Key structure

Abstract

The present application discloses a key structure, which includes a key cap and a connecting member. The key cap has a bottom surface, and includes a fixed part and a resilient arm. The fixed part is arranged on the bottom surface, and has a connecting hole and a first opening. The first opening is communicated with the connecting hole. At least one end of the resilient arm is connected to one side of the fixed part and is adjacent to the first opening. The resilient arm has an open end and a limiting surface. The open end is communicated with the first opening, and the limiting surface faces the bottom surface of the key cap. The connecting member includes a connecting shaft. One end of the connecting shaft is connected to the connecting member, and the other end has an extension. The connecting shaft passes through the first opening and is arranged in the connecting hole, and the extension passes through the resilient arm and is arranged between the bottom surface and the limiting surface of the key cap.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a button structure. Background Technology

[0002] In current computer usage habits, the keyboard is an indispensable input device. Generally, the main components of a keyboard include keycaps, connectors, elastic elements, and a base plate. Among these, the connectors are commonly scissor-switch connectors, with one end connecting the keycap to the base plate. The elastic element is located within the internal space formed by the scissor-switch connector to provide the spring force that allows the keycap to return to its original position.

[0003] Keycaps and connectors are typically connected via a shaft hole and a connecting shaft. Specifically, existing keycaps have a teardrop-shaped shaft hole on their bottom surface, meaning the inner diameter of the shaft hole opening is relatively small. Similarly, scissor-type connectors have a corresponding connecting shaft. After the connecting shaft is inserted into the shaft hole, the small inner diameter of the shaft hole opening effectively confines the connecting shaft within the shaft hole.

[0004] However, users can easily remove the connecting shaft from the shaft hole by applying slight force to the keycap and pushing it upwards, causing the keycap to fall off. For some keyboards in display or public use, the easy detachment or removal of keycaps is quite inconvenient and warrants improvement. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the main objective of the present invention is to provide a key structure that solves the problem of existing keycaps easily falling off through a novel structural design of the elastic arm of the keycap and the connecting shaft of the connector.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a key structure comprising a keycap and a connector. The keycap has a bottom surface and includes a fixing portion and a spring arm. The fixing portion is disposed on the bottom surface and has a connecting hole and a first opening, the first opening communicating with the connecting hole. At least one end of the spring arm is connected to a side surface of the fixing portion and is adjacent to the first opening. The spring arm has an open end and a limiting surface. The open end communicates with the first opening, and the limiting surface faces the bottom surface of the keycap. The connector includes a connecting shaft. One end of the connecting shaft is connected to the connector, and the other end has an extension. The connecting shaft passes through the first opening and is disposed within the connecting hole, and the extension passes through the spring arm and is disposed between the bottom surface of the keycap and the limiting surface.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the invention, the elastic arm further has a closed end relative to the open end.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the elastic arm is a U-shaped structure.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the elastic arm has two parallel side arms, and a second opening is formed between the two side arms and the closed end.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the two ends of the elastic arm are connected to the fixing part.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the extension has a flat top surface that corresponds to the limiting surface of the elastic arm.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the limiting surface is a planar structure.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the extension has an arcuate bottom, and the extension passes through the elastic arm with the arcuate bottom and approaches the bottom surface of the keycap.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the elastic arm has a chamfered portion, and the chamfered portion guides an extension portion through the elastic arm and close to the bottom surface of the keycap relative to the limiting surface.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the extension has a tapered bottom that passes through the elastic arm and is close to the bottom surface of the keycap.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the width of the elastic arm at the open end is less than or equal to the width of the first opening of the fixed part.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, the elastic arm is substantially parallel to the bottom surface of the keycap. According to another embodiment of the invention, there is a gap between the extension and the limiting surface of the elastic arm.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the thickness of the extension is less than the thickness of the connecting shaft.

[0019] As described above, the key structure according to the present invention includes a keycap and a connector. The keycap includes a fixing part and a spring arm. The fixing part is disposed on the bottom surface of the keycap and has a connecting hole. At least one end of the spring arm is connected to the fixing part, and the spring arm has a limiting surface facing the bottom surface of the keycap. The connector includes a connecting shaft, one end of which is connected to the connector, and the other end has an extension. When the connecting shaft is disposed in the connecting hole, the extension passes through the spring arm and approaches the bottom surface of the keycap. If the keycap is pushed upwards by force, the limiting surface of the spring arm can abut against the extension, limiting the extension between the spring arm and the bottom surface of the keycap, thereby achieving the effect of preventing the keycap from falling off. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the button structure according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 for Figure 1 An exploded view of the keycaps and connectors shown;

[0022] Figure 3A for Figure 2 The diagram shown is a partial enlarged view of the keycaps and connectors.

[0023] Figure 3B for Figure 3A The diagram shown illustrates the assembled keycaps and connectors.

[0024] Figure 3C for Figure 3B The left view of the keycaps and connectors shown;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the keycap and connector combined according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the keycap and connector combined according to the third embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 6A This is an exploded view of the keycap and connector according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 6B This is a schematic diagram of the keycap and connector combined according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] [Symbol Explanation]

[0030] Button Structure 1

[0031] Keycaps 10, 10b, 10c

[0032] Bottom surface 11, 11b

[0033] Fixing parts 12, 12c

[0034] Connection hole 121

[0035] First opening 122, 122c

[0036] Elastic arms 13, 13b, 13c

[0037] Side arm 131, 132, 131c, 132c

[0038] Open terminals 133, 133c

[0039] Closed end 134

[0040] Limiting surface 135

[0041] Chamfered section 136

[0042] Planar structure 137b

[0043] Second opening 138, 138c

[0044] Connectors 20, 20a

[0045] Connecting shaft 21

[0046] Extensions 211, 211a

[0047] Flat top surfaces 212, 212a

[0048] Conical bottom 213

[0049] Arc-shaped bottom 214a

[0050] Base plate 30

[0051] Circuit board 40

[0052] Interval S

[0053] Thicknesses T1 and T2

[0054] Widths W1 and W2 Detailed Implementation

[0055] To clearly illustrate the technical content of this invention, preferred embodiments are described below.

[0056] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the button structure according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 for Figure 1 The diagram shown is an exploded view of the keycaps and connectors. Please also refer to... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the button structure 1 includes a keycap 10, a connector 20, a base plate 30, a circuit board 40, and an elastic element (not shown). The circuit board 40 is disposed on the upper surface of the base plate 30, and has multiple openings corresponding to the structure of the base plate 30, allowing one end of the connector 20 to be assembled to the base plate 30. The other end of the connector 20 is connected to the keycap 10, which is connected to the base plate through the connector 20 and can be raised and lowered relative to the base plate 30 by the guide of the connector 20. Figure 2 As shown. In this embodiment, the connector 20 is a scissor-type connector, but the invention is not limited thereto; the connector 20 can also be a butterfly connector or other linkage assembly. The elastic element is disposed between the keycap 10 and the circuit board 40, and is located within the scissor-type connector. When the keycap 10 is pressed, the elastic element can trigger the switch of the circuit board 40 to generate an electronic signal, causing the keycap 10 to return to its original height before being pressed. It should be noted that, for the sake of simplicity, Figure 2 The connection between the scissor-type connector 20 and the keycap 10 is indicated by one of the connectors 20.

[0057] In this embodiment, the keycap 10 has a bottom surface 11, which has a structure for connecting the connector 20. Figure 3A for Figure 2 The diagram shown is a partial enlarged view of the keycaps and connectors. Figure 3B for Figure 3A The diagram shown is a schematic of the keycaps and connectors assembled together. Figure 3C for Figure 3B Please also refer to the left view of the keycaps and connectors shown. Figure 2 , Figure 3A , Figure 3B and Figure 3C As shown. The keycap 10 includes a fixing part 12 and a spring arm 13. The fixing part 12 is disposed on the bottom surface 11, and in this embodiment, one side of the fixing part 12 is directly disposed on the bottom surface 11. The fixing part 12 has a connecting hole 121, and the connecting hole 121 is a through hole that passes through the fixing part 12. Furthermore, the fixing part 12 has a first opening 122, which is located on the opposite side of the bottom surface 11, and the first opening 122 communicates with the connecting hole 121. In other words, the connecting hole 121 is not a closed through hole, and one end relative to the bottom surface 11 is an open end (first opening 122) for the assembly of the connector 20. In this embodiment, the connecting hole 121 is a circular through hole, and the diameter of the connecting hole 121 is greater than the width of the first opening 122.

[0058] At least one end of the elastic arm 13 is connected to one side of the fixing part 12. Preferably, the elastic arm 13 is parallel to the bottom surface 11 of the keycap 10. Furthermore, the elastic arm 13 is adjacent to the first opening 122, creating a space between the elastic arm 13 and the bottom surface 11 to accommodate part of the structure of the connector 20. In this embodiment, the elastic arm 13 has a U-shaped structure, thus having two parallel side arms 131 and 132, an open end 133, and a closed end 134. The closed end 134 is opposite to the open end 133, thus forming a second opening 138 between the two side arms 131 and 132 and the closed end 134. One end of the side arm 131 is connected to the fixing part 12, and the open end 133 is close to and communicates with the first opening 122 of the fixing part 12. In other words, the second opening 138 communicates with the first opening 122. Furthermore, the elastic arm 13 has a limiting surface 135 (e.g., Figure 3C As shown, this is the side surface facing the bottom surface 11 of the keycap 10. In other words, the limiting surface 135 faces the bottom surface 11 of the keycap 10.

[0059] The connector 20 includes a connecting shaft 21, one end of which is connected to the connector 20, and the other end has an extension 211. In this embodiment, the connector 20 protrudes outward from its four corners to form the connecting shaft 21, and the connecting shaft 21 extends outward to form the extension 211. In this embodiment, the width W1 of the connecting shaft 21 is equal to the width W2 of the extension 211, the width W1 of the connecting shaft 21 is greater than the width W3 of the first opening 122, and the width W2 of the extension 211 (the widest part) is greater than the width W4 of the second opening 138. When assembling the keycap 10 and the connector 20, the connecting shaft 21 can be opened and passed through the first opening 122 to be inserted into the connecting hole 121, thereby allowing the connecting shaft 21 to be disposed within the connecting hole 121 and to pivot within the connecting hole 121. Simultaneously, the extension 211 can be opened and pass through the elastic arm 13 and approach the bottom surface 11 of the keycap 10, so that the extension 211 is positioned between the bottom surface 11 of the keycap 10 and the limiting surface 135 of the elastic arm 13, such as... Figure 3C As shown, this completes the assembly of the keycap 10 and the connector 20. Preferably, the thickness T1 of the extension 211 is smaller than the thickness T2 of the connecting shaft 21 (e.g., Figure 3B As shown, this reduces the space required between the limiting surface 135 of the elastic arm 13 and the bottom surface of the keycap 10.

[0060] Please match Figure 1 As shown, when the keycap 10 is pushed upwards, since the width W2 of the extension 211 is greater than the width W4 of the second opening 138, the extension 211 can be stopped by the limiting surface 135 of the elastic arm 13, thus limiting the extension 211 between the elastic arm 13 and the bottom surface 11 of the keycap 10, thereby preventing the keycap 10 from falling off. Preferably, the limiting surface 135 is a planar structure, which can effectively stop the extension 211 when the keycap 10 is pulled by external force, thereby limiting the extension 211 from sliding out of the elastic arm 13. Preferably, the extension 211 has a flat top surface 212, which is the widest part of the extension 211 and corresponds to the limiting surface 135 of the elastic arm 13. Since both the flat top surface 212 and the limiting surface 135 are planar structures, when the keycap 10 is pushed upwards, the limiting surface 135 and the flat top surface 212 abut against each other, which can achieve a better effect of preventing the keycap from falling off.

[0061] In this embodiment, there is a gap S between the extension 211 and the limiting surface 135 of the elastic arm 13 (e.g., ...). Figure 3C (As shown). When the keycap 10 is pressed, it moves up and down relative to the base plate 30 (see reference). Figure 1 When the keycap 10 is pressed, the extension 211 can avoid contact with the spring arm 13 by the interval S, so that the keycap 10 can move smoothly up and down. In other words, the limiting surface 135 and the flat top surface 212 will not interfere with each other, so there will be no stuck feeling when the keycap 10 is pressed.

[0062] Please refer to Figure 3A , Figure 3B and Figure 3C As shown, preferably, the elastic arm 13 has a chamfered portion 136 opposite to the limiting surface 135. In other words, the limiting surface 135 is on one side of the elastic arm 13 facing the bottom surface 11, and the chamfered portion 136 is on the other side. The chamfered portion 136 is formed on the inner edge of the elastic arm 13, so that the extension 211 can be guided by the chamfered portion 136 to pass between the side arms 131 and 132. In other words, the chamfered portion 136 guides the extension 211 to pass through the elastic arm 13 and approach the bottom surface 11 of the keycap 10. Preferably, the extension 211 in this embodiment has a tapered bottom 213 located on the opposite side of the flat top surface 212. That is, one side of the extension 211 is the flat top surface 212, and the other side is the tapered bottom 213. The tapered bottom 213 can be tapered or... Figure 3B and Figure 3C The flat-topped cone shown can be matched with the chamfered portion 136 as long as it has a sloped surface. The sloped structure of the cone bottom 213 allows the chamfered portion 136 to guide the cone bottom 213 more smoothly through the elastic arm 13 and closer to the bottom surface 11 of the keycap 10. In other embodiments, the extension 211 can also have other configurations.

[0063] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the keycap 10 and connector 20a combined according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Please refer to... Figure 4 As shown. The structure of the keycap 10 in the second embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment, so its component symbols are used accordingly. The difference between the second embodiment and the first embodiment lies in the structure of the extension 211a of the connector 20a. In this embodiment, the extension 211a has an arc-shaped bottom 214a. That is, one side of the extension 211a is a flat top surface 212a, and the other side is an arc-shaped bottom 214a. Through the arc-shaped bottom 214a, the chamfered portion 136 can also more smoothly guide the arc-shaped bottom 214a through the elastic arm 13 and approach the bottom surface 11 of the keycap 10. In other words, the extension 211a can pass through the elastic arm 13 with its arc-shaped bottom 214a and approach the bottom surface 11 of the keycap 10.

[0064] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the keycap 10b and connector 20a combined according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Please refer to... Figure 5 As shown. The structure of the connector 20a in the third embodiment is the same as that in the second embodiment, so its component symbols are used accordingly. The difference between the third embodiment and the second embodiment lies in the structure of the elastic arm 13b of the keycap 10b. In this embodiment, the elastic arm 13b does not have the chamfered portion 136 (as shown). Figure 3B and Figure 4The structure of the extension 211a is such that its upper surface away from the bottom surface 11b is a planar structure 137b. Specifically, in this embodiment, the extension 211a has an arc-shaped bottom 214a. Through the arc-shaped bottom 214a, the extension 211a can still pass through the elastic arm 13b (whose upper surface is a planar structure 137b) and approach the bottom surface 11b of the keycap 10b.

[0065] In the aforementioned first, second, and third embodiments (the first embodiment is used as an example below, please refer to...), Figure 3B As shown, the width of the elastic arm 13 at its open end 133 is less than the width W1 of the first opening 122 of the connecting hole 121. The width at the open end 133 is the width W4 of the second opening 138 between the two parallel side arms 131 and 132 of the elastic arm 13.

[0066] In the first, second, and third embodiments, one end of the elastic arm 13 (U-shaped structure) is connected to the side of the fixing part 12, while the other end is close to the fixing part 12 but not connected to it. For example, one end of the side arm 131 is connected to the side of the fixing part 12, while the side arm 132 is not connected to the fixing part 12. By having one side arm 132 not connected to the fixing part 12, the elastic arm 13 has the elasticity to expand outward. Even if the width W2 of the extension 211 is slightly larger than the width of the open end 133 (i.e., the width W4 of the second opening 138), the extension 211 can still pass through the elastic arm 13 and approach the bottom surface 11 of the keycap 10 because the side arm 132 is not connected to the fixing part 12 and can open slightly. Furthermore, since the side arm 132 is not connected to the fixed part 12, the width of the open end 133 is preferably smaller than the width W3 of the first opening 122, so as to avoid the extension part 211 easily penetrating into the elastic arm 13 and also easily penetrating out of the elastic arm 13.

[0067] Figure 6A This is an exploded view of the keycap and connector according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6B This is a schematic diagram of the keycap and connector assembly according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Please refer to... Figure 6A and Figure 6B As shown. The structure of the connector 20a in the fourth embodiment is the same as that in the second embodiment, so its component symbols are used. The difference between the third embodiment and the previous embodiments is that both ends of the elastic arm 13c are connected to the fixing part 12c. In other words, the side arms 131c and 132c are both connected to the fixing part 12c. The width of the open end 133c (i.e., the width W4 of the second opening 138c) can be less than or equal to the width W3 of the first opening 122c. In this embodiment, the width W4 of the open end 133c is substantially equal to the width W3 of the first opening 122c (e.g., ...). Figure 6A(As shown). By connecting both ends of the elastic arm 13c to the fixed part 12c, even if the width W4 of the open end 133c is equal to the width W3 of the first opening 122c, the extension part 211a can be prevented from easily penetrating into the elastic arm 13c and easily penetrating out of the elastic arm 13c.

[0068] In summary, the key structure according to the present invention includes a keycap and a connector. The keycap includes a fixing part and a spring arm. The fixing part is disposed on the bottom surface of the keycap and has a connecting hole. At least one end of the spring arm is connected to the fixing part, and the spring arm has a limiting surface facing the bottom surface of the keycap. The connector includes a connecting shaft, one end of which is connected to the connector, and the other end has an extension. When the connecting shaft is disposed in the connecting hole, the extension passes through the spring arm and approaches the bottom surface of the keycap. If the keycap is pushed upward by force, the limiting surface of the spring arm can abut against the extension, limiting the extension between the spring arm and the bottom surface of the keycap, thereby achieving the effect of preventing the keycap from falling off.

[0069] It should be noted that the above embodiments are examples for illustrative purposes only, and the scope of the claims of this invention should be determined by the claims, and not limited to the above embodiments.

Claims

1. A button structure, characterized in that, include: A keycap having a bottom surface, the keycap comprising: A fixing part is disposed on the bottom surface, the fixing part having a connecting hole and a first opening, the first opening communicating with the connecting hole: and A spring arm, at least one end of which is connected to one side of the fixing part and adjacent to the first opening, the spring arm having an open end and a limiting surface, the open end communicating with the first opening, and the limiting surface facing the bottom surface of the keycap. as well as A connector includes a connecting shaft, one end of which is connected to the connector and the other end has an extension. The connecting shaft passes through the first opening and is disposed in the connecting hole. The extension passes through the elastic arm and is disposed between the bottom surface of the keycap and the limiting surface. The elastic arm also has a closed end, which is relative to the open end. The elastic arm has two parallel side arms, forming a second opening between the two side arms and the closed end. The extension is spaced from the limiting surface of the elastic arm.

2. The button structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic arm has a U-shaped structure.

3. The button structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The two ends of the elastic arm are connected to the fixed part.

4. The button structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The extension has a flat top surface that corresponds to the limiting surface of the elastic arm.

5. The button structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The limiting surface is a planar structure.

6. The button structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The extension has an arc-shaped bottom, which passes through the elastic arm and approaches the bottom surface of the keycap.

7. The button structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic arm has a chamfered portion that guides the extension portion through the elastic arm and close to the bottom surface of the keycap relative to the limiting surface.

8. The button structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The extension has a tapered bottom that passes through the elastic arm and is close to the bottom surface of the keycap.

9. The button structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The width of the elastic arm at the open end is less than or equal to the width of the first opening of the fixed part.

10. The button structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The spring arm is parallel to the bottom surface of the keycap.

11. The button structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thickness of the extension is less than the thickness of the connecting shaft.

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