Button structure

Abstract

The present invention provides a key structure. The key structure includes a keycap and a scissor-type connecting element, wherein the scissor-type connecting element is connected to the keycap. The scissor-type connecting element includes an inner frame and an outer frame, wherein the inner frame has a first end and a second end opposite to each other, and the first end of the inner frame is connected to the keycap. The outer frame is used to be combined with the inner frame and swing relative to the inner frame, wherein the outer frame has a first end and a second end opposite to each other, and the first end of the outer frame is connected to the keycap and adjacent to the second end of the inner frame. The second end of the inner frame includes a first protrusion, and the first end of the outer frame includes a second protrusion adjacent to the first protrusion, the first protrusion has a first striking surface, and the second protrusion has a second striking surface. When the keycap is pressed, the first striking surface and the second striking surface strike each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a key structure, in particular to a key structure with a scissor-type connecting element. Background Art

[0002] Common computer peripheral input devices include mice and keyboards. Keyboards, for example, allow users to directly input text and symbols into a computer and are therefore highly valued. However, existing keyboards, such as the thin keyboards commonly found in laptops, lack the sound and feedback provided by mechanical keyboards. However, keyboard sound and feedback are key considerations for consumers. Therefore, improving keyboards to achieve the same sound and feedback as mechanical keyboards has become a major technical challenge in this field. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The object of the present invention is to provide a key structure to solve at least one of the above problems.

[0004] The present invention provides a key structure, including a keycap and a scissor-type connecting element. The scissor-type connecting element connects the keycap. The scissor-type connecting element includes an inner frame and an outer frame. The inner frame has a first end and a second end opposite to each other, and the first end of the inner frame is connected to the keycap. The outer frame is used to be combined with the inner frame and swing relative to the inner frame. The outer frame has a first end and a second end opposite to each other, and the first end of the outer frame is connected to the keycap and adjacent to the second end of the inner frame. The second end of the inner frame includes a first protrusion, and the first end of the outer frame includes a second protrusion adjacent to the first protrusion, the first protrusion has a first striking surface, and the second protrusion has a second striking surface, and when the keycap is pressed, the first striking surface and the second striking surface strike each other.

[0005] In some embodiments of the present invention, the second end of the inner frame further includes a first elastic arm connected to the first protrusion.

[0006] In some embodiments of the present invention, the second end of the inner frame further includes an opening adjacent to the first elastic arm, and the first elastic arm is located between the opening and the first protrusion.

[0007] In some embodiments of the present invention, a vertical projection of the first protrusion and a vertical projection of the second protrusion have an overlapping area, and a width of the opening is greater than or equal to a width of the overlapping area.

[0008] In some embodiments of the present invention, the opening is a closed area.

[0009] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first striking surface is an upper surface of the first convex portion, and the first striking surface is coplanar with an upper surface of the first elastic arm.

[0010] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first protrusion has a first inclined surface between the first striking surface and the outer surface of the first elastic arm.

[0011] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first end of the outer frame further includes a second elastic arm connected to the second protrusion.

[0012] In some embodiments of the present invention, the second striking surface is the lower surface of the second protrusion, and the second striking surface is coplanar with the lower surface of the second elastic arm.

[0013] In some embodiments of the present invention, the second protrusion has a second inclined surface between the second striking surface and the inner surface of the second elastic arm.

[0014] In some embodiments of the present invention, the cross-sectional shapes of the first protrusion and the second protrusion are trapezoidal, triangular, L-shaped, semicircular, or semi-elliptical.

[0015] In some embodiments of the present invention, the cross-sectional shapes of the first protrusion and the second protrusion are right-angled trapezoids.

[0016] In some embodiments of the present invention, the key structure also includes an elastomer connected to the keycap. When the keycap is pressed, the elastomer is compressed, and the inner frame and the outer frame swing relative to each other. When the keycap is no longer pressed, the elastomer provides elastic force to restore the keycap to its original position.

[0017] In detail, the inner frame and outer frame of the scissor-type connecting element of the key structure of the present invention respectively have a first protrusion and a second protrusion. When the keycap is pressed, the first protrusion and the second protrusion knock, press and rub against each other to make a sound. When the keycap continues to be pressed, the inner frame and the outer frame are in an overlapping state, and the first protrusion and the second protrusion are misaligned. When the keycap is released and not pressed, the elastic force of the elastomer can restore the keycap to its original position, and the inner frame with the first protrusion and the outer frame with the second protrusion are restored to their original position, and a sound will also be generated at this time. Therefore, the key structure of the present invention can have a sound and feedback similar to that of a mechanical keyboard when tapped, which can meet the needs of consumers. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a key structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a schematic top view of a scissor-type connecting element according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A partial enlarged schematic diagram.

[0021] Figure 4 for Figure 2 Schematic side view of .

[0022] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A schematic side view of the scissor-type connecting element when the keycap is pressed.

[0023] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A side view of the scissor-type connecting element when the keycap is further pressed.

[0024] Figure 7 for Figure 6 Schematic top view of the scissor-type connection element.

[0025] Figure 8 for Figure 6 A side view of the scissor-type connecting element when the keycap is further pressed.

[0026] Figure 9 for Figure 8 Schematic top view of the scissor-type connection element.

[0027] The reference numerals are as follows:

[0028] 10: Keycaps

[0029] 20: Scissor-type connection element

[0030] 22: Inner frame

[0031] 221: First End

[0032] 222: Second end

[0033] 2222: First convex part

[0034] 2222i: First Incline

[0035] 2222s: First striking surface

[0036] 2224: First elastic arm

[0037] 2226: Opening

[0038] 24: Outer frame

[0039] 241: First End

[0040] 2412: Second convex part

[0041] 2412i: First Incline

[0042] 2412s: Second striking surface

[0043] 2414: Second elastic arm

[0044] 242: Second end

[0045] 30: Elastomer

[0046] 40: Thin film circuit board

[0047] 50: Button base

[0048] w1, w2: width DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] The advantages and features of the present invention, as well as methods for achieving the same, will be more readily understood by describing them in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments and accompanying drawings. However, the present invention may be embodied in various forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to enable this disclosure to be more thorough, comprehensive, and fully convey the scope of the present invention to those skilled in the art.

[0050] As described in the prior art, existing keyboards lack the sound and feedback produced by mechanical keyboards when typing. Therefore, improving keyboards to achieve the same sound and feedback as mechanical keyboards has become a technical challenge in the field. Accordingly, the present invention provides a key structure to address this issue. Various embodiments of the present invention's key structure are described in detail below.

[0051] The keyboard device includes a plurality of key structures. Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a perspective exploded diagram of a key structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 As shown, the key structure includes a keycap 10 and a scissor-type connecting element 20. The scissor-type connecting element 20 connects the keycap 10. The scissor-type connecting element 20 includes an inner frame 22 and an outer frame 24.

[0052] In some embodiments, as Figure 1 As shown, the key structure further includes an elastic body 30 connected to the keycap 10. When the keycap 10 is pressed, the elastic body 30 is compressed, causing the inner frame 22 and the outer frame 24 to swing relative to each other. When the keycap 10 is no longer pressed, the elastic body 30 provides an elastic force to return the keycap 10 to its original position, and the inner frame 22 and the outer frame 24 are also restored to their original positions.

[0053] In some embodiments, as Figure 1 As shown, the keyboard device includes, in addition to the key structure, a thin film circuit board 40, which is located below the key structure. In some embodiments, the thin film circuit board 40 includes a plurality of thin films stacked on each other and a membrane switch.

[0054] In some embodiments, as Figure 1 As shown, the keyboard device includes, in addition to the key structure, a key base plate 50. The scissor-type connecting element 20 is connected between the key cap 10 and the key base plate 50. The elastic body 30 is disposed between the key cap 10 and the key base plate 50.

[0055] Specifically, when the keycap 10 of the key structure is pressed and moves downward relative to the key base 50, the inner frame 22 and outer frame 24 of the scissor-type connecting element 20 change from an open-closed state to a superimposed state. The downwardly moving keycap 10 compresses the elastic member 30, causing the contact surface of the elastic member 30 to trigger the corresponding membrane switch, thereby generating the corresponding key signal. When the keycap 10 of the key structure is no longer pressed, the elastic member 30 provides a spring force to move the keycap 10 upward relative to the key base 50. At this time, the inner frame 22 and outer frame 24 return from their superimposed state to an open-closed state, and the keycap 10 returns to its original position.

[0056] Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a schematic top view of a scissor-type connection element according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the inner frame 22 has a first end 221 and a second end 222 facing each other, and the first end 221 of the inner frame 22 is connected to the keycap 10. The second end 222 of the inner frame 22 is connected to the key base 50. The second end 222 of the inner frame 22 includes a first protrusion 2222.

[0057] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the outer frame 24 is coupled to the inner frame 22 and is configured to swing relative to the inner frame 22. The outer frame 24 has a first end 241 and a second end 242 that oppose each other. The first end 241 of the outer frame 24 is connected to the keycap 10 and is adjacent to the second end 222 of the inner frame 22. The second end 242 of the outer frame 24 is connected to the key base 50. The first end 241 of the outer frame 24 includes a second protrusion 2412 that is adjacent to the first protrusion 2222. When the keycap 10 is not pressed, the vertical projection of the first protrusion 2222 partially overlaps with the vertical projection of the second protrusion 2412.

[0058] In some embodiments, as Figure 2 As shown, the second end 222 of the inner frame 22 further includes a first elastic arm 2224 connected to the first protrusion 2222. In some embodiments, when an external force is applied to the first elastic arm 2224, the first elastic arm 2224 can elastically deform. After the external force is removed, the first elastic arm 2224 can return to its original position. In some embodiments, the first protrusion 2222 and the first elastic arm 2224 are integrally formed or connected to each other by assembly. In some embodiments, the first protrusion 2222 and the first elastic arm 2224 are made of the same material or different materials.

[0059] In some embodiments, as Figure 2As shown, the second end 222 of the inner frame 22 further includes an opening 2226 adjacent to the first elastic arm 2224, with the first elastic arm 2224 located between the opening 2226 and the first protrusion 2222. In some embodiments, the opening 2226 is configured to provide space for the first elastic arm 2224 to move. In some embodiments, the opening 2226 is a closed area, but the present invention is not limited to this. The form of the opening can be adjusted according to actual needs. For example, in other embodiments, one end of the first elastic arm is connected to the second end of the inner frame, while the other end of the first elastic arm is not connected to the second end of the inner frame, making the opening an open area.

[0060] In some embodiments, as Figure 2 As shown, the first end 241 of the outer frame 24 further includes a second elastic arm 2414 connected to the second protrusion 2412. In some embodiments, when an external force is applied to the second elastic arm 2414, the second elastic arm 2414 can elastically deform and return to its original position after the external force is removed. In some embodiments, the second protrusion 2412 and the second elastic arm 2414 are integrally formed or connected to each other by assembly. In some embodiments, the second protrusion 2412 and the second elastic arm 2414 are made of the same material or different materials.

[0061] Figure 3 for Figure 2 In some embodiments, as Figure 3 As shown, the vertical projection of the first convex portion 2222 and the vertical projection of the second convex portion 2412 have an overlapping area, and the width w1 of the opening 2226 is greater than or equal to the width w2 of the overlapping area.

[0062] Figure 4 for Figure 2 Schematic side view of . Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the first protrusion 2222 has a first striking surface 2222s. The second protrusion 2412 has a second striking surface 2412s. When the keycap is pressed, the first protrusion 2222 of the inner frame 22 and the second protrusion 2412 of the outer frame 24 approach each other, and then the first striking surface 2222s and the second striking surface 2412s strike each other.

[0063] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the first protrusion 2222 and the second protrusion 2412 is a trapezoid, a triangle, an L-shape, a semicircle or a semi-ellipse. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, as long as the cross-sectional shape and relative position of the first protrusion and the second protrusion can achieve the purpose of colliding with each other. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the first protrusion 2222 and the second protrusion 2412 is a right-angled trapezoid, such as Figure 4 shown.

[0064] In some embodiments, as Figure 4 As shown, the first striking surface 2222s is the upper surface of the first protrusion 2222, and the first striking surface 2222s is coplanar with the upper surface of the first elastic arm 2224, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the second striking surface 2412s is the lower surface of the second protrusion 2412, and the second striking surface 2412s is coplanar with the lower surface of the second elastic arm 2414, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0065] In some embodiments, the first protrusion 2222 has a first inclined surface 2222i between the first striking surface 2222s and the outer surface of the first elastic arm 2224, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the second protrusion 2412 has a second inclined surface 2412i between the second striking surface 2412s and the inner surface of the second elastic arm 2414, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0066] The following describes in detail the various stages of the key structure during the actuation process. Figure 5 for Figure 4 A schematic side view of the scissor-type connecting element of the keycap when it is pressed. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, when the keycap is pressed, the first protrusion 2222 and the second protrusion 2412 approach each other, and then the first striking surface 2222s and the second striking surface 2412s strike each other.

[0067] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A side view of the scissor-type connecting element when the keycap is further pressed. Figure 7 for Figure 6 Schematic top view of the scissor-type connection element. Figure 5 、 Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, when the keycap continues to be pressed, the first elastic arm 2224 deforms toward the first end 221 of the inner frame 22 and / or the second elastic arm 2414 deforms toward the first end 241 of the outer frame 24, so that the apex of the first protrusion 2222 and the apex of the second protrusion 2412 can press against each other and rub to make a sound.

[0068] Figure 8 for Figure 6 A side view of the scissor-type connecting element when the keycap is further pressed. Figure 9 for Figure 8 Schematic top view of the scissor-type connection element. Figure 6 、 Figure 8 and Figure 9As shown, when the keycap continues to be pressed, the inner frame 22 and the outer frame 24 are in an overlapping state, so that the keycap 10 pressed to the bottom remains flat. At this time, the first protrusion 2222 and the second protrusion 2412 are misaligned, the first inclined surface 2222i and the second inclined surface 2412i are overlapped, the first inclined surface 2222i is above the second inclined surface 2412i, and the first elastic arm 2224 and / or the second elastic arm 2414 returns to its original state.

[0069] Afterwards, if Figure 8 and Figure 4 As shown, when the keycap is released and not pressed, the elastic force provided by the elastomer 30 pushes the keycap upward. At this time, the first inclined surface 2222i of the first protrusion 2222 slides down along the second inclined surface 2412i, and the first elastic arm 2224 and / or the second elastic arm 2414 are slightly deformed, causing the inner frame 22 and the outer frame 24 to return to their original positions, and a sound will also be emitted at this time.

[0070] In summary, the key structure of the present invention can produce a sound similar to that produced by a mechanical keyboard when struck through the first and second protrusions, which impact, abut, and rub against each other. A sound is also produced when the first and second protrusions return to their original positions after misalignment, giving the key structure of the present invention a feedback effect similar to that produced by a mechanical keyboard. Furthermore, the key structure of the present invention also provides the feedback feel of an elastic body.

[0071] However, the above is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and it cannot be used to limit the scope of the implementation of the present invention. That is, all simple equivalent changes and modifications made according to the claims and the description of the invention are still within the scope of the patent of the present invention. In addition, any embodiment or claim of the present invention does not need to achieve all the purposes, advantages or features disclosed in the present invention. In addition, the abstract and title are only used to assist in searching patent documents and are not used to limit the scope of rights of the present invention. In addition, the terms "first", "second", etc. mentioned in this specification or claims are only used to name the name of the element or to distinguish different embodiments or scopes.

Claims

1. A key structure comprising: One key cap; as well as A scissor-type connecting element connected to the keycap, the scissor-type connecting element comprising: an inner frame having a first end and a second end opposite to each other, wherein the first end of the inner frame is connected to the keycap; An outer frame is combined with the inner frame and swings relative to the inner frame, the outer frame having a first end and a second end opposite to each other, the first end of the outer frame being connected to the keycap and adjacent to the second end of the inner frame, The second end of the inner frame includes a first protrusion, the first end of the outer frame includes a second protrusion adjacent to the first protrusion, the first protrusion has a vertex and a first striking surface adjacent to the vertex of the first protrusion, the second protrusion has a vertex and a second striking surface adjacent to the vertex of the second protrusion, when the keycap is pressed, the first striking surface and the second striking surface strike each other, and then the vertex of the first protrusion and the vertex of the second protrusion press against each other and rub to make a sound; when the keycap is pressed to the bottom, the first protrusion and the second protrusion are misaligned; when the keycap is pressed to the bottom and then released, the first protrusion and the second protrusion return to their original position and make another sound. 2 . The key structure as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the second end of the inner frame further comprises a first elastic arm connected to the first protrusion. 3 . The key structure as claimed in claim 2 , wherein the second end of the inner frame further comprises an opening adjacent to the first elastic arm, and the first elastic arm is located between the opening and the first protrusion. 4 . The key structure as claimed in claim 3 , wherein a vertical projection of the first protrusion and a vertical projection of the second protrusion have an overlapping area, and a width of the opening is greater than or equal to a width of the overlapping area. The key structure as claimed in claim 3 , wherein the opening is a closed area. 6 . The key structure as claimed in claim 2 , wherein the first striking surface is an upper surface of the first protrusion, and the first striking surface is coplanar with an upper surface of the first elastic arm. 7 . The key structure as claimed in claim 6 , wherein the first protrusion has a first inclined surface between the first striking surface and an outer surface of the first elastic arm. 8 . The key structure as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the first end of the outer frame further comprises a second elastic arm connected to the second protrusion. 9 . The key structure according to claim 8 , wherein the second striking surface is a lower surface of the second protrusion, and the second striking surface is coplanar with a lower surface of the second elastic arm. 10 . The key structure according to claim 9 , wherein the second protrusion has a second inclined surface between the second striking surface and an inner surface of the second elastic arm. 11 . The key structure according to claim 1 , wherein the cross-sectional shapes of the first protrusion and the second protrusion are trapezoidal, triangular, L-shaped, semicircular, or semi-elliptical. 12 . The key structure according to claim 1 , wherein the cross-sectional shape of the first protrusion and the second protrusion is a right-angled trapezoid.

13. The key structure as described in claim 1 further includes an elastic body connected to the keycap, when the keycap is pressed, the elastic body is compressed, and the inner frame and the outer frame swing relative to each other, and when the keycap is no longer pressed, the elastic body provides an elastic force to restore the keycap to its original position.

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