided.

In the form of the modification for the button assembly 1 being shown in FIG. 9, button assembly 1 includes being connected to the side of button 2 The hinge (hinge) 61 of watchcase 3.In this example, hinge 61 is simple pivot (pivot), but usually hinge 61 can be with It is any kind of.SMA wire 8 is attached to watchcase 3 at one end, and button 2 is attached at the other end.The contraction of SMA wire 8 Cause button 2 to rotate around hinge 61 and moves in a directionr.This can provide improved haptic effect.The lever of hinge 61 Effect is exaggerated the contraction of SMA wire 8, gives increased percussion.Reset spring and suspension (not shown) can be provided.

In the form of the modification for the button assembly 1 being shown in FIG. 10, button 2 is relative to the inclined cross of contact surface 4 It is moved on direction.The back surface 71 of button 2 is tilted relative to the contact surface 4 of button 2.Watchcase 3 includes recess portion 72, recess portion 72 The supporting surface 73 being inclined by with the back surface 71 for being similar to button 2.As the suspension system of button 2, button assembly 1 includes Two ball bearings 74 between the back surface 71 and supporting surface 72 of button 2.More generally, ball bearing 74 can be by appointing Any kind of bearing of what quantity replaces, such as a sliding bearing or ball bearing.SMA wire 8 is attached to table at one end Shell 3, and button 2 is attached at the other end.This allows when SMA wire 8 is shunk, and button 2 is in the back surface for being parallel to button 2 On 71 inclined direction, in the directioni move.

In the form of the modification of button assembly 1 shown in Figure 11 and Figure 12, SMA wire 8 is combined to provide with spring 121 The touch feedback of modification.In the known button with mechanical spring, when a user presses a button, spring is compressed, and so It rebounds afterwards in release, the feeling of (bump) is clicked or hit to user.The shape of the modification for the button assembly 1 being shown in FIG. 11 In formula, SMA wire 8 has changed the power distribution of this button.Then, user feels the mechanical impact generated by SMA wire 8 and certain Other senses of touch, these give more rich experience.

Specifically, button 2 is located in the recess portion 82 in watchcase 3.There is lesser recess portion 83 at the back side of button 2, and it is fixed to be used for Position spring 121, spring 121 is disc spring, and such spring 121 is stretched to the base of the recess portion 82 in watchcase 3 from the recess portion 83 in button 2 Portion.The optional suspension system (not shown) suspension by spring 121 and in addition of button 2, so that when user's push button 2 When, button 2 travels down in the recess portion 82 in watchcase 3 and compressed spring 121.When the pressure in user's release button 2, bullet Spring 121 returns to expansion, and provides haptic effect on the finger of user.In such button assembly 1, haptic effect usually may be used With by making button 2 come in be enhanced in mechanical part (such as protuberance (bump) or ridge (not shown)) uplink, to be mentioned to user For click-like feel.

In the form of the modification for the button assembly 1 being shown in FIG. 11, SMA wire has and configuration identical in Fig. 1.Scheming In the form of the modification of button assembly 1 shown in 12, there are two SMA wires 8, configures identical as in Fig. 7.One or more SMA wire 8 both may be used as the detector that detection button 2 has been pressed by the change of length, tension or resistance, can also be with Actuator as the sense of touch for providing a user haptic waveform and modification.One or more SMA wire 8 can imitate mechanical impact Feel.

Claims (39)

1. a kind of control assembly, comprising:

Button, the button are suspended above in watchcase；And

Actuator, the actuator are arranged to by transmitting touch feedback relative to the mobile button of the watchcase.

2. control assembly according to claim 1, wherein the actuator is shape memory alloy actuator.

3. control assembly according to claim 2, wherein the shape memory alloy actuator includes at least one shape Memory alloy wire.

4. control assembly according to claim 3, wherein the diameter of the shape memory alloy wire is less than 100 microns.

5. control assembly according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the shape memory alloy wire is arranged forming V-shape.

6. control assembly according to claim 5, wherein the shape memory alloy wire of the V-arrangement is located relative to described In the inclined plane of the contact surface of button.

7. control assembly according to claim 6, wherein at least one shape memory alloy wire includes relative to institute State inclined two shape memory alloy wires of contact surface of button.

8. the control assembly according to any one of claim 3 to 7, wherein at least one SMA wire includes crossing over institute State the section of the SMA wire of multiple quantity in the gap between button and the watchcase.

9. control assembly according to claim 8, wherein the multiple quantity is even number.

10. control assembly according to claim 8 or claim 9 further includes driver IC, the driver IC It is arranged to and provides electric signal to the actuator so that the button is mobile, wherein the quantity of the shape memory alloy wire, Length and diameter makes device on resistance and the specification of the driver IC match.

11. control assembly according to any one of claim 1 to 10 further includes driver IC, the driving Device integrated circuit, which is arranged to, provides electric signal to the actuator so that the button is mobile.

12. control assembly described in 0 or 11 according to claim 1, wherein driver IC is arranged to according to environment The measurement result of temperature change changes the electric signal.

13. control assembly according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein multiple haptic waveforms are stored in described In control assembly, and the driver IC is arranged to offer electric signal, and the electric signal is according to the touching stored Feel one of waveform to transmit touch feedback, the haptic waveform stored first is that can be selected by user.

14. control assembly described in any one of 0 to 11 according to claim 1, wherein the driver IC is arranged The electric signal is provided, at using resistance feedback to control to control the haptic waveform being passed.

15. control assembly according to claim 14, wherein the resistance feedback control also keeps the SMA material In the machinery and temperature operating limit of safety.

16. control assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator, which is arranged to transmitting, to be had The touch feedback of variable haptic waveform.

17. control assembly according to claim 16, wherein the haptic waveform is to may be selected by the user or adjustable Section.

18. control assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator be arranged in it is described by Transmitting after the single operation of button has the touch feedback for repeating haptic waveform.

19. control assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator is arranged to relative to flat The watchcase of the row in the contact surface of the button moves the button.

20. control assembly according to any one of the preceding claims further includes the operation for sensing the button Sensor.

21. control assembly according to claim 20, wherein the sensor is capacitance type sensor.

22. the control assembly according to claim 20 or 21, wherein it is static that the sensor is located relative to the watchcase Surface on.

23. control assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, including multiple buttons, the multiple each freedom of button Identical actuator activation.

24. control assembly according to claim 23, wherein described two buttons are formed by public component.

25. control assembly according to any one of the preceding claims further includes suspension system, the suspension system is by institute Button is stated to be suspended in the watchcase.

26. control assembly according to claim 25, wherein the suspension system includes: at least one sliding bearing；Extremely A few ball bearing；Or at least one flex member.

27. control assembly according to claim 25, wherein incline relative to the front of the button at the back side of the button Tiltedly, the shell includes similar inclined recess portion, and the suspension system includes the back side and the recess portion in the button Between at least one bearing.

28. control assembly according to claim 27, wherein the bearing includes at least one sliding bearing or ball axis It holds.

29. control assembly according to any one of the preceding claims further includes between the button and the watchcase Sealing film.

30. control assembly according to claim 29, wherein the sealing film is elastomer.

31. control assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the button has at least one direction The upper contact surface for extending 5mm or more.

32. control assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the static button is prominent from the watchcase Out.

33. the control assembly according to preceding claims, wherein the button has veining contact surface.

34. control assembly according to claim 33, wherein the veining contact surface includes: rough surface；Profiling Surface；The texture changed on the surface；One or more sharp edges；One or more ridges；Foldable structure.

35. control assembly according to any one of the preceding claims further includes that the side of the button is connected to institute State the hinge of watchcase.

36. control assembly according to any one of the preceding claims further includes mechanical spring.

37. control assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, is arranged to and is operated as toggle switch.

38. a kind of portable electronic device, equipped with control assembly according to any one of the preceding claims.

39. a kind of computer keyboard, wherein at least one key is control group according to any one of the preceding claims Part.