TWI666671B - Key structure - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a key structure, which includes a keycap, a trigger element, a scissors-type connection element having a convex portion, a switch circuit board, a support plate, and an elastic sheet structure. The elastic sheet structure is fixed on the support plate and is close to the convex portion. When the keycap is pressed, the scissors-type connection element is actuated to move the keycap to push against the trigger element, and the trigger element triggers the membrane switch circuit. On the other hand, the convex part pushes against the elastic sheet structure as the keycap moves, causing the elastic sheet structure to hit the support plate to generate a sound.

Description

Button structure

The invention relates to a button structure, and more particularly to a button structure using a scissors-type connection element.

Common computer peripheral input devices include a mouse, a keyboard, and a trackball. The keyboard can directly type text and symbols into the computer, so it is highly valued by users and input device manufacturers. Among them, a more common type is a keyboard containing scissors-type connection elements.

Next, the structure of the key structure in a keyboard including scissors-type connection elements will be described. Please refer to FIG. 1, which is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a conventional button structure. The conventional button structure 1 includes a keycap 11, a scissors-type connection element 12, an elastic rubber body 13, a membrane switch circuit 14, and a base plate 15, and the base plate 15 is used to carry the second keycap 11, the scissors-type connection element 12, and an elastic rubber body. 13 and the membrane switch circuit 14. The scissors-type connecting element 12 is used to connect the bottom plate 15 and the keycap 11.

The membrane switch circuit 14 has a plurality of key contacts (not shown in the figure). When the key contact is triggered, the corresponding key signal is output. The elastic rubber body 13 is disposed on the membrane switch circuit 14 and one elastic rubber body 13 corresponds to a key contact point. When the elastic rubber body 13 is pressed, the elastic rubber body 13 is deformed and the phase of the membrane switch circuit 14 is pressed. The corresponding key contact generates a key signal.

Scissor-type connecting elements 12 are located between the bottom plate 15 and the keycap 11 and are respectively Connect the two. The scissors-type connection element 12 includes a first frame 121 and a second frame 122. A first end of the first frame 121 is connected to the keycap 11, and a second end of the first frame 121 is connected to the bottom plate 15. The elastic rubber body 13 is surrounded by the scissors-type connection element 12. In addition, the first frame 121 includes a first keycap shaft post 1211 and a first bottom plate shaft post 1212. The first frame 121 is connected to the keycap 11 through a first keycap shaft post 1211, and is connected to the bottom plate 15 using a first bottom board shaft post 1212. The second frame 122 is combined with the first frame 121, and a first end of the second frame 122 is connected to the bottom plate 15, and a second end of the second frame 122 is connected to the keycap 11. The second frame 122 includes a second keycap shaft post 1221 and a second bottom plate shaft post 1222. The second frame 122 is connected to the keycap 11 through a second keycap shaft post 1221 thereof, and is connected to the bottom plate 15 by a second bottom board shaft post 1222.

Next, the operation of the conventional button structure 1 when the user presses it will be described. In FIG. 1, when the user presses the keycap 11, the keycap 11 is forced to move against the scissors-type connecting element 12 so that the keycap 11 can move downward relative to the bottom plate 15 and has a corresponding elasticity when pressed. Rubber body 13. At this time, the elastic rubber body 13 is deformed and the membrane switch circuit 14 is pressed to trigger the key contacts of the membrane switch circuit 14, so that the membrane switch circuit 14 outputs a corresponding key signal. When the user stops pressing the keycap 11, the keycap 11 no longer receives pressure and stops pressing the elastic rubber body 13, so that the elastic rubber body 13 returns to its original state due to its elasticity, and at the same time provides an upward elastic restoring force, the button The cap 11 is thus pushed back to the position before being pressed.

In addition to the aforementioned scissors-type keyboard, the conventional technology also includes a keyboard with a mechanical key structure. Please refer to FIG. 2, which is a structural explosion diagram of a conventional mechanical button structure. The conventional mechanical button structure 2 includes a keycap 21, a scissors-type connection element 22, a mechanical trigger switch 23, a circuit board 24, and a bottom plate 25. The bottom plate 25 can be connected to the keycap 21 through the scissors-type connection element 22. The circuit board 24 is disposed below the bottom plate 25 and can carry the trigger element 23 and is electrically connected to the trigger element 23. The trigger element 23 passes through the bottom plate 25 and the scissors-type connection element 22 and communicates with the trigger element 23. The keycap 21 is in contact. After the above elements are combined, each element of the key structure 2 is a keycap 21, a scissors-type connection element 22, a bottom plate 25, and a circuit board 24 in order from top to bottom, and a trigger element 23 is provided between the keycap 21 and the circuit board 24. between. Among them, the conventional mechanical button structure 2 replaces the elastic rubber body 13 and the membrane switch circuit 14 with a mechanical trigger switch 23.

Since the mechanical trigger switch 23 will emit a collision sound when it is triggered by the keycap 21, and it can give the user a feedback feeling of indeed touching the pressure, the mechanical trigger switch 23 is loved by some users. However, the conventional mechanical key structure 2 must be provided with a circuit board 24 that is thicker than the membrane switch circuit 14 in order for the mechanical trigger switch 23 to operate. In addition, the thickness of the mechanical trigger switch 23 is also larger than the thickness of the elastic rubber body 13. Therefore, the thickness of the conventional mechanical key structure 2 is larger than the thickness of the conventional key structure 1. In addition, since the inside of the mechanical trigger switch 23 includes a metal material and a plastic material, when the keycap 21 is pressed, the metal material and the plastic material inside collide, so that the conventional mechanical button structure 2 will give the user a stiff Touch feel.

Therefore, there is a need for a key structure that can give a feedback feeling and also has a good touch pressure feeling.

A first object of the present invention is to provide a key structure capable of giving a feedback feeling.

A second object of the present invention is to provide a key structure capable of giving a good touch-press feeling.

A third object of the present invention is to provide a light and thin key structure.

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a key structure including a key cap, a scissors-type connection element, an elastic sheet structure, and a support plate. The scissors-type connection element is connected to the keycap, and the scissors-type connection element has a protruding portion. The shrapnel structure is located in the button The key cap is below the key cap and is close to the protruding portion, and is used to be pushed up by the protruding portion and swing when the scissors-type connecting element swings. The support plate is disposed below the keycap and is connected to the scissors-type connection element. The support plate includes an opening and a contact wall. The opening penetrates the support plate for receiving a part of the elastic sheet structure, and the contact wall is formed by extending an upper surface of the support plate; wherein, when the keycap is pressed, the scissors-type connection element As the keycap moves and swings, the convex part pushes against the elastic sheet structure, and the elastic sheet structure swings and hits the contact wall to generate a sound.

In a preferred embodiment, the scissors-type connection element includes a first frame and a second frame, and the protruding portion is disposed on a side wall of the first frame; wherein the protruding portion is connected to the first frame and the first frame. One frame is integrated.

In a preferred embodiment, the elastic piece structure includes a body, an extension piece, a contact elastic piece, and an engaging portion. The extension piece is connected to the body and can swing relative to the body. The contact elastic piece is connected to the extension piece, and can drive the extension piece to swing relative to the body, and is used to be pushed by the convex part to drive the extension piece to swing, and hits the contact wall to generate a sound. The engaging portion is disposed on the body and is used to extend into the opening to fix the elastic sheet structure on the support plate.

In a preferred embodiment, the support plate further includes a stop portion formed by extending the upper surface of the support plate, and is located on one side of the opening, for communicating with the opening extending into the opening. The engaging portion contacts to prevent the elastic sheet structure from being separated from the support plate.

In short, the key structure of the present invention uses a traditional scissors-type connection element as the actuating element of the keycap, and uses a trigger element made of a soft material to trigger the membrane switch circuit, so it can provide users with a good touch feel. At the same time, since the thickness of the trigger element and the membrane switch circuit is smaller than the thickness of the mechanical trigger switch of the conventional mechanical key structure, the thickness of the key structure of the present invention is smaller and has a lighter and thinner appearance. In addition, in the key structure of the present invention, a convex portion is provided on the scissors-type connection element, and a fixed elastic piece structure is provided on the support plate. When using When the user presses the button cap, the convex part can push against the elastic sheet structure, causing the elastic sheet structure to hit the contact wall of the support plate, so as to emit a sound of touch pressure similar to the conventional mechanical key structure, so it can provide the user with a positive feedback. sense.

1. 3‧‧‧ button structure

2‧‧‧ mechanical key structure

11, 21, 31‧‧‧ keycaps

12, 22, 32‧‧‧Scissor-type connection elements

13‧‧‧elastic rubber body

14‧‧‧ Membrane Switch Circuit

15, 25‧‧‧ floor

23‧‧‧Mechanical trigger switch

24‧‧‧Circuit Board

33‧‧‧Trigger Element

34‧‧‧Switch circuit board

35‧‧‧ support plate

36‧‧‧ shrapnel structure

121, 321‧‧‧ First Frame

122, 322‧‧‧ Second Frame

351‧‧‧ opening

352‧‧‧ contact wall

353‧‧‧stop

354‧‧‧ floor hook

355‧‧‧ Upper surface of support plate

361‧‧‧ Ontology

362‧‧‧ extension

363‧‧‧contact shrapnel

364‧‧‧ Engagement Department

1211‧‧‧The first keycap shaft

1212‧‧‧The first floor shaft

1221‧‧‧Second keycap shaft

1222‧‧‧Second floor axle post

3211‧‧‧ bump

3212‧‧‧ Side wall of the first frame

FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional side view of a conventional button structure.

FIG. 2 is a structural explosion diagram of a conventional mechanical button structure.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a key structure of the present invention in a preferred embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a partial structural schematic view of the button structure of the present invention from another perspective in a preferred embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a schematic structural cross-sectional view of a combination of a support plate and an elastic sheet structure of a key structure of the present invention in a preferred embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the structure of a key structure of the present invention in a preferred embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a structure of a button structure of the present invention which is pressed in a preferred embodiment.

The invention provides a key structure that can give users a feedback feeling and a good touch and pressure feel, and can maintain a thin and light appearance to solve the conventional technical problems. Please refer to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 at the same time. FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the key structure of the present invention in a preferred embodiment, and FIG. 4 is a part of another aspect of the key structure of the present invention in a preferred embodiment. Schematic. The key structure 3 includes a key cap 31, a scissor-type connection element 32, a trigger element 33, a switch circuit board 34, a support plate 35, and a spring sheet structure 36, and the scissor-type connection element 32 is connected to the key cap 31 and the support plate 35, which can respond to The movement of the keycap 31 operates accordingly. The scissors-type connection element 32 includes a first frame 321 and a second frame 322. The first frame 321 is connected to the keycap 31. In addition, the first frame 321 has a protruding portion 3211, and the protruding portion 3211 is disposed on the sidewall 3212 of the first frame 321. The second frame 322 is connected to the first frame 321 and the keycap 31 respectively, and is swingable relative to the first frame 321. The keycap 31 includes a plurality of hooks (not shown), which can be connected to the first frame 321 and the second frame 322, respectively.

In this preferred embodiment, the protruding portion 3211 is integrally formed with the first frame 321, and the first frame 321 is made of a plastic material, which is for illustration purposes only, and is not limited thereto. In a preferred embodiment, the bump portion may also be disposed on the side wall of the first frame in a hot-melt manner or any combination manner, and the material of the bump portion is not limited to being made of a plastic material.

In FIGS. 3 and 4, the switch circuit board 34 is disposed on the support plate 35, and its function is to output a key signal corresponding to the key cap 31 in response to the movement of the key cap 31. The trigger element 33 is disposed between the keycap 31 and the switch circuit board 34. The trigger element 33 can be pushed by the movable keycap 31 to trigger the switch circuit board 34. In the preferred embodiment, the triggering element 33 is an elastic rubber body, and the switch circuit board 34 can be a membrane switch circuit.

Please refer to FIG. 3, FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 at the same time. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a structure in which a support plate and a spring sheet structure of a key structure of the present invention are combined in a preferred embodiment. The elastic piece structure 36 is located below the keycap 31 and is close to the convex portion 3211. When the scissors-type connecting element 32 is swung, the elastic piece structure 36 is pushed against the convex portion 3211 and swings. The support plate 35 is disposed below the keycap 31 and is connected to the scissors-type connecting element 32. The support plate 35 includes a plurality of openings 351, a contact wall 352, a plurality of stop portions 353, and a plurality of bottom plate hooks 354. A plurality of openings 351 respectively penetrate the support plate 35 to receive a part of the elastic sheet structure 36 therein, and the contact wall 352 is formed by extending from the upper surface 355 of the support plate 35. A plurality of stop portions 353 are also formed by extending from the upper surface 355 of the support plate 35. Each stop portion 353 corresponds to an opening 351, and the stop portion 353 is located on a side of the corresponding opening 351. The functions of the plurality of bottom plate hooks 354 are respectively connected to the first frame 321 and the second frame 322. In the preferred embodiment, the contact wall 352, the plurality of stop portions 353, and the plurality of bottom plate hooks 354 is made of plastic material and is integrally formed with the support plate 35.

In FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, the elastic piece structure 36 includes a main body 361, an extension piece 362, a contact elastic piece 363 and a plurality of engaging portions 364. The extension piece 362 is connected to the body 361 and can swing relative to the body 361. The contact spring piece 363 is connected to the extension piece 362 and can drive the extension piece 362 to swing relative to the body 361. When the contact spring piece 363 is pushed by the convex portion 3211, the extension piece 362 swings and hits the contact wall 352 of the support plate 35 to generate a sound . The plurality of engaging portions 364 are disposed on the main body 361 and extend outward from below the main body 361. Their function is to extend into the corresponding openings 351 to fix the elastic sheet structure 36 on the supporting plate 35.

In this preferred embodiment, the body 361, the extension piece 362, the contact spring piece 363, and the plurality of engaging portions 364 are made of a metal material, and are integrally formed with the spring piece structure 36.

Among them, a part of the structure of the extension piece 362 is a bent design to improve the metal elasticity of the elastic piece structure 36. On the other hand, a part of the structure that contacts the elastic piece 363 is also a bent design, so the metal elasticity of the elastic piece structure 36 can be improved. The situation where the elastic sheet structure 36 is fixed on the support plate 35 is shown in FIG. 5. As can be seen from FIG. 5, the plurality of engaging portions 364 respectively extend into the corresponding openings 351 and correspond to the corresponding stops. The portion 353 contacts to fix the elastic sheet structure 36 on the support plate 35. This can prevent the elastic sheet structure 36 from being separated from the support plate 35.

Please refer to FIG. 6, which is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a key structure of the present invention in a preferred embodiment. FIG. 6 shows the structure of the combined elements. As can be seen from FIG. 6, the elements of the key structure 3 are a keycap 31, a scissors-type connection element 32, a switch circuit board 34, and a support plate 35 in order from top to bottom. The trigger element 33 is disposed between the keycap 31 and the switch circuit board 34 and is surrounded by the scissors-type connection element 32, and the elastic sheet structure 36 is fixed in the plurality of openings 351 of the support plate 35 and passes through the switch circuit board 34. The contact elastic piece 363 of the elastic piece structure 36 is close to the convex portion 3211 of the first frame 321.

Next, the operation of each component when the button structure 3 of the present invention is pressed by a user will be described. Operation situation. Please refer to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 at the same time. FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the structure of the key structure of the present invention being pressed in a preferred embodiment. When the user touches the keycap 31, the keycap 31 is forced to push down against the scissors-type connecting element 32 to make it act, that is, the first frame 321 and the second frame 322 are changed from the opened state to the stacked state. The button cap 31 can move downward relative to the support plate 35 and press the trigger element 33. At this time, the trigger element 33 is deformed and the switch circuit board 34 is pressed to trigger the key contacts (not shown) in the switch circuit board 34, so that the switch circuit board 34 outputs a corresponding key signal. During the downward movement of the keycap 31, the first frame 321 swings, so that the convex portion 3211 moves downward to push against the contact elastic piece 363 of the elastic piece structure 36, and the contact elastic piece 363 drives the extension piece 362 to swing. When the extension piece 362 rebounds, the contact elastic piece 363 will hit the contact wall 352 of the support plate 35 to generate a sound.

When the user stops pressing the keycap 31, the keycap 31 no longer receives force and stops pressing the trigger element 33, so that the trigger element 33 returns to its original state from the deformed state due to its elasticity, and at the same time provides an upward elastic restoring force. As a result, the cap 31 is pushed back to the position before being touched. At this time, the convex portion 3211 on the first frame 321 moves upward and pushes against the contact elastic piece 363 again, so that the contact elastic piece 363 drives the extension piece 362 to swing again. When the extension piece 362 rebounds, the contact elastic piece 363 will hit the contact wall 352 of the support plate 35 to generate a sound again. After that, the scissors-type connecting element 32 also returns to the opened and closed state.

According to the above, the key structure of the present invention uses a conventional scissors-type connection element as the actuating element of the keycap, and uses a trigger element made of a soft material (such as rubber) to trigger the membrane switch circuit, so it can provide users with a good Touch feel. At the same time, since the thickness of the trigger element and the membrane switch circuit is smaller than the thickness of the mechanical trigger switch of the conventional mechanical key structure, the thickness of the key structure of the present invention is smaller and has a lighter and thinner appearance.

In addition, in the key structure of the present invention, a convex portion is provided on the scissors-type connection element, and a fixed elastic piece structure is provided on the support plate. When the user touches the button cap, the convex part can push against the spring The sheet structure causes the elastic sheet structure to hit the contact wall of the support plate to emit a touch sound similar to the conventional mechanical key structure, so it can provide a user with a positive feedback feeling. Wherein, the convex part is disposed on the first frame of the scissors-type connection element, and the convex part does not affect the operation when the key structure is pressed, so the scissors-type connection element with the convex part can be connected with the traditional scissors type Components are shared.

The above is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the scope of patent application of the present invention. Therefore, all other equivalent changes or modifications made without departing from the spirit disclosed by the present invention should be included in this case. Within the scope of patent application.

Claims (10)

A key structure includes: a keycap; a scissors-type connecting element connected to the keycap, and the scissors-type connecting element having a convex part; an elastic sheet structure located under the keycap and close to the convex block A portion for swinging the scissors-type connection element against the convex portion when the scissors-type connection element swings; and a support plate provided below the keycap and connected to the scissors-type connection element, the support plate includes: an opening A hole penetrates the support plate to receive a portion of the spring structure therein; and a contact wall is formed by extending an upper surface of the support plate; wherein the scissors-type connection is made when the keycap is pressed The component oscillates as the keycap moves, causing the protruding portion to push against the spring structure, and the spring structure swings and hits the contact wall to generate a sound. The key structure according to item 1 of the scope of the patent application, wherein the scissors-type connection element includes: a first frame connected to the keycap; wherein the protruding portion is disposed on a side wall of the first frame; And a second frame, which are respectively connected to the first frame and the keycap, and are swingable relative to the first frame; wherein the convex part is integrally formed with the first frame. The key structure according to item 1 of the scope of patent application, wherein the elastic piece structure includes: a body; an extension piece connected to the body and swingable relative to the body; a contact elastic piece connected to the extension piece, and The extension piece can be driven to swing relative to the body, so as to be pushed by the convex part to drive the extension piece to swing, and hit the contact wall to generate a sound; and an engaging portion is provided on the body and used to The elastic sheet structure is fixed on the support plate by extending into the opening. The key structure according to item 3 of the scope of patent application, wherein the body, the extension piece, the contact spring piece, and the engaging portion are made of a metal material, and are integrally formed with the spring piece structure. The key structure according to item 3 of the scope of patent application, wherein when the keycap is pressed, the keycap moves relative to the support plate and pushes against the scissors-type connection element, and the convex portion moves to push Abutting the contact elastic piece, the contact elastic piece drives the extension piece to swing and hit the contact wall to generate a sound. The key structure according to item 3 of the scope of patent application, wherein the support plate further includes a stopper formed by extending from the upper surface of the support plate and located on one side of the opening for communication The engaging portion in the opening is in contact with each other, thereby preventing the elastic sheet structure from being separated from the support plate. The key structure according to item 6 of the scope of the patent application, wherein the contact wall and the stopper are made of a plastic material, and are integrally formed with the support plate. The key structure according to item 1 of the scope of patent application, further comprising: a switch circuit board disposed on the support plate for outputting a key signal corresponding to one of the key caps in response to the movement of the key cap; and A triggering element is disposed between the keycap and the switch circuit board, and is used to be pushed by the keycap to trigger the switch circuit board. The key structure according to item 8 of the scope of patent application, wherein when the key cap is pressed, the key cap moves relative to the support plate and pushes against the trigger element, causing the trigger element to deform and trigger the switch. Circuit board, and the switch circuit board outputs the key signal; and when the key cap is no longer pressed, the trigger element recovers from deformation to provide an elastic restoring force to push the key cap to move before it is not pressed Its location. The key structure according to item 9 of the scope of patent application, wherein when the keycap is no longer touched, the keycap moves relative to the support plate to drive the scissors-type connecting element to move, and the convex portion moves. Push against the spring structure again, and the spring structure swings and hits the contact wall to generate a sound.