Key assembly and support mechanism for key

Abstract

The present invention discloses a button assembly, comprising a switch module, a support mechanism and a shielding mechanism. The switch module has a substrate and a pair of signal generators and signal sensors. The signal generator and the signal sensor are arranged on the substrate, the signal generator provides a sensing signal to the signal sensor, and the signal sensor receives the sensing signal and obtains a corresponding sensing intensity. The support mechanism is arranged on the top surface, and the top of the support mechanism moves up and down in response to the pressing force. The shielding mechanism includes a pivot part, a connecting piece and a blocking piece. The pivot part is rotatably arranged on the top surface, the connecting piece extends from the pivot part, and the connecting piece is movably connected to the support mechanism and swings up and down relative to the substrate with the movement of the top. The blocking piece extends from the pivot part, and is used to be driven by the connecting piece to be inserted into or out of the gap between the signal generator and the signal sensor, thereby changing the magnitude of the sensing intensity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a key, and more particularly, to a key assembly and a supporting mechanism for the key. Background Art

[0002] Membrane switch keys and mechanical keys are commonly used key types in conventional keyboards. The main difference between membrane switch keys and mechanical keys is the different circuit structures that generate signals. Generally speaking, membrane switch keys use a membrane circuit layer as a switch element for signal generation. When the membrane circuit layer is triggered by pressing the keycap, the upper circuit layer deforms so that the switch contacts of the upper circuit layer contact the corresponding switch contacts of the lower circuit layer, thereby turning on the membrane switch and generating a signal. However, the membrane circuit layer is easily damaged after frequent use or when improper force is applied, and is difficult to repair. In addition, when the user presses the keycap to trigger the membrane circuit layer, there is a lack of distinct step feedback, resulting in a poor pressing feel that cannot satisfy the user's sense of control.

[0003] Mechanical switches use the continuity between a metal plate and a metal contact as a switching element to generate signals. However, the metal plate and metal contacts are easily worn out by impact, shortening the key's lifespan. Moisture can also cause corrosion of the metal plate and metal contacts, resulting in poor conductivity and affecting key stability. Furthermore, due to their complex structure and large size, conventional mechanical switches are generally unsuitable for portable electronic devices that require a thinner design, such as laptops. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the problems in the prior art, the present invention provides a key assembly and a supporting mechanism for the key to solve the above problems.

[0005] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a key assembly, which includes:

[0006] A switch module comprises a substrate and a pair of a signal generator and a signal sensor; wherein the signal generator and the signal sensor are disposed on the substrate, the signal generator provides a sensing signal to the signal sensor, and the signal sensor receives the sensing signal and obtains a corresponding sensing intensity;

[0007] A support mechanism is disposed on the top surface of the substrate, and the top of the support mechanism moves up and down in response to the pressing force; and

[0008] The shielding mechanism includes:

[0009] a pivoting portion rotatably disposed on the top surface;

[0010] a connecting piece extending from the pivot portion and movably connected to the supporting mechanism to follow the movement of the top portion to swing up and down relative to the base plate; and

[0011] The blocking piece extends from the pivot portion and is used to be driven by the connecting piece to be inserted into or separated from the gap between the signal generator and the signal sensor to change the magnitude of the sensing intensity.

[0012] As an optional technical solution, the support mechanism includes:

[0013] Two brackets, each bracket having a base plate end and a key cap end, each base plate end being movably connected to the base plate, and the two brackets are extended outward to move the two key cap ends away from each other, and the two key cap ends constitute the top of the support mechanism; and

[0014] an elastic member connecting the two keycap ends;

[0015] The signal generator and the signal sensor are located between the projections of the two keycap ends on the top surface, the connecting piece is movably connected to one of the two keycap ends, and the rotation axis of the pivot portion and the rotation axis of the two brackets are parallel to each other.

[0016] As an optional technical solution, one of the two keycap ends is provided with a socket, and the connecting piece can be slidably inserted into the socket.

[0017] As an optional technical solution, the connecting piece is configured as a longitudinal piece perpendicular to the top surface, and the end of the connecting piece has an open slot, and one of the two keycap ends is provided with a guide piece, which is used to insert into the open slot, and the width of the open slot is greater than the thickness of the guide piece.

[0018] As an optional technical solution, the key assembly further includes a keycap, which is arranged on the top of the support mechanism so as to be located above the top surface through the support of the support mechanism, and the support mechanism supports the keycap to move up and down relative to the substrate.

[0019] As an optional technical solution, the key assembly further includes a backlight source, which is arranged on the top surface and is used to project illumination light toward the keycap.

[0020] As an optional technical solution, the key assembly further includes a diffusion sheet, which is combined with the top surface and covers the backlight source.

[0021] As an optional technical solution, the substrate has a groove, and at least one of the signal generator and the signal sensor and the backlight light source are located on different surfaces of the substrate, and the front end of the baffle is used to pass through the groove and be inserted into or removed from the gap between the signal generator and the signal sensor.

[0022] As an optional technical solution, the signal generator and the signal sensor are a combination of a light receiver and a light transmitter, or the signal generator and the signal sensor are a combination of a magnet and a Hall sensor.

[0023] As an optional technical solution, the signal generator and the signal sensor are arranged along a signal transmission direction, and the signal transmission direction is perpendicular to the rotation axis of the pivoting portion.

[0024] As an optional technical solution, the blocking piece and the connecting piece are located on both sides or the same side of the rotation axis of the pivoting portion.

[0025] As an optional technical solution, the shielding mechanism further includes two pivotal ears, which extend from two opposite sides of the pivotal portion respectively, and are arranged along the rotation axis of the pivotal portion.

[0026] As an optional technical solution, the key assembly further includes a shielding element, which is arranged on the top surface and has a window; wherein the shielding element surrounds the signal generator and the signal sensor, and the baffle passes through the window.

[0027] The present invention further provides a support mechanism for a key, characterized in that the support mechanism for a key comprises:

[0028] a substrate having a top surface; and

[0029] Two brackets, each having a base plate end and a keycap end, each base plate end being movably connected to the base plate, and the two brackets being extended outward to move the two keycap ends away from each other; wherein each bracket further comprises a body and a side arm portion, the side arm portion extending from the corresponding body, each body forming a keycap end, and the distal end of each side arm portion forming a corresponding base plate end;

[0030] Among them, the front end of each side arm is respectively provided with a lower pressing plate and a capturing plate, which extend outward along a long axis direction of each side arm, and relative to the base plate, the lower pressing plate of one of the two brackets is located above the capturing plate of the other one of the two brackets.

[0031] As an optional technical solution, the pressing plate and the capturing plate are bent toward the substrate, the front end of the capturing plate is provided with a capturing portion bent away from the substrate, and a bending angle is formed between the capturing portion and the capturing plate.

[0032] As an optional technical solution, the bending angle of the capture sheet is greater than the bending angle of the lower pressing sheet, and the length of the lower pressing sheet is greater than the length of the capture sheet.

[0033] As an optional technical solution, the lower pressing sheet is perpendicular to the substrate, and the capturing sheet is perpendicular to the lower pressing sheet.

[0034] As an optional technical solution, the front end of the lower side edge of the lower pressing plate is in a shape extending and protruding toward the substrate; after the capture plate is bent, it is bent forward to form a capture portion bent forward, and the lower side edge of the lower pressing plate is used to contact the capture portion.

[0035] As an optional technical solution, the lower pressing plate extends outward along the long axis direction of the side arm portion, and the lateral extension of the lower pressing plate forms an extension portion, and the end of the extension portion has the capture plate bent toward the substrate and extending forward.

[0036] Compared to conventional technology, the key assembly of the present invention utilizes a support mechanism to drive a shielding mechanism, varying the degree of shielding of the sensing signal as a switch signal, achieving fast and precise conversion of a press signal. This design is applicable to various key architectures and is suitable for portable electronic devices. Furthermore, the first and second brackets of the support mechanism of the present invention are interconnected via a linkage mechanism, ensuring reliable linkage between the first and second brackets and the keycap. This ensures that the movement of the shielding mechanism is accurately linked to the movement of the keycap, effectively preventing the keycap's pressure from being accurately detected.

[0037] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, but this does not limit the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] Figure 1 1 is a partially exploded schematic diagram of the button assembly in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 2 FIG. 1 is an exploded diagram of some components in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 3 It is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the switch module, the shielding mechanism and the backlight source in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 4 FIG. 1 is a top view of the switch module and the backlight source in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 5 It is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the base plate and two brackets in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 6It is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of two brackets, a blocking mechanism and a shielding element in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 7 is with Figure 8 It is a side view of the switch module, two brackets and the shielding mechanism in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 9 is with Figure 10 It is a side view of a backlight source, a switch module, two brackets and a shielding mechanism in a variation of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 11 It is a side view of a backlight source, a switch module, two brackets and a shielding mechanism in another variation of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 12 It is a partially enlarged exploded schematic diagram of the linkage mechanism in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 13 It is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of the linkage mechanism in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 14 FIG1 is a partially exploded schematic diagram of a button assembly in the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 15 It is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the base plate, two brackets and the shielding mechanism in the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 16 is with Figure 17 1 is a side view of a switch module, two brackets and a shielding mechanism in a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 18 1 is a partially enlarged exploded diagram of the linkage mechanism in the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 19 FIG. 1 is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of the linkage mechanism in the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Figure 20 1 is a partially enlarged exploded diagram of the linkage mechanism in the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Figure 21 FIG. 1 is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of the linkage mechanism in the fourth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] In order to provide a further understanding of the purpose, structure, features, and functions of the present invention, the present invention is described in detail below with reference to the embodiments.

[0057] See also Figure 1 and Figure 2 The figure shows a key assembly provided by an embodiment of the present invention. It can be applied to any push-type input device (such as a keyboard) or integrated into any suitable electronic device (such as a keypad on a portable electronic device or a laptop keyboard) to provide fast and precise actuation. The key assembly is adaptable to various key structure designs and improves maintainability. The structure and operation of each embodiment of the key assembly will be described in detail below with reference to the figures.

[0058] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the key assembly includes a switch module 607 , a key cap 604 , a support mechanism, an elastic member 605 , a shielding mechanism 670 and a backlight source 643 .

[0059] like Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the switch module 607 has a substrate 648, and a pair of signal generators and signal sensors. The signal generator is used to provide a sensing signal, and the signal sensor is used to receive the sensing signal and obtain a corresponding sensing intensity. In the examples described below, the signal generator is a light emitter 641, the signal sensor is a light receiver 642, and the sensing signal is a light signal, thereby forming an optical switch; however, the present invention does not exclude the use of a magnetic switch. In the following description, the relative positional relationship between the signal generator (light emitter 641) and the signal sensor (light receiver 642) can be interchanged. The present invention is not limited to a straight-line optical path, and a tortuous optical path through refraction or reflection can also realize the optical switch function.

[0060] like Figure 2 、 Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, substrate 648 has a top surface 648a and a bottom surface 648b. A light emitter 641 and a light receiver 642 are respectively disposed on the top surface 648a of substrate 648, with a fixed gap maintained between the light emitter 641 and the light receiver 642. The light emitter 641 and the light receiver 642 are connected to a processing circuit (not shown) via substrate 648, thereby forming a switch capable of generating a trigger event. In one embodiment, substrate 648 is a circuit board, and light emitter 641 and light receiver 642 are electrically connected to the circuit board (i.e., substrate 648), which is further connected to the processing circuit. In various embodiments, substrate 648 is a board without signal transmission functionality, and light emitter 641 and light receiver 642 are electrically connected to a flexible printed circuit board (FPC), which is fixed to the top surface 648a of substrate 648, indirectly disposing light emitter 641 and light receiver 642 on the top surface 648a of substrate 648.

[0061] See also Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in the first embodiment, the sensing signal S is light of a specific wavelength, such as infrared light. The light transmitter 641 projects light of the specific wavelength toward the light receiver 642 as the sensing signal. The light receiver 642 receives the light of the specific wavelength and generates a corresponding sensing intensity. Generally speaking, the light receiver 642 generates a corresponding voltage signal when receiving light. Therefore, the sensing intensity can be the voltage value of the voltage signal generated by the light receiver 642 after receiving the light of the specific wavelength.

[0062] In various embodiments, the signal generator and signal sensor are a magnet and a Hall effect sensor, respectively. The magnet generates a magnetic field as a sensing signal, while the Hall effect sensor uses the Hall effect to detect the presence and strength of the magnetic field, thereby obtaining a sensed intensity. The Hall effect sensor's output voltage is proportional to the magnetic field intensity, so the sensed intensity can be the voltage value of the voltage signal output by the Hall effect sensor after sensing the magnetic field.

[0063] like Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the keycap 604 is supported by a support mechanism and positioned above the top surface 648a. A light-emitting area (not shown) may be provided on the keycap 604. The light-emitting area may be a hollowed-out area, which may or may not be filled with a light-transmitting material. Alternatively, the keycap 604 may be made of a light-transmitting material and coated with an opaque coating, while the light-emitting area remains uncoated. The support mechanism, the shielding mechanism 670, and the backlight source 643 are generally located within the keycap projection area 604a of the keycap 604 on the substrate 648, with the backlight source 643 positioned corresponding to the light-emitting area. The support mechanism can move in response to a pressing force, particularly the top portion of the support mechanism moving up and down in response to the pressing force. The keycap 604 is disposed on the top portion of the support mechanism, and the upper surface of the keycap 604 is configured to receive externally applied pressing force. The keycap 604 transmits the pressing force to the top portion of the support mechanism, causing the top portion of the support mechanism to move in response to the pressing force, thereby supporting the keycap 604 in its up and down movement relative to the substrate 648.

[0064] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the support mechanism includes a first bracket 601 and a second bracket 602. Each of the first bracket 601 and the second bracket 602 has a base plate end and a keycap end. Specifically, the first bracket 601 has a base plate end 6012 and a keycap end 6014, while the second bracket 602 has a base plate end 6022 and a keycap end 6024. The base plate ends 6012 and 6022 are movably connected to the top surface 648a of the substrate 648. The keycap ends 6014 and 6024 form the top of the support mechanism. The first bracket 601 and the second bracket 602 extend outward, moving the keycap ends 6014 and 6024 away from each other. The keycap end 6014 of the first bracket 601 and the keycap end 6024 of the second bracket 602 are movably connected to the keycap 604, supporting the keycap 604 at the top of the support mechanism and transmitting a pressing force to the keycap ends 6014 and 6024. On the top surface 648 a of the substrate 648 , the light emitter 641 and the light receiver 642 are located between the projections of the two keycap ends 6014 , 6024 on the top surface 648 a .

[0065] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the elastic member 605 can be a tension spring or other tension-providing element (e.g., a wire made of an elastic material). The elastic member 605 is laterally connected to the support mechanism. For example, the elastic member 605 is connected to the two keycap ends 6014, 6024, providing a tension force between the two keycap ends 6014, 6024. This tension forces the two keycap ends 6014, 6024 to approach each other and move upward, thereby causing the first bracket 601 and the second bracket 602 to swing upward, causing the top of the support mechanism to move upward. Furthermore, the present invention does not exclude the possibility that the ends of the elastic member 605 can be connected to other portions of the first bracket 601 and the second bracket 602, respectively. As long as the connection of the elastic member 605 can cause the first bracket 601 and the second bracket 602 to swing upward, driving the two keycap ends 6014, 6024 to approach each other and move upward, causing the top surface 648a of the support mechanism to move upward, forming a restoring force that pushes the keycap 604 upward.

[0066] like Figure 1 and Figure 2Specifically, the first bracket 601 and the second bracket 602 each include a bracket body and two side arms. Specifically, the first bracket 601 includes a bracket body 613 and two side arms 611 / 612, while the second bracket 602 includes a bracket body 623 and two side arms 621 / 622. In the first bracket 601, the two side arms 611 / 612 extend from opposite ends of the bracket body 613 and are movably connected to the top surface 648a of the base plate 648; and / or in the second bracket 602, the two side arms 621, 622 extend from opposite ends of the bracket body 623 and are movably connected to the top surface 648a of the base plate 648. The bracket bodies 613, 623 are perpendicular to the connection direction of the elastic member 605, and the elastic member 605 is connected to the two bracket bodies 613, 623. Normally, the two bracket bodies 613, 623 are pulled closer together, generating a restoring force that pushes the keycap 604 upward. The bracket body 613 of the first bracket 601 (specifically, the upper portion thereof) constitutes the keycap end 6014 of the first bracket 601, and the bracket body 623 of the second bracket 602 (specifically, the upper portion thereof) constitutes the keycap end 6024 of the second bracket 602. The ends of the side arms 611, 612 constitute the bottom plate end 6012 of the first bracket 601, and the ends of the side arms 621, 622 constitute the bottom plate end 6022 of the second bracket 602.

[0067] like Figure 2 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the support mechanism includes a base plate 603, which is coupled to the top surface 648a of the base plate 648. The base plate 603 has connectors 631, 632, which can be hook-type connectors located at both ends of the plate. The plate is integrally formed on the base plate 603 and protrudes in a direction away from the base plate 648. The plates can be arranged in pairs and parallel to each other, so that each pair of corresponding hooks constitutes a connector 631, 632. Each base plate end 6012, 6022 is movably connected to the connector 631, 632, thereby being movably connected to the base plate 603. At the same time, the keycap ends 6014, 6024 are movably coupled to the keycap 604, thereby forming a butterfly-wing support mechanism to stably support the keycap 604 to move up and down relative to the base plate 648. If the entire bottom plate 603 is omitted, the connectors 631 and 632 can be directly fixed to the top surface 648a of the base plate 648. The bottom plate ends 6012 and 6022 of the first and second brackets 601 and 602 can then be movably connected to the connectors 631 and 632 on the top surface 648a. It is also possible to omit the bottom plate 603 and directly pivotally connect the bottom plate ends 6012 and 6022 to the circuit board 644. Furthermore, the first and second brackets 601 and 602 can be arranged crosswise and pivotally connected to each other, forming a scissor structure.

[0068] like Figure 1 Specifically, as shown, the keycap 604 can be, for example, an injection-molded rectangular cap, and the lower surface of the keycap 604 is provided with coupling members 6042, 6044 for coupling to the support mechanism. The coupling members 6042, 6044 can be a coupling member 6042 having an axial hole and a coupling member 6044 having a slide groove, respectively; or, the coupling members 6042, 6044 can both be coupling structures having a slide groove. The keycap ends 6014, 60242 of the first bracket 601 and the second bracket 602 are respectively movably connected to the coupling members 6042, 6044 of the keycap 604, and at least one of the keycap ends 6014, 6024 can slide relative to the corresponding coupling member 6042, 6044, so that the keycap ends 6014, 6024 are movably connected to the keycap 604, and the keycap 604 can transmit a pressing force to the keycap ends 6014, 6024.

[0069] like Figure 2 、 Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, the shielding mechanism 670 includes a pivot portion 671, a connecting piece 672, and a blocking piece 650. The pivot portion 671 is rotatably disposed on the top surface 648a of the base plate 648. Generally, the rotation axis of the pivot portion 671, the rotation axis of the first bracket 601, and the rotation axis of the second bracket 602 are parallel to each other.

[0070] like Figure 2 、 Figure 3and Figure 6 As shown, a connecting piece 672 extends from the pivot portion 671 and is directly or indirectly movably connected to the support mechanism, allowing the connecting piece 672 to swing up and down relative to the base plate 648 in response to the movement of the top and keycap 604. A blocking piece 650 extends from the pivot portion 671 and is driven by the connecting piece 672 to be inserted into or removed from the gap between the light emitter 641 and the light receiver 642, thereby varying the magnitude of the sensing intensity.

[0071] Specifically, when the signal generator and signal sensor are a combination of a light emitter 641 and a light receiver 642, the shielding mechanism 670 is made of a light-opaque material, particularly a material that blocks light of a specific wavelength. Alternatively, the surface of the shielding mechanism 670 can be coated with a light-opaque material, rendering the shielding mechanism 670 entirely light-opaque.

[0072] When the signal generator and signal sensor are a combination of a magnet and a Hall effect sensor to form a magnetic switch, at least the blocking piece 650 is doped with a magnetically permeable material (e.g., iron, cobalt, nickel, or their alloys), or the blocking piece 650 is made of magnetically permeable iron, cobalt, nickel, or their alloys. It is not excluded that the shielding mechanism 670 may be entirely made of a magnetically permeable material, for example, by directly stamping a thin sheet of iron, cobalt, nickel, or their alloys.

[0073] like Figure 6 As shown, in the first embodiment, the connecting piece 672 is movably connected to one of the keycap ends 6014 and 6024 of the first bracket 601 and the second bracket 602. The figure uses the connecting piece 672 movably connected to the keycap end 6014 of the first bracket 601 as an example. It should be noted that the terms "first" and "second" are merely used to distinguish different components and do not necessarily indicate different structures of the components. The first bracket 601 and the second bracket 602 can be exactly the same components, and thus the connection of the connecting piece 672 to the keycap end 6014 of the first bracket 601 or the keycap end 6024 of the second bracket 602 does not mean that the actual connection relationship has changed.

[0074] like Figure 6As shown, in the first embodiment, the bracket body 613, which serves as the keycap end 6014, is provided with a socket 613a. The connecting piece 672 is slidably inserted into the socket 613a and is movably connected to the bracket body 613. During the swinging process of the first bracket 601, the connecting piece 672 not only swings with the up and down movement of the keycap end 6014, but also slides relative to the keycap end 6014, so that the connecting piece 672 does not get stuck on the keycap end 6014 and prevent the first bracket 601 from swinging. The aforementioned first bracket 601 can also be replaced with a second bracket 602, that is, the socket 613a is located in the bracket body 614 of the second bracket 602, and the connecting piece 672 is movably connected to the keycap end 6024 of the second bracket 602. In one or more embodiments, the first bracket 601 and the second bracket 602 are substantially the same, and thus the connecting piece 672 can be connected to any one of the keycap ends 6014 and 6024 of the first bracket 601 and the second bracket 602 .

[0075] Specifically, the signal generator and signal sensor, such as the light emitter 641 and the light receiver 642, are arranged along the signal transmission direction, which is perpendicular to the rotational axis of the pivot portion 671. The signal generator and signal sensor are positioned approximately between the projections of the two keycap ends 6014 and 6024 on the top surface 648a. The projections of the arrangement direction of the baffle 650, the pivot portion 671, and the connecting piece 672 on the substrate 648 are parallel to the signal transmission direction. The present invention does not exclude the possibility of a tortuous signal transmission path formed by refraction or reflection, and the signal transmission path is not limited to a straight line along the signal transmission direction.

[0076] like Figure 2 、 Figure 3 and Figure 6As shown, the shielding mechanism 670 further includes two pivoting ears 673, each extending from opposite sides of the pivoting portion 671. The pivoting ears 673 are used to rotatably position the pivoting portion 671 on the top surface 648a along the rotation axis of the pivoting portion 671. The blocking piece 650 and the connecting piece 672 are located on either side of the rotation axis of the pivoting portion 671, that is, the blocking piece 650 and the connecting piece 672 extend in substantially opposite directions. The light receiver 642, which serves as a signal sensor, can be located between the two pivoting ears 673, that is, the two pivoting ears 673 are located on either side of the signal transmission direction, and the pivoting portion 671 is located above the light receiver 642. Therefore, the pivoting portion 671 and the two pivoting ears 673 can cover the signal sensor, reducing interference with the signal sensor caused by external signals. For example, if the signal sensor is a light receiver 642, the pivoting portion 671 and the two pivoting ears 673 can block external light from above the pivoting portion 671 and outside the two pivoting ears 673, preventing external light from interfering with the light receiver 642's acquisition of the sensing intensity. For example, if the signal sensor is a Hall effect sensor, the pivoting portion 671 and the two pivoting ears 673, which are made of magnetically conductive material, can provide magnetic field shielding, reducing interference from external electromagnetic fields on the Hall effect sensor.

[0077] It should be noted that in various embodiments of the present invention, the positions of the signal generator and the signal sensor can be interchanged. That is, the pivoting portion 671 and the two pivoting ears 673 can cover the signal generator. In this case, external interference with the signal sensor can be reduced through the use of external components such as a shielding element 680 (described later). In this case, the pivoting portion 671 and the two pivoting ears 673 covering the signal generator can reduce the interference of the signal generator on surrounding components. For example, if the signal generator is a magnet, the pivoting portion 671 and the two pivoting ears 673 can reduce the interference of the magnet on external components.

[0078] like Figure 2 、 Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the backlight source 643 is disposed on the top surface 648a of the substrate 648 to project illumination light toward the keycap 604. If the substrate 648 is a circuit board, the backlight source 643 is electrically connected to the substrate 648 and receives power through the substrate 648. If the substrate 648 does not have circuitry, the backlight source 643 can receive power through a flexible printed circuit board or wires. Specifically, the switch module 607, the support mechanism, the shielding mechanism 670, and the backlight source 643 are all located within the projection of the keycap 604 onto the substrate 648. Therefore, when viewing the key assembly from above, the keycap 604 fully covers the switch module 607, the support mechanism, the shielding mechanism 670, and the backlight source 643. The light emitting area of ​​the keycap 604 is used to allow illumination light to pass through and illuminate the top surface of the keycap 604. Preferably, the position of the backlight source 643 on the top surface 648a corresponds to the light emitting area.

[0079] like Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 6 As shown, to further reduce interference with the signal sensor, the key assembly further includes a shielding element 680, directly or indirectly disposed on the top surface 648a. The shielding element 680 has a window 681 and surrounds the light emitter 641 and the light receiver 642. A blocking piece 650 can be inserted through the window 681 into the gap between the light emitter 641 and the light receiver 642 to block the sensing signal. The pivoting tab 673 is pivotally connected to a pivot post 682 of the shielding element 680, indirectly pivoting the tab 673 to the top surface 648a. In various embodiments, the pivot post 682 can be separated from the shielding element 680 as a separate component and disposed on the top surface 648a.

[0080] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the key assembly further includes a diffuser 661. The diffuser 661 is directly or indirectly bonded to the top surface 648a of the substrate 648, and covers the backlight source 643 and is located between the backlight source 643 and the keycap 604. The illumination light emitted by the backlight source 643 can be widely illuminated on the inner side surface of the keycap 604 through the diffuser 661. In addition, the side wall used to set the diffuser 661 can be made of a light-shielding material to reduce the horizontal light emission. In the case where the signal sensor is a light receiver 642, the diffuser 661 can prevent the illumination light from interfering with the sensing intensity obtained by the light receiver 642.

[0081] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the shielding element 680 and the diffuser 661 can also be directly coupled to the bottom plate 603, thereby being indirectly coupled to the top surface 648a through the bottom plate 603. The bottom plate 603 is provided with a first fastener 691, and the shielding element 680 and the diffuser 661 are respectively provided with a second fastener 692. The first fastener 691 and the second fastener 692 match each other to secure the shielding element 680 and the diffuser 661 to the bottom plate 603. For example, as shown in the figure, the second fastener 692 of the diffuser 661 is a protrusion, while the corresponding first fastener 691 is a lug protruding from the bottom plate 603 and having a hole. For another example, the second fastener 692 of the shielding element 680 includes a protrusion and a hook hole, while the corresponding first fastener 691 is a lug having a hole and a hook protruding from the bottom plate 603, respectively.

[0082] like Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the elastic member 605 is indicated by a dotted line. The elastic member 605 connects the keycap ends 6014 and 6024 of the first bracket 601 and the second bracket 602 transversely along a connection direction. The orthographic projection of the elastic member 605 separates the keycap projection area 604a of the keycap 604 on the top surface 648a of the substrate 648 into a first area 604a1 and a second area 604a2. The signal generator (light emitter 641) and signal sensor (light receiver 642) are disposed in the first area 604a1, while the backlight source 643 is disposed in the second area 604a2. The blocking and reflection of the elastic member 605 reduces the intensity of the illumination light in the second area 604a2, thereby reducing interference of the illumination light on the optical signal sensor (light receiver 642). When the signal generator and the signal sensor are a combination of a magnet and a Hall sensor to form a magnetic switch, the elastic member 605 can be made of a magnetically conductive material (such as iron, cobalt, nickel or their alloys) to block the magnetic field, thereby preventing the magnetic field changes generated by the backlight source 643 when it is switched on or turned on from interfering with the Hall sensor.

[0083] like Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the base plate 603 has a claw portion 693 protruding toward the substrate 648, and the substrate 648 has a corresponding fixing hole 694. The claw portion 693 can be inserted into and tightly engaged with the edge of the fixing hole 694, thereby securing the base plate 603 to the top surface 648a of the substrate 648. Based on the removable base plate 603, the support mechanism, the shielding mechanism 670, the shielding element 680, and the diffuser 661 can be pre-assembled into a subassembly. By positioning the fixing hole 694, once the base plate 603 is mounted to the substrate 648, the positioning of the subassembly is completed, specifically the positioning of the baffle 650 relative to the signal generator and signal sensor. The keycap 604 can be installed to the subassembly first, or after the keycap 604 is secured to the subassembly. In fact, the bottom plate 603 only needs to occupy a small area on the substrate 648, and the supporting mechanism, the shielding mechanism 670, the shielding element 680 and the diffuser 661 can be installed thereon, and each key assembly can be equipped with a separate bottom plate 603, but it is not ruled out that the bottom plates 603 of multiple key assemblies are interconnected to form a single bottom plate with a large area.

[0084] Please refer to Figure 7 、 Figure 8 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 It is a side view of the switch module, two brackets and the shielding mechanism in the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 and Figure 8After simplification, only the substrate 648, light emitter 641, light receiver 642, first bracket 601, second bracket 602, and shielding mechanism 670 remain. As shown, the projection of the shielding plate 650 on the substrate 648 is roughly located between the light emitter 641 and the light receiver 642, and one of the light emitter 641 and the light receiver 64 is located between the projections of the shielding plate 650 and the connecting plate 672 on the substrate 648. The shielding mechanism 670 rotates along its rotation axis in a direction perpendicular to the top surface 648a of the substrate 648, with the linear movement directions of the shielding plate 650 and the connecting plate 672 being opposite. Furthermore, the front end of the shielding plate 650 can be bent toward the substrate 648, shortening the distance between the front end of the shielding plate 650 and the top surface 648a.

[0085] Figure 7 The keycap 604 (not shown) is shown unpressed. The tension provided by the elastic member 605 causes the two keycap ends 6014 and 6024 to approach each other and move upward, driving the keycap 604 upward to its highest point in this embodiment. At this point, like a seesaw, the portion of the connecting piece 672 connected to the keycap end 6014 moves upward, driving the front end of the baffle 650 to move downward in the opposite direction to its lowest point. The front end of the baffle 650 is inserted into the gap between the light emitter 641 and the light receiver 642. The front end of the baffle 650 blocks the transmission of the sensing signal. At this point, the sensing intensity obtained by the signal sensor and the light receiver 642 is a first intensity. The first intensity is generally the minimum sensing intensity in the first embodiment; however, the value of the first intensity is not necessarily zero. When the keycap 604 is at its highest point and the baffle 650 is at its lowest point, the transmission of the sensing signal is not necessarily completely blocked by the baffle 650.

[0086] Figure 8 The keycap 604 (not shown) is shown pressed to its lowest point. The keycap 604 is pressed downward, transferring the pressing force to the two keycap ends 6014 and 6024, which in turn drives the two keycap ends 6014 and 6024 downward to their lowest point. As the two keycap ends 6014 and 6024 move downward and away from each other, the elastic member 605 is stretched and generates an elastic restoring force, which is a tensile force. Simultaneously, the portion of the connecting piece 672 connected to the keycap end 6014 moves downward, driving the front end of the baffle 650 to move upward in the opposite direction to the highest point it can reach in this embodiment. The front end of the baffle 650 can be completely or partially removed from the gap between the light emitter 641 and the light receiver 642, thereby reducing the degree of obstruction of the sensing signal. At this point, the sensing intensity obtained by the signal sensor, i.e., the light receiver 642, rises to the second intensity, generating a trigger event.

[0087] The aforementioned trigger event, ie, the sensing intensity changes from the first intensity to the second intensity, can be interpreted by the back-end processing circuit as an input trigger, thereby generating a corresponding input signal.

[0088] like Figure 8 As shown, it should be noted that the aforementioned embodiment assumes that a trigger event occurs only when the keycap 604 and its two keycap ends 6014 and 6024 are pressed to their lowest point. In other words, the second intensity is set to the maximum sensing intensity achievable in the first embodiment. In practice, considering the sensitivity requirements of the key assembly, a typical push-type input device (such as a keyboard) is not configured such that a trigger event occurs only when the keycap 604 is pressed to its lowest point. Push-type input devices are typically configured such that a trigger event occurs only when the keycap 604 is pressed downwards to a certain distance (e.g., half of its maximum travel). Therefore, in the first embodiment, the second intensity can be a specified upper intensity threshold, set between the first intensity and the maximum sensing intensity. A trigger event occurs when the sensing intensity gradually increases from the first intensity to the second intensity. If the keycap 604 continues to be pressed and moves downward, the sensing intensity continues to increase, causing the trigger event to persist and not be detected as a new trigger event. When the keycap 604 is released and moves upward, causing the sensing intensity to drop below the second intensity, the processing device determines that the trigger event has terminated.

[0089] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, it is a variation of the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the support mechanism and the backlight source 643 are arranged on the top surface 648a of the substrate 648, and the signal generator (light emitter 641) and the signal sensor (light receiver 642) are arranged on the bottom surface 648b of the substrate 648; that is, the optical switch and the backlight source 643 are arranged on different surfaces of the substrate 648 to form an eccentric arrangement. The substrate 648 has a groove 645, and the signal generator and the signal sensor are respectively arranged on both sides of the groove 645. As shown in FIG. Figure 9 As shown, the length and width of the slot 645 match the shape and size of the baffle 650, and the front end of the baffle 650 is bent downward and points to the slot 645. When the keycap 604 is not pressed, the baffle 650 can move through the slot 645 and enter the gap between the signal generator and the signal sensor. Figure 10 As shown, when keycap 604 is pressed, causing the support mechanism to lift baffle 650, baffle 650 disengages from the gap between slot 645 and the signal generator and signal sensor, thereby changing the sensing intensity. In the aforementioned variation, the optical switch and backlight source 643 are positioned on opposite sides of each other, which reduces interference from the backlight source 643 on the signal sensor (light receiver 642). If the optical switch is replaced with a magnetic switch, this offset placement also reduces interference from the magnetic field generated by the backlight source 643 during operation.

[0090] like Figure 11 , which is another variation of the first embodiment. When the signal generator and signal sensor are a combination of a magnet 641a and a Hall sensor 642a forming a magnetic switch, the magnet 641a and the Hall sensor 642a can also be arranged on different surfaces. For example, the magnet 641a and the backlight source 643 are arranged on the top surface 648a, while the Hall sensor 642a is arranged on the bottom surface 648b. Although the magnet 641a and the Hall sensor 642a are isolated by the substrate 648, the presence of the slot 645 still allows a stable magnetic field to be formed between the magnet 641a and the Hall sensor 642a. Similarly, when the keycap 604 is not pressed, the barrier 650 can move through the slot 645 and into the gap between the magnet 641a and the Hall sensor 642a, thereby reducing the sensing intensity of the Hall sensor 642a to a minimum. When the keycap 604 is pressed and the support mechanism drives the baffle 650 upward, the baffle 650 is separated from the gap between the slot 645 and the signal generator and the signal sensor, changing the magnitude of the sensing intensity. In this variation, the magnet 641a and the Hall sensor 642a can be interchangeable.

[0091] Generally speaking, when a user presses a keycap 604, they don't necessarily press the center of the keycap 604. For example, if the edge of the keycap 604 is pressed, causing it to tilt, the pressing force will be concentrated on the keycap end 6024 of the second bracket 602. In this case, the keycap end 6024 of the second bracket 602 experiences significantly greater pressing force, while the keycap end 6014 of the first bracket 601 experiences relatively less pressing force. In this situation, the first bracket 601 and the second bracket 602 lose their interlocking motion, resulting in inconsistent downward movement of the keycap ends 6014 and 6024. This situation affects the generation of a trigger event; that is, even after the user exerts sufficient pressure, the keycap end 6014 of the first bracket 601 does not move downward the same distance, preventing the sensing intensity from reaching the second level required to generate a trigger event.

[0092] See Figure 5 and Figure 12 and Figure 11 As shown, in order to solve the above problem, a linkage mechanism is provided between the first bracket 601 and the second bracket 602 in one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0093] As shown in the figure, a downward pressing piece 711 and a capturing piece 712 are provided at the front end of each side arm 611, 612, 621, 622. The downward pressing piece 711 and the capturing piece 712 extend outward along the longitudinal direction of each side arm 611, 612, 621, 622 and are arranged in parallel.

[0094] like Figure 5 、 Figure 12 and Figure 11 As shown, when the bottom plate end 6012 of the first bracket 601 and the bottom plate end 6022 of the second bracket 602 are movably connected to the base plate 648, the front ends of the side arms 611 and 612 of the first bracket 601 correspond to the front ends of the side arms 621 and 622 of the second bracket 602. At this time, relative to the base plate 648, the lower pressing piece 711 of the first bracket 601 is located above the capture piece 712 of the second bracket 602; conversely, the lower pressing piece 711 of the second bracket 602 is located above the capture piece 712 of the first bracket 601.

[0095] For example Figure 5 As shown, both side arms 611, 612, 621, and 622 of the first and second brackets 601, 602 can be equipped with a lower pressure piece 711 and a capture piece 712. Both sets of lower pressure pieces 711 and capture pieces 712 are positioned in the same relative positions. For example, the lower pressure piece 711 is on the left side, while the capture piece 712 is on the right side. If the first and second brackets 601, 602, are identical in configuration, simply rotating the first bracket 601 180 degrees can function as the second bracket 602. Therefore, there is no need to manufacture separate first and second brackets 601, 602, with different configurations.

[0096] like Figure 12 and Figure 11 、 Figure 13 As shown, the lower pressing piece 711 extends laterally to form an extension portion 711a, and the distal end of the extension portion 711a is bent downward (toward the substrate) and extends forward to form a capture piece 712. The capture piece 712 is a longitudinal piece perpendicular to the substrate 648, while the lower pressing piece 711 is perpendicular to the capture piece 712. Generally, the front end of the upper side edge of the capture piece 712 extends upward, with a rounded corner at the intersection of the edges. The lower pressing piece 711 can extend horizontally without bending.

[0097] Relative to the base plate 648, the front end of the upper edge of the capture sheet 712 of the first bracket 601 is positioned below the lower pressing sheet 711 of the second bracket 602; conversely, the front end of the upper edge of the capture sheet 712 of the second bracket 602 is positioned below the lower pressing sheet 711 of the first bracket 601. As in the previous embodiment, the two side arms 611, 612, 621, and 622 of the first bracket 601 and the second bracket 602 can be configured with both the lower pressing sheet 711 and the capture sheet 712, and both sets of the lower pressing sheet 711 and the capture sheet 712 are configured in the same relative positions. Typically, the length of the lower pressing sheet 711 is configured so that when the first bracket 601 and the second bracket 602 are coplanar, the front end of the lower pressing sheet 711 does not contact the extension portion 711a.

[0098] See Figure 8 As shown, when pressing force is applied to the upper surface of the keycap 604, assuming the external force is concentrated on the second bracket 602, the upwardly moving capture plate 712 of the second bracket 602 can push up the lower pressing plate 711 of the first bracket 601, thereby driving the first bracket 601 to move in conjunction. Simultaneously, the capture plate 712 of the first bracket 601 also pushes up the lower pressing plate 711 of the second bracket 602, driving the second bracket 602 to move in conjunction. Therefore, the force concentrated on the second bracket 602 can be dispersed to the first and second brackets 601, 602, allowing the two keycap ends 6014 and 6024 to move downward simultaneously with approximately the same stroke, while keeping the keycap 604 from tilting. The first bracket 601 and second bracket 602 mentioned in the preceding description are interchangeable. That is, when external force is concentrated on the first bracket 601, the second bracket 602 can also be driven in conjunction through the same linkage mechanism. In this way, it can be ensured that the keycap 604 and the two keycap ends 6014 and 6024 have substantially the same movement stroke, without interfering with the generation of the trigger event.

[0099] like Figure 12 As shown, when the pressing force applied to the upper surface of the keycap 604 is released, the two keycap ends 6014, 6024 are subjected to the pulling force of the elastic member 605 and approach each other and move upward, and the aforementioned linkage relationship is transformed into the lower pressing plate 711 pressing the corresponding capture plate 712 downward, and balancing the pulling force of the elastic member 605 between the first bracket 601 and the second bracket 602.

[0100] In this way, whether the keycap 604 moves upward or downward, the first bracket 601 and the second bracket 602 can pull each other to balance the forces on the first bracket 601 and the second bracket 602, thereby reducing the interference of the triggering event caused by the keycap 604 tilting during the pressing or releasing process.

[0101] See Figure 14 and Figure 15 2 is a button assembly disclosed in the second embodiment of the present invention, which is used to illustrate a variation of the shielding mechanism 670 .

[0102] like Figure 14 and Figure 15 As shown, in the second embodiment, the shielding mechanism 670 includes a pivot portion 671, a connecting piece 672, and a blocking piece 650. The pivot portion 671 is rotatably disposed on the top surface 648a of the base plate 648. Generally, the rotation axis of the pivot portion 671, the rotation axis of the first bracket 601, and the rotation axis of the second bracket 602 are parallel to each other.

[0103] like Figure 14 and Figure 15As shown, the connecting piece 672 extends from the pivot portion 671. In the second embodiment, the connecting piece 672 is configured as a longitudinal piece perpendicular to the top surface 648a. The end of the connecting piece 672 has an open slot 672a, and the opening of the open slot 672a is located at the end of the connecting piece 672. The open slot 672a extends toward the pivot portion 671, and the edge of the opening is preferably provided with a guide radius. Accordingly, one of the two keycap ends 6014, 6024 is provided with a guide piece 6145 (hereinafter, the keycap end 6014 of the first bracket 601 is used as an example).

[0104] like Figure 14 and Figure 15 As shown, the guide piece 6145 is configured as a plate perpendicular to the connecting piece 672 and is inserted into the open slot 672a. The width of the open slot 672a is greater than the thickness of the guide piece 6145. Therefore, the guide piece 6145 can slide within the open slot 672a and can also swing along the width of the open slot 672a, allowing the connecting piece 672 to be movably connected to the keycap end 6014 of the first bracket 601. In this embodiment, the insertion hole 613a configured in the bracket body 613 can be omitted. Specifically, the guide piece 6145 is provided on the bracket bodies 613 and 623, which serve as the keycap ends 6014 and 6024.

[0105] like Figure 16 and Figure 17 As shown, Figure 16 and Figure 17 After simplification, only the base plate 648, light emitter 641, light receiver 642, first bracket 601, and shielding mechanism 670 remain. In the second embodiment, the connecting piece 672 and the blocking piece 650 extend toward the same side relative to the rotational axis of the pivoting portion 671, with the end of the blocking piece 650 positioned approximately between the end of the connecting piece 672 and the pivoting portion 671. One of the light emitter 641 and light receiver 642 can be positioned between the two pivoting tabs 673. Specifically, the two pivoting tabs 673 are positioned on either side of the signal transmission direction, with the pivoting portion 671 positioned above one of the light emitter 641 and light receiver 642, while the other is positioned between the end of the blocking piece 650 and the projection of the end of the connecting piece 672 onto the top surface 648a. Similarly, in the second embodiment, the positions of the light emitter 641 and light receiver 642, which serve as the signal generator and signal sensor, can be interchanged.

[0106] refer to Figure 16 and Figure 17As shown, in a direction perpendicular to the top surface 648a of the base plate 648, the shielding mechanism 670 rotates along the rotation axis of the pivot portion 671, and the linear movement direction of the blocking piece 650 is the same as that of the connecting piece 672. In addition, the front end of the blocking piece 650 can be bent toward the base plate 648, thereby shortening the distance between the front end of the blocking piece 650 and the top surface 648a.

[0107] Figure 16 The keycap 604 (not shown) is shown unpressed. The tension provided by the elastic member 605 causes the two keycap ends 6014 and 6024 to approach each other and move upward, driving the keycap 604 upward to its highest point in this embodiment. At this point, the portion of the connecting piece 672 connected to the keycap end 6014 moves upward, driving the front end of the baffle 650 upward to its highest point. The front end of the baffle 650 is released from the gap between the light emitter 641 and the light receiver 642, eliminating or minimizing the blocking of the sensing signal by the baffle 650. At this point, the sensing intensity obtained by the light receiver 642 is a first intensity. The first intensity is typically the maximum sensing intensity in the second embodiment; however, the first intensity is not necessarily equal to the maximum receiving intensity achievable by the signal sensor. When the keycap 604 is at its highest point and the baffle 650 is at its highest point, the sensing signal may be partially blocked by the baffle 650.

[0108] Figure 17 The keycap 604 (not shown) is shown pressed to its lowest point. The keycap 604 is pressed downward, transferring the pressing force to the two keycap ends 6014 and 6024, driving the two keycap ends 6014 and 6024 downward to their lowest point. At this point, the portion of the connecting piece 672 connected to the keycap ends 6014 and 6024 moves downward, driving the front end of the blocking piece 650 downward to insert into the gap between the light emitter 641 and the light receiver 642, reaching the lowest point possible in this embodiment. This increases the degree of shielding of the sensing signal. At this point, the sensing intensity detected by the light receiver 642 drops to a second intensity, generating a trigger event. The trigger event causes the processing circuit to interpret it as an input trigger and generate a corresponding input signal.

[0109] like Figure 17As shown, it should be noted that the description of the aforementioned embodiment is based on the assumption that a trigger event is generated only when the keycap 604 is pressed to the lowest point, that is, the second intensity is set to the minimum sensing intensity that can be obtained in the second embodiment. In fact, the second intensity can be a threshold value of a specified lower limit of the receiving intensity, and the numerical value is set between the first intensity and the minimum sensing intensity. When the sensing intensity gradually decreases from the first intensity to equal to or less than the second intensity, a trigger event will be generated. If the keycap 604 continues to be pressed and moved downward, the sensing intensity may continue to decrease, causing the trigger event to remain in existence and not be determined as a new trigger event. When the keycap 604 is released so that the sensing intensity rises to greater than the second intensity, the processing device determines that the aforementioned trigger event has terminated.

[0110] See Figure 18 and Figure 19 FIG. 1 shows a key assembly disclosed in the third embodiment of the present invention, which is used to illustrate a variation of the linkage mechanism.

[0111] like Figure 18 and Figure 19 As shown, the lower pressing piece 711 and the capturing piece 712 of the second embodiment are generally slightly bent downward (bent toward the substrate 648). In addition, the front end of the capturing piece 712 is provided with a capturing portion 712a that is bent upward (bent toward the direction away from the substrate 648), and there is a bending angle between the capturing portion 712a and the capturing piece 712. Figure 19 As shown, the angle at which the capture sheet 712 is bent is greater than the angle at which the lower pressing sheet 711 is bent, and the length of the lower pressing sheet 711 is greater than the length of the capture sheet 712. As in the first embodiment, the two side arms 611, 612 of the first bracket 601 and the two side arms 621, 622 of the second bracket 602 can be configured with both the lower pressing sheet 711 and the capture sheet 712, and both sets of the lower pressing sheet 711 and the capture sheet 712 are configured in the same relative positions.

[0112] When the key assembly is pressed, the upward-moving capture piece 712 of each bracket 601, 602 can push up the lower pressing piece 711 of the other bracket 601, thereby driving the two brackets 601, 602 to move in tandem. When the external force pressing on the keycap 604 is released and the two keycap ends 6014, 6024 are pulled closer to each other by the tension of the elastic member 605, the aforementioned linkage changes to the lower pressing piece 711 pressing down on the corresponding capture piece 712, balancing the tension of the elastic member 605 between the first bracket 601 and the second bracket 602. When the lower pressing piece 711 enters the corresponding bend angle, the capture portion 712a blocks the lower pressing piece 711 from further movement, and the two keycap ends 6014, 6024 now reach the highest point reachable in the system.

[0113] See Figure 20 and Figure 21Detailed description is given of a linkage mechanism disclosed in the fourth embodiment of the present invention, which is applied in one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0114] like Figure 20 and Figure 21 As shown, the lower pressing piece 711 is a longitudinal piece perpendicular to the substrate 648, while the capture piece 712 is perpendicular to the lower pressing piece 711. Generally, the front end of the lower side edge of the lower pressing piece 711 extends downward (extending toward the substrate 648) and has a rounded corner at the intersection of the edges. After being bent, the capture piece 712 is bent forward to form a capture portion 712a that is bent forward. The front end of the lower side edge of the lower pressing piece 711 is used to contact the capture portion 712a.

[0115] Relative to the base plate 648, the front end of the lower edge of each bracket's lower pressing piece 711 is positioned above the forwardly bent portion of the other bracket's capture piece 712. As in the first embodiment, the two side arms 611, 612 of the first bracket 601 and the two side arms 621, 622 of the second bracket 602 can be simultaneously configured with a lower pressing piece 711 and a capture piece 712, with both sets of lower pressing pieces 711 and capture pieces 712 positioned in the same relative positions. Typically, the length of the lower pressing piece 711 is configured so that when the first bracket 601 and the second bracket 602 are coplanar, the front end of the lower pressing piece 711 does not contact the downwardly bent portion of the capture piece 712.

[0116] When the key assembly is pressed, the upward-moving catch 712 of one bracket pushes up the downward-pressing piece 711 of the other bracket, thereby driving the two brackets 601 and 602 to move in tandem. When the external force on the keycap 604 is released, the aforementioned linkage shifts to the downward-pressing piece 711 pressing down on the corresponding catch 712, causing the first bracket 601 and the second bracket 602 to mutually drive each other to balance the tension of the elastic member 605.

[0117] Compared to conventional technology, the key assembly of the present invention utilizes a support mechanism to drive a shielding mechanism, varying the degree of shielding of the sensing signal as a switch signal, achieving fast and precise conversion of a press signal. This design is applicable to various key architectures and is suitable for portable electronic devices. Furthermore, the first and second brackets of the support mechanism of the present invention are interconnected via a linkage mechanism, ensuring reliable linkage between the first and second brackets and the keycap. This ensures that the movement of the shielding mechanism is accurately linked to the movement of the keycap, effectively preventing the keycap's pressure from being accurately detected.

[0118] Of course, the present invention may have many other embodiments. Without departing from the spirit and essence of the present invention, those skilled in the art may make various corresponding changes and modifications based on the present invention, but these corresponding changes and modifications should all fall within the scope of protection of the claims attached to the present invention.

Claims

1. A button assembly, characterized in that: The button assembly includes: A switch module comprises a substrate and a pair of a signal generator and a signal sensor; wherein the signal generator and the signal sensor are disposed on the substrate, the signal generator provides a sensing signal to the signal sensor, and the signal sensor receives the sensing signal and obtains a corresponding sensing intensity; A support mechanism is disposed on the top surface of the substrate, and the top of the support mechanism moves up and down in response to the pressing force; and The shielding mechanism includes: a pivoting portion rotatably disposed on the top surface; a connecting piece extending from the pivot portion and movably connected to the supporting mechanism to follow the movement of the top portion to swing up and down relative to the base plate; and a blocking piece extending from the pivotal portion and adapted to be driven by the connecting piece to be inserted into or removed from the gap between the signal generator and the signal sensor, thereby changing the magnitude of the sensing intensity; A backlight source is also provided on the substrate; the support mechanism further includes an elastic member, which laterally connects the two keycap ends of the support mechanism, and the orthographic projection of the elastic member separates the substrate into a first area and a second area, the signal generator and the signal sensor are provided in the first area, and the backlight source is provided in the second area.

2. The key assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The support mechanism includes: Two brackets, each bracket having a base plate end and a key cap end, each base plate end being movably connected to the base plate, and the two brackets are extended outward to move the two key cap ends away from each other, and the two key cap ends constitute the top of the support mechanism; The signal generator and the signal sensor are located between the projections of the two keycap ends on the top surface, the connecting piece is movably connected to one of the two keycap ends, and the rotation axis of the pivot portion and the rotation axis of the two brackets are parallel to each other.

3. The key assembly according to claim 2, wherein: One of the two keycap ends is provided with an inserting hole, and the connecting piece can be slidably inserted into the inserting hole.

4. The key assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The connecting piece is configured as a longitudinal piece perpendicular to the top surface, and the end of the connecting piece has an open slot. One of the two keycap ends is provided with a guide piece, which is used to insert into the open slot, and the width of the open slot is greater than the thickness of the guide piece.

5. The key assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The key assembly further includes a key cap, which is arranged on the top of the support mechanism to be located above the top surface through the support of the support mechanism, and the support mechanism supports the key cap to move up and down relative to the substrate.

6. The key assembly according to claim 5, wherein: The backlight source is arranged on the top surface and is used for projecting illumination light toward the keycap.

7. The key assembly according to claim 6, wherein: The key assembly further includes a diffusion sheet, which is combined with the top surface and covers the backlight source.

8. The key assembly according to claim 6, wherein: The substrate has a slot, and at least one of the signal generator and the signal sensor is located on a different surface of the substrate from the backlight source. The front end of the baffle is used to pass through the slot and be inserted into or removed from the gap between the signal generator and the signal sensor.

9. The key assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The signal generator and the signal sensor are a combination of a light receiver and a light transmitter, or the signal generator and the signal sensor are a combination of a magnet and a Hall sensor.

10. The key assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The signal generator and the signal sensor are arranged along a signal transmission direction, and the signal transmission direction is perpendicular to the rotation axis of the pivoting portion.

11. The key assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The blocking piece and the connecting piece are located on two sides or on the same side of the rotation axis of the pivoting portion.

12. The key assembly according to claim 11, wherein: The shielding mechanism further comprises two pivotal ears, which extend respectively to two opposite side edges of the pivotal portion and are arranged along the rotation axis of the pivotal portion.

13. The key assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The key assembly further includes a shielding element, which is arranged on the top surface and has a window. The shielding element surrounds the signal generator and the signal sensor, and the blocking piece passes through the window.

14. A support mechanism for a key, characterized in that: The support mechanism for the key comprises: a substrate having a top surface; and Two brackets, each having a base plate end and a keycap end, each base plate end being movably connected to the base plate, and the two brackets being extended outward to move the two keycap ends away from each other; wherein each bracket further comprises a body and a side arm portion, the side arm portion extending from the corresponding body, each body forming a keycap end, and the distal end of each side arm portion forming a corresponding base plate end; The front end of each side arm is respectively provided with a lower pressing piece and a capture piece, the lower pressing piece and the capture piece extending outward along a long axis direction of each side arm, and relative to the base plate, the lower pressing piece of one of the two brackets is located above the capture piece of the other of the two brackets; A backlight source is also provided on the substrate; the support mechanism further includes an elastic member, which laterally connects the two keycap ends of the support mechanism, and the orthographic projection of the elastic member separates the substrate into a first area and a second area, the signal generator and the signal sensor are provided in the first area, and the backlight source is provided in the second area.

15. The support mechanism for a key according to claim 14, wherein: The pressing plate and the capturing plate are bent toward the substrate. The front end of the capturing plate is provided with a capturing portion bent toward a direction away from the substrate, and a bending angle is formed between the capturing portion and the capturing plate.

16. The support mechanism for a key according to claim 15, wherein: The bending angle of the capture sheet is greater than the bending angle of the lower pressing sheet, and the length of the lower pressing sheet is greater than the length of the capture sheet.

17. The support mechanism for a key according to claim 14, wherein: The lower pressing sheet is perpendicular to the substrate, and the capturing sheet is perpendicular to the lower pressing sheet.

18. The support mechanism for a key according to claim 17, wherein: The front end of the lower side edge of the lower pressing piece is in a protruding shape extending toward the base plate; after the capturing piece is bent, it is bent forward to form a capturing portion bent forward, and the lower side edge of the lower pressing piece is used to contact the capturing portion.

19. The support mechanism for a key according to claim 14, wherein: The lower pressing piece extends outward along the long axis direction of the side arm portion, and the lateral extension of the lower pressing piece forms an extension portion, and the end of the extension portion has the capture piece bent toward the base plate and extending forward.

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