CN215527491U

CN215527491U - Key structure and electronic equipment

Info

Publication number: CN215527491U
Application number: CN202121418552.6U
Authority: CN
Inventors: 钟智丰
Original assignee: Anker Innovations Co Ltd
Current assignee: Anker Innovations Co Ltd
Priority date: 2021-06-24
Filing date: 2021-06-24
Publication date: 2022-01-14
Anticipated expiration: 2031-06-24

Abstract

The utility model discloses a key structure and electronic equipment, wherein the key structure comprises a base body and a key cap; the base body comprises a body part and an elastic arm, one end of the elastic arm is connected to the body part, and the elastic arm is spiral and has elasticity; the key cap is movably connected to the body part and can be switched between an initial position and a bias position different from the initial position; the elastic arm is abutted to the key cap and can apply a force towards the initial position to the key cap. According to the key structure of the utility model, after external force is applied to the key cap, the key cap can move from the initial position to the offset position to press the key switch, so that the key switch is switched on, and after the external force applied to the key cap is removed, the pressing cap can move from the offset position to the initial position under the action of the force of the elastic arm, so that the key switch is switched off, and the key cap can be kept at the initial position. The elastic arm does not increase the thickness of the body part of the base body additionally, so that the key structure is miniaturized and lightened.

Description

Key structure and electronic equipment

Technical Field

The utility model relates to the technical field of electronic equipment, in particular to a key structure and electronic equipment.

Background

With the rapid development of consumer electronics technology, digital electronic devices such as earphones, mobile power supplies, wireless chargers, and the like are widely favored by users. Miniaturization, and portability of electronic devices are therefore a trend of recent development.

This results in a more compact interior space for the product, and the reduction of the interior space places higher demands on the key requirements used by these electronic devices. In a limited space, the common key operation function is realized without losing hand feeling, and the assembly is economic and easy. However, the conventional key structure is not suitable for miniaturized electronic devices.

To this end, the present invention provides a key structure and an electronic device to at least partially solve the problems in the prior art.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

In the summary section a series of concepts in a simplified form is introduced, which will be described in further detail in the detailed description section. The inventive content of the present invention is not intended to define key features or essential features of the claimed solution, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed solution.

In order to at least partially solve the above-mentioned problems, according to a first aspect of the present invention, there is disclosed a key structure including:

a base including a body portion and an elastic arm, one end of the elastic arm being connected to the body portion, the elastic arm being spiral and having elasticity; and

a key cap movably connected to the body portion relative to the body portion and switchable between an initial position and a biased position different from the initial position,

wherein the resilient arm abuts against the key cap and is capable of exerting a force on the key cap towards the initial position.

According to the key structure of the utility model, after the external force is applied to the key cap, the key cap can move from the initial position to the offset position so as to press the key switch, so that the key switch is closed and switched on.

Through setting up elastic arm that has elasticity, the elastic arm can exert the power towards initial position to pressing the key cap, consequently after the external force that exerts on pressing the key cap is cancelled, presses the cap and can move to initial position from the biasing position under the effect of elastic arm's power for key switch breaks, and under the effect that does not have other external force, presses the key cap and can keep at initial position.

The key function can be realized only by matching the key cap with the elastic arm, so that the number of parts can be reduced, and the production cost can be reduced. In addition, the elastic arm does not increase the wall thickness of the base body additionally, so that the miniaturization and the lightness of the key structure are easy to realize.

Optionally, the resilient arm is in the form of a conical helix or a cylindrical helix.

According to this scheme, the elastic arm is circular cone heliciform or cylinder heliciform for the elastic arm has elasticity and can exert thrust to pressing the key cap, and the simple structure of elastic arm is convenient for make, can reduction in production cost.

The elastic arm in the conical spiral shape can realize that the whole thickness of the elastic arm is thinner, so that the thickness of the elastic arm in an assembly state is smaller than that of the body part, the thickness of the base body cannot be additionally increased by the elastic arm, and the miniaturization of the key structure is realized.

The elasticity of the elastic arm which extends in a cylindrical spiral shape is better, so that the resetting effect of the key cap is better.

Optionally, the elastic arm includes a connecting end connected to the body portion and a free end remote from the body portion, the free end protruding toward the key cap with respect to the connecting end, the free end abutting against the key cap.

According to this scheme, the free end of elastic arm is for the link to be protruding towards the button cap, therefore the free end of elastic arm can lean on the button cap to exert towards initial position's power to the button cap, so as to can move the button cap from the biasing position to initial position, thereby reset the button cap, and can keep the button cap at initial position.

Optionally, the elastic arm is provided with a first avoidance hole, the key cap is provided with a pressing portion, the pressing portion movably penetrates through the first avoidance hole and is used for pressing the key switch.

According to this scheme, through setting up the first hole of dodging, the first hole of dodging can supply to press the splenium to pass through to avoid pressing splenium and elastic arm interference, and the first hole of dodging can play spacing and the effect of direction to pressing the splenium, makes when switching according to the key cap between initial position and biasing position, presses the splenium to remove along the first extending direction of dodging the hole, in order to realize pressing key switch or keeping away from press the switch.

Optionally, the first avoiding hole is provided at the free end of the elastic arm, and the first avoiding hole is configured as a through hole corresponding to a cross-sectional shape of the pressing portion.

According to this scheme, first dodge the hole and correspond with the cross sectional shape who presses the splenium, consequently first dodge the hole and can further play spacing and guide effect to pressing the splenium for when pressing the key cap and switching between initial position and offset position, press the splenium and remove along the first extending direction who dodges the hole.

Optionally, the key cap is provided with at least one snap, and the key cap is connected to the base body by being snapped to the body portion by the snap.

According to this scheme, be provided with at least one buckle according to the button cap to can be connected to the base member according to the button cap, consequently the assembly process of button structure is simple, can improve assembly efficiency, reduction in production cost is convenient for realize large-scale production.

Optionally, the key cap includes a cap body, and the buckle and the pressing portion are disposed on the same side of the cap body and are respectively connected to the cap body.

According to this scheme, according to the simple structure of button cap to in manufacturing, can reduction in production cost, the buckle with press the splenium setting in the same one side of cap body, not only can reduce the whole thickness according to the button cap, make button structure miniaturized, can realize simultaneously when being connected to the base member according to the button cap, the buckle with press the splenium all to be located the inboard of cap body, make button structure comparatively pleasing to the eye.

Optionally, the button cap is provided with a plurality of the buckles, the plurality of the buckles are arranged at intervals, and/or

The pressing portion extends in a direction perpendicular to the cap body.

According to this scheme, through setting up a plurality of buckles, a plurality of buckles are spaced apart to be set up, can be so that press the connection between key cap and the base member comparatively firm to avoid pressing the local perk of key cap.

The pressing portion extends in a direction perpendicular to the key cap such that when the key cap (e.g., cap body) is moved from an initial position to a biased position by an external force, the pressing portion moves in a direction perpendicular to the cap body to press the key switch, thereby facilitating an operator to press the key cap.

Optionally, the body portion is provided with an inwardly recessed counter portion to which the connection end of the elastic arm is connected, and the cap body is provided to the counter portion and does not protrude from an outer surface of the body portion.

According to this scheme, through setting up heavy platform portion, the cap body sets up in heavy platform portion to the cap body does not bulge in the surface of this somatic part, and consequently the cap body can not additionally increase the wall thickness of base member, so as to realize the miniaturization of button structure, and make the outward appearance of button structure comparatively pleasing to the eye.

Optionally, the counter part is provided with a through hole, the resilient arm is provided to the through hole and is configured to extend helically around a central axis of the through hole, and/or

The counter sink portion is provided with a second avoidance hole, the number of the second avoidance holes is the same as the number of the buckles, and the buckles extend through the second avoidance holes.

According to this aspect, the elastic arm is provided in the through hole of the counter sink portion, so that the elastic arm does not additionally increase the wall thickness of the base body, so that miniaturization of the key structure can be achieved.

The holes are avoided through the second with the same number of the buckles, so that the buckles can pass through the holes, interference between the buckles and the sinking platform part is avoided, and the key caps are connected to the base body conveniently.

According to a second aspect of the utility model, an electronic device is disclosed, comprising a key structure according to any of the above first aspects.

According to the electronic equipment, after the external force is applied to the key cap, the key cap can move from the initial position to the offset position so as to press the key switch, and the key switch is closed and switched on.

Drawings

The following drawings of the utility model are included to provide a further understanding of the utility model. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the utility model and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the utility model.

In the drawings:

fig. 1 is a perspective view of a partial structure of an electronic device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in which a partial structure of a key structure and a key switch are shown;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a portion of the electronic device of FIG. 1, showing a portion of a key structure and a key switch;

FIG. 3 is another perspective view of a portion of the electronic device of FIG. 1, showing a portion of a key structure and a key switch;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of the substrate of the key structure of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of a key cap of the key structure of FIG. 1;

fig. 6 is a partial schematic structural diagram of the electronic device in fig. 1, in which a key switch is shown.

Description of reference numerals:

110: base body

111: body part

112: elastic arm

113: counter sink part

114: first avoidance hole

115: through hole

116: second avoiding hole

117: connecting end

118: free end

119: abutting surface

120: key cap

121: cap body

122: pressing part

123: buckle

124: identification part

130: push-button switch

140: circuit board

Detailed Description

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that embodiments of the utility model may be practiced without one or more of these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments of the utility model.

In the following description, a detailed structure will be presented for a thorough understanding of embodiments of the utility model. It is apparent that the implementation of the embodiments of the present invention is not limited to the specific details familiar to those skilled in the art. It should be noted that ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" are used in the utility model only for identification and do not have any other meanings, such as a specific order. Also, for example, the term "first component" does not itself imply the presence of "second component", and the term "second component" does not itself imply the presence of "first component". The terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right" and the like as used herein are for purposes of illustration only and are not limiting.

The utility model discloses a key structure and an electronic device with the same. The electronic device can be an earphone, a mobile power supply, a wireless charger, a wireless sound box and the like. It is to be understood that the electronic device may also be an electronic product known in the art.

The key structure according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to fig. 1 to 6.

As shown in fig. 1 and 2, the key structure mainly includes a base 110 and a key cap 120 connected to the base 110. As shown in fig. 3 and 6, the electronic apparatus further includes a circuit board 140 and a key switch 130 disposed on the circuit board 140. The key cap 120 is used to apply force to the key switch 130 such that the key switch 130 is turned on or off.

With continued reference to fig. 1 and 2, the substrate 110 may be a housing of an electronic device or any other suitable structure. The base 110 includes a body portion 111 and an elastic arm 112, and one end of the elastic arm 112 is connected to the body portion 111. The resilient arm 112 extends in a spiral. In the present embodiment, the elastic arm 112 extends in a conical spiral shape and has elasticity. The elastic arm 112 having a conical spiral shape can realize that the overall thickness of the elastic arm 112 is thinner, so that the thickness of the elastic arm 112 in an assembled state is smaller than that of the body portion 111, and therefore, the elastic arm 112 does not increase the wall thickness of the base 110 additionally, thereby realizing miniaturization of the key structure.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the structure of the elastic arm 112 is not limited to the embodiment, and the elastic arm 112 may have any other suitable structure as required. In an embodiment not shown, the resilient arm 112 extends in a cylindrical spiral.

Key cap 120 is movably connected to body portion 111 relative to body portion 111 and is switchable between an initial position and a biased position different from the initial position. When an external force is applied to key cap 120 (e.g., when pressed by an external force), key cap 120 can move from the initial position to the biased position to press key switch 130, so that key switch 130 is closed and turned on.

In the present embodiment, elastic arm 112 abuts against key cap 120, and can apply a force toward the initial position to key cap 120. Therefore, when the external force applied to the key cap 120 is removed, the key cap can be moved from the biased position to the initial position by the force of the elastic arm 112, so that the key switch 130 is turned off, and the key cap 120 can be maintained at the initial position without the external force. The key function can be realized only by matching the key cap 120 with the elastic arm 112, so that the number of parts can be reduced, and the production cost can be reduced. In addition, the elastic arm 112 does not increase the wall thickness of the base 110, so that miniaturization and lightness of the key structure are easily achieved.

As shown in fig. 2 to 4, the elastic arm 112 includes a connecting end 117 connected to the body portion 111 and a free end 118 remote from the body portion 111, the free end 118 projecting toward the key cap 120 with respect to the connecting end 117. Free end 118 abuts key cap 120 and applies a force to key cap 120 toward the initial position to enable key cap 120 to move from the biased position to the initial position, thereby resetting key cap 120 and enabling key cap 120 to be held in the initial position. As shown in fig. 5, the key cap 120 includes a cap body 121, a pressing portion 122, and at least one catch 123, and both the pressing portion 122 and the catch 123 are connected to the cap body 121. Preferably, the cap body 121, the pressing part 122 and the at least one catch 123 are integrally molded.

Specifically, the cap body 121 is generally configured as a circular plate-shaped structure. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the structure of the cap body 121 is not limited to the present embodiment, and the cap body 121 may be configured as a rectangular plate-shaped structure or any other suitably-shaped structure as necessary.

The outer side of the cap body 121 may be provided with a logo 124. In the present embodiment, the indicator 124 is a groove formed on the cap body 121, and the entire groove is configured as a pattern. It will be appreciated that the recess may also be configured as lettering, as desired. Those skilled in the art will understand that the structure of the mark part 124 is not limited to the embodiment, and the mark part 124 may also be a font and/or a pattern silk-screened on the outer side surface of the cap body 121 as required.

The free end 118 of the resilient arm 112 is provided with an abutment surface 119, the abutment surface 119 being adapted to abut and abut against the inner side of the cap body 121, and the abutment surface 119 being adapted to the shape of the inner side of the cap body 121. Preferably, the abutment face 119 is configured as a plane, and the inner side face of the cap body 121 is configured as a plane parallel to the abutment face 119. Therefore, the abutting surface 119 is attached to the inner side surface of the cap body 121, so that the key cap 120 can keep parallel to each other under stress.

Buckle 123 sets up in the same one side of cap body 121 with pressing portion 122, not only can reduce the whole thickness who presses key cap 120 for the button structure is miniaturized, can realize simultaneously when pressing key cap 120 to be connected to base member 110, buckle 123 all lies in cap body 121's inboard with pressing portion 122, makes the button structure comparatively pleasing to the eye. Those skilled in the art will understand that the arrangement positions of the buckle 123 and the pressing portion 122 are not limited to the present embodiment, and the buckle 123 and the pressing portion 122 may not be arranged on the same side of the cap body 121 as required.

The catch 123 and the pressing part 122 extend in a direction perpendicular to the cap body 121. Therefore, when the key cap 120 (e.g., the cap body 121) is moved from the initial position to the biased position by an external force, the pressing part 122 can be moved in a direction perpendicular to the cap body 121 to press the key switch 130, thereby facilitating an operator to press the key cap 120. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the extending direction of the catch 123 and the pressing part 122 is not limited to the present embodiment, and the catch 123 and the pressing part 122 may not extend in the direction perpendicular to the cap body 121 as needed.

The pressing part 122 is provided at the center of the cap body 121 and is configured in a cylindrical structure. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the structure and position of the pressing portion 122 are not limited to the present embodiment, and the pressing portion 122 may be disposed at other positions of the cap body 121 as needed, and the pressing portion 122 may be configured as a column structure with a square or rectangular cross section or any other suitable shape structure.

As shown in fig. 2 and 4, the elastic arm 112 is provided with a first avoiding hole 114, and the pressing portion 122 movably passes through the first avoiding hole 114 and is used for pressing the key switch 130. Therefore, the pressing portion 122 can be prevented from interfering with the elastic arm 112, and the first avoiding hole 114 can limit and guide the pressing portion 122, so that when the key cap 120 is switched between the initial position and the biased position, the pressing portion 122 moves along the extending direction of the first avoiding hole 114, so as to press the key switch 130 or keep away from the key switch 130.

Specifically, the first relief hole 114 is provided at the free end 118 of the elastic arm 112, and the first relief hole 114 is configured as a through hole corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the pressing portion 122. In the present embodiment, the first avoidance hole 114 is configured as a circular through hole, and the diameter of the first avoidance hole 114 is slightly larger than that of the pressing part 122.

Preferably, the key cap 120 includes a plurality of latches 123, and the plurality of latches 123 are spaced apart. For example, the plurality of catches may be disposed at equal angles along the circumferential direction of the cap body 121. Three snaps 123 are exemplarily shown in fig. 5, and the three snaps 123 are disposed at an outer circumference of the cap body 121 along a circumferential direction of the cap body 121 and are spaced apart from each other. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the number and arrangement positions of the snaps 123 are not limited to the present embodiment, and the number of the snaps 123 may be two, four, six, or any other suitable number, and the snaps 123 may also be arranged at regions of the cap body 121 other than the outer circumference, as required.

In the present embodiment, as shown in fig. 3, key cap 120 is connected to base 110 by being snapped to body portion 111 by snap 123. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the connection manner of key cap 120 and base 110 is not limited to the present embodiment. Keycap 120 can also be removably coupled to base 110 via other structures or components, as desired.

As shown in fig. 2 and 4, the body portion 111 is provided with a counter sink portion 113, and the counter sink portion 113 is configured to be recessed inward from an outer surface of the body portion 111. The shape of the counter sink portion 113 corresponds to the shape of the cap body 121 of the key cap 120. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the structure of the counter sink section 113 is not limited to the present embodiment.

In the present embodiment, the cap body 121 is disposed in the sunken section 113, and the cap body 121 does not protrude from the outer surface of the body section 111. Preferably, the outer surface of the cap body 121 is flush with the outer surface of the body portion 111. Therefore, the cap body 121 does not additionally increase the thickness of the base 110, so as to achieve miniaturization of the key structure and make the appearance of the key structure more beautiful.

As shown in fig. 4, the connection end 117 of the elastic arm 112 is connected to the counter sink portion 113. The center of the counter sink portion 113 is provided with a through hole 115, and the elastic arm 112 is disposed in the through hole 115 and configured to extend spirally around the center axis of the through hole 115. Therefore, the elastic arm 112 does not additionally increase the wall thickness of the base 110, so as to achieve miniaturization of the key structure.

The counter sink part 113 is provided with second avoidance holes 116, the number and positions of the second avoidance holes 116 are the same as those of the snaps 123, respectively, and the snaps 123 extend through the respective second avoidance holes 116 to avoid interference between the snaps 123 and the counter sink part 113. The shape of the second relief hole 116 is adapted to the shape of the catch 123 such that the catch 123 extends through the second relief hole 116.

When the key cap 120 is mounted, the snap 123 of the key cap 120 is first aligned with the second avoiding hole 116 on the counter sink portion 113, and then the key cap 120 is directly pressed to assemble the key cap 120 to the base 110. The key cap 120 is supported at an initial position by the abutting surface 119 of the free end 118 of the elastic arm 112, and the pressing portion 122 of the key cap 120 passes through the first relief hole 114 and contacts the key switch 130 or is spaced apart from the key switch 130 by a predetermined distance. In the present embodiment, since key cap 120 is attached from the outside of base body 110, it does not occupy the internal space of base body 110, and it is possible to reduce the size of the product by saving the area.

Because the elastic arm 112 is a spiral cantilever structure, when an external force is applied to the keycap 120, the elastic arm 112 is subjected to the external force, and the elastic arm 112 will deform to some extent. When the external force applied to the key cap 120 is removed, the elastic arm 112 rebounds to reset the key cap 120, so that the key cap 120 feels comfortable to operate. Because the whole spiral structure of the elastic arm 112 is stressed, only a small force is needed to press the key cap 120, so that the operation is convenient and comfortable, and the hand feeling is good.

Unless defined otherwise, technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the utility model. Terms such as "disposed" and the like, as used herein, may refer to one element being directly attached to another element or one element being attached to another element through intervening elements. Features described herein in one embodiment may be applied to another embodiment, either alone or in combination with other features, unless the feature is otherwise inapplicable or otherwise stated in the other embodiment.

The present invention has been described in terms of the above embodiments, but it should be understood that the above embodiments are for purposes of illustration and description only and are not intended to limit the utility model to the scope of the described embodiments. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many variations and modifications may be made to the teachings of the utility model, which fall within the scope of the utility model as claimed.

Claims

1. A key structure, comprising:

2. The key structure of claim 1,

the elastic arm is in a conical spiral shape or a cylindrical spiral shape.

3. The key structure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the elastic arm includes a connecting end connected to the body portion and a free end remote from the body portion, the free end projecting toward the key cap with respect to the connecting end, the free end abutting against the key cap.

4. The key structure according to claim 3, wherein the elastic arm is provided with a first avoiding hole, the key cap is provided with a pressing portion, and the pressing portion movably penetrates through the first avoiding hole and is used for pressing the key switch.

5. The key structure according to claim 4, wherein the first avoiding hole is provided at the free end of the elastic arm, and the first avoiding hole is configured as a through hole corresponding to a cross-sectional shape of the pressing portion.

6. The key structure according to claim 4, wherein the key cap is provided with at least one snap, by which the key cap is connected to the base body by being snapped to the body portion.

7. The key structure according to claim 6, wherein the key cap includes a cap body, and the catch and the pressing portion are provided on the same side of the cap body and are respectively connected to the cap body.

8. The key structure of claim 7,

the button cap is provided with a plurality of buckles which are arranged at intervals, and/or

The pressing portion extends in a direction perpendicular to the cap body.

9. The key structure according to claim 7, wherein the body portion is provided with a depressed stage portion depressed inward, the connection end of the elastic arm is connected to the depressed stage portion, and the cap body is provided to the depressed stage portion and does not protrude from an outer surface of the body portion.

10. The key structure of claim 9,

the counter portion is provided with a through hole, the elastic arm is provided to the through hole, and is configured to extend spirally around a central axis of the through hole, and/or

11. An electronic device, characterized in that it comprises a key structure according to any one of claims 1 to 10.