Button structure, long button assembly and button device

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of keyboard key technology, providing a key structure, a long key assembly, and a key device. The key structure includes a base, a top cover, and a shaft structure. The shaft structure includes a main body, an extension, an adapter, and multiple balancing parts. The extension is located on one side of the main body, and the adapter is located on the other side of the main body. Each balancing part and the adapter are located on the same side of the main body, and each balancing part surrounds the adapter. The top cover has a through-hole structure for limiting the balancing parts, so that the shaft structure can move smoothly telescopically relative to the top cover. The key structure of this application can be manufactured in one mold, eliminating the need for the installation of the balance bar and bracket, as well as the reserved installation space. Thus, the key structure is simpler, and the assembly process with the keycaps is easier.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of keyboard key technology, and in particular provides a key structure, a long key assembly having the key structure, and a key device having the key structure. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, keyboards are widely used in various fields, and the feel of the keys is becoming an increasingly important issue for users.

[0003] Especially for longer keys, such as Left SHIFT, Right SHIFT, ENTER, and BACKSPACE, additional balancing devices such as stabilizer bars or satellite axes are usually installed to prevent imbalance during key presses. These devices typically include a stabilizer bar body and a support frame. Adding a stabilizer bar structure not only increases mold costs and overall expenses but also complicates system assembly, leading to issues like abnormal noises and jamming during pressing, hindering disassembly and assembly and hindering the trend towards simplification. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide a button structure that solves the problem that the button structure in existing button devices is complex and difficult to disassemble.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted in the embodiments of this application is as follows:

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a button structure, including a base, a top cover that fits with the base, and a shaft structure that passes through the top cover and is capable of telescopic movement relative to the top cover. The shaft structure includes a main body, an extension, an adapter, and a plurality of balancing parts. The extension is located on one side of the main body and is adapted to the base. The adapter is located on the other side of the main body and is adapted to the keycap. Each balancing part and the adapter are located on the same side of the main body, and each balancing part is arranged around the adapter. The top cover has a through hole structure for limiting the balancing parts, so that the shaft structure can move smoothly telescopically relative to the top cover.

[0007] The beneficial effects of the embodiments of this application are as follows: The key structure provided by this application has multiple balancing parts on the shaft structure, and each balancing part is directly set on the main body of the shaft structure. Compared with the traditional key structure, it eliminates the need for a balance bar and bracket. In terms of assembly, the keycap is directly installed into the shaft structure and adapted to the adapter. At the same time, each balancing part is adapted to the through hole structure of the top cover, that is, there are more connection points between it and the top cover, which further increases the stability of the shaft structure during the pressing process. Finally, the keycap can rise and fall smoothly relative to the key structure, resulting in a better feel. In summary, the key structure of this application can be manufactured into a shaft structure in one mold, eliminating the need for the installation of the balance bar and bracket and the reserved installation space for them. Thus, the structure of this key structure is simpler, and the assembly process with the keycap is also easier.

[0008] In one embodiment, each of the balancing portions is symmetrically arranged on the main body portion with the central axis of the adapter portion as the center.

[0009] In one embodiment, the button structure further includes a guide structure, which includes a guide portion disposed on the balance portion and a guide adapter portion disposed on the upper cover and adapted to the guide portion.

[0010] In one embodiment, the balancing portion includes a first sub-portion disposed on the main body portion and a second sub-portion disposed on the first sub-portion opposite to the adapter portion, the second sub-portion being adapted and connected to the keycap.

[0011] In one embodiment, the second sub-part has a groove structure adapted to the keycap; or,

[0012] The second sub-part has a groove structure, and a sleeve adapted to the keycap is provided in the groove structure.

[0013] In one embodiment, one end of the second sub-part is integrally formed on one end of the first sub-part.

[0014] In one embodiment, the second sub-part and the first sub-part are separately configured, with one end of the second sub-part detachably connected to one end of the first sub-part.

[0015] Secondly, this application embodiment also provides a long key assembly, including a base plate, keycaps and the key structure described above, wherein the base of the key structure is fixed on the base plate, the keycaps are adapted to the adapter portion of the key structure, and each balance portion of the key structure extends along the length direction of the keycaps.

[0016] The beneficial effects of the embodiments of this application are as follows: The long button assembly provided by this application has a simpler overall structure and is easier to assemble, based on the above-mentioned button structure.

[0017] In one embodiment, the upper cover of the button structure is fixedly connected to the base plate.

[0018] Thirdly, embodiments of this application also provide a button device, including the button structure described above.

[0019] The beneficial effects of the embodiments of this application are as follows: The button device provided by this application, based on the above-mentioned button structure, is easy to disassemble and assemble, and has a lower cost. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the button structure provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the shaft structure of the button structure provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the button structure provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the shaft structure of the button structure provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the shaft structure of the button structure provided in Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 6 This is an exploded view of the long button assembly provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 7 This is an exploded view of the long button assembly provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the keycap structure of the long key assembly provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] The following are the labeling elements in the figure:

[0030] 100. Button structure;

[0031] 10. Base; 20. Top cover; 20a. Through-hole structure; 30. Shaft structure; 31. Main body; 32. Extension; 33. Adaptor; 34. Balance part; 35. Guide structure; 351. Guide part; 352. Guide adapter; 341. First sub-part; 342. Second sub-part; 34a. Groove structure; 34b. Sleeve; 361. Snap-fit ​​hole; 362. Snap-fit ​​arm;

[0032] 200. Long key assembly; 201. Base plate; 202. Keycap; 203. Keycap body; 204. Mounting post. Detailed Implementation

[0033] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0034] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0035] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0036] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0037] Traditional keycap designs, when adapted to large keycaps, require a balancing structure in addition to the switch. This balancing structure includes two stabilizers positioned on opposite sides of the switch and a balance bar connecting the stabilizers. Thus, the large keycap has three connection points with the keycap design: one with the switch and one with the two stabilizers. However, the addition of stabilizers and a balance bar complicates the overall structure and assembly of traditional keycap designs. To address these issues, this application provides the following solution:

[0038] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 3 The button structure 100 of this application includes a base 10, a top cover 20, and a shaft structure 30. The base 10 and the top cover 20 are used to connect to the base plate of the button device, and the shaft structure 30 is used to connect to the keycap 202.

[0039] Specifically, the base 10 is engaged with the top cover 20, and the shaft structure 30 passes through the top cover 20 and can extend and retract relative to the top cover 20 to meet the pressing requirements of the keycap 202. The shaft structure 30 includes a main body 31, an extension 32, an adapter 33, and multiple balancing parts 34.

[0040] Here, the main body 31 mainly serves to support the load and connect the extension 32, the adapter 33, and each balancing part 34.

[0041] An extension 32 is provided on one side of the main body 31 and is adapted to the base 10. Here, the extension 32 is a rod or a rod-like structure, which is adapted to the base 10 to prevent the shaft structure 30 from coming out of the base 10.

[0042] The adapter part 33 is located on the other side of the main body 31 and is adapted to the keycap 202. Here, the shape and structure of the adapter part 33 are not limited, as long as it can be adapted and connected to the keycap 202. For example, the keycap 202 is provided with a mounting post 204, and the adapter part 33 is a mounting sleeve adapted to the mounting post 204, with the mounting post 204 inserted into the corresponding mounting sleeve. In addition, the number of adapter parts 33 can be adjusted according to actual needs.

[0043] For example, if there is only one adapter 33, then the adapter 33 is located at the center of the main body 31, such as the center point, geometric center, or center of symmetry, and corresponds to the extension 32. That is, the extension 32 is also located at the center of the main body 31, so as to achieve smooth extension and retraction of the shaft structure 30 relative to the upper cover 20. Meanwhile, each balancing part 34 is arranged around the adapter 33 to increase the connection points between the shaft structure 30 and the upper cover 20, thereby improving stability.

[0044] Of course, in other embodiments, when dealing with a longer keycap 202, the number of adapters 33 can be increased, thereby increasing the number of direct connection points between the switch structure 30 and the keycap 202, making the force transmission between the keycap 202 and the switch structure 30 more balanced, and thus obtaining a better pressing feel.

[0045] Each balancing part 34 and the adapter part 33 are located on the same side of the main body 31, and each balancing part 34 is arranged around the adapter part 33. The upper cover 20 has a through hole structure 20a for limiting the balancing part 34, so that the switch structure 30 can move smoothly relative to the upper cover 20. Understandably, the addition of the balancing part 34 improves the connection between the switch structure 30 and the upper cover 20, making the switch structure 30 more stable during the lifting and lowering process relative to the upper cover 20. Especially when the keycap 202 is larger, it can ensure that the keycap does not deviate when the user presses the keycap 202 with uncertainty, and thus move smoothly with the switch structure 30 relative to the upper cover 20. Here, smooth pressing does not mean that the keycap 202 does not deviate from the adapter part 33, but rather that the probability of deviation is reduced, so that the keycap 202 has a high probability of being stable during the pressing process.

[0046] Specifically, for example, when keycap 202 is a spacebar keycap, users often press the opposite ends of the spacebar keycap during use. In this way, the traditional key structure is prone to causing the spacebar keycap to tilt to one side during the pressing process, resulting in a stuck press. However, after the addition of the balance part 34, the number of connection points between the outer wall of the shaft structure 30 and the inner wall of the through hole structure 20a of the top cover 20 increases. In this way, the shaft structure 30 is more stable when moving relative to the top cover 20.

[0047] Therefore, the shape and structure of each balance part 34, as well as the position of each balance part 34 on the main body 31, are not limited, as long as the keycap 202 can be pressed down smoothly.

[0048] For example, the balancing part 34 is a block structure, the circumferential sidewall of which matches the hole wall of the through hole structure 20a of the upper cover 20. Alternatively, the balancing part 34 is an irregularly shaped structure, the circumferential sidewall of which matches the hole wall of the through hole structure 20a of the upper cover 20.

[0049] For example, each balancing part 34 has the same external structure, and the outer periphery of the adapter is symmetrically arranged with the central axis of the adapter part 33 as the center of symmetry, so that the adapter part 33 and the hole wall of the through hole structure 20a of the upper cover 20 are matched and subjected to force balance. Alternatively, each balancing part 34 can also be arranged asymmetrically on the main body 31. It is only necessary to achieve force balance between the adapter part 33 and the hole wall of the through hole structure 20a of the upper cover 20 during the adaptation connection process. For example, the distance from the center of gravity of each balancing part 34 to the central axis of the adapter part 33 is equal, and the weight of each balancing part 34 is the same.

[0050] The button structure 100 provided in this application has multiple balancing parts 34 on the switch structure 30, and each balancing part 34 is directly mounted on the balancing part 34 of the switch structure 30. Compared with the traditional button structure 100, it eliminates the need for a stabilizer bar and bracket. In terms of assembly, the keycap 202 is directly installed into the switch structure 30 and is adapted and connected to the adapter part 33. At the same time, each balancing part 34 is adapted to the through hole structure 20a of the upper cover 20, that is, there are more connection points between it and the upper cover 20, which further increases the stability of the switch structure 30 during the pressing process. Ultimately, the keycap 202 can rise and fall smoothly relative to the button structure 100, resulting in a better tactile feel. In summary, the button structure 100 of this application can be manufactured into the switch structure 30 in one mold, eliminating the need for the installation of the stabilizer bar and bracket and the reserved installation space for them. Thus, the structure of the button structure 100 is simpler, and the assembly process with the keycap 202 is also easier.

[0051] For details, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 3 In one embodiment, each balancing part 34 is symmetrically arranged on the main body 31 with the central axis of the adapter part 33 as the center. Understandably, each balancing part 34 has the same shape and structure and the same weight. In this way, the central axis of the adapter part 33 of the shaft structure 30 is the force balance center of the entire shaft structure 30. Thus, when the force balance center of the keycap 202 coincides with the central axis of the adapter part 33, the keycap 202 is more stable during the pressing process.

[0052] For example, such as Figure 1 As shown, for elongated keycaps 202 such as the spacebar, the balancing parts 34 and the adapter parts 33 are arranged in a straight line along the length of the keycap 202. This ensures that the force-bearing area of ​​each balancing part 34 is the same as that of the inner wall of the keycap 202. Alternatively, the balancing parts 34 can be arranged in a cross shape with the central axis of the adapter parts 33 as the center, similarly achieving force balance for the keycap 202 during downward pressure.

[0053] Alternatively, for example, when dealing with large keycaps, such as Enter or Space, the number of balancing portions 34 is greater than two. In this case, each balancing portion 34 is spaced apart on the main body 31 with the central axis of the adapter portion 33 as the center. Similarly, each balancing portion 34 has the same shape and structure, and the same weight, so that the central axis of the adapter portion 33 of the shaft structure 30 is the force balance center of the entire shaft structure 30.

[0054] Please refer to Figure 1 In order to increase the contact area between the balance part 34 and the upper cover 20 and improve the limiting effect on the shaft structure 30, the button structure 100 also includes a guide structure 35. The guide structure 35 includes a guide part 351 provided on the balance part 34 and a guide adapter part 352 provided on the upper cover 20 and adapted to the guide part 351.

[0055] For example, the guide portion 351 is a groove formed on the balance portion 34, and the extension direction of the groove is the same as the extension and retraction direction of the shaft structure 30 relative to the upper cover 20. The guide adapter portion 352 is a protrusion provided on the upper cover 20, and the protrusion is adapted to the groove to form a guiding effect on the shaft structure 30.

[0056] Specifically, such as Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, there are two balancing parts 34. The two balancing parts 34 are symmetrically arranged on the main body 31 with the central axis of the adapter 33 as the center. The end faces of the two balancing parts 34 away from the adapter 33 are provided with guide parts 351, which are grooves. On the hole wall of the through hole structure 20a of the upper cover 20, there is a guide adapter part 352, which is a protrusion.

[0057] For example, the guide portion 351 is a raised rib provided on the balance portion 34, the extension direction of which is the same as the extension and retraction direction of the shaft structure 30 relative to the upper cover 20, and the guide adapter portion 352 is a groove provided on the upper cover 20, the raised rib and the groove are adapted to form a guiding effect on the shaft structure 30.

[0058] Please refer to Figures 3 to 5In one embodiment, the balancing portion 34 includes a first sub-portion 341 disposed on the main body 31 and a second sub-portion 342 disposed on the first sub-portion 341 away from the adapter portion 33. The second sub-portion 342 is adapted to connect with the keycap 202. Understandably, in this embodiment, the balancing portion 34 consists of two parts, thus making the overall length of the balancing portion 34 longer or the side length in the circumferential direction longer. To increase the number of positions for adaptation and connection with the keycap 202 and ensure smooth downward pressure of the keycap 202, the second sub-portion 342, away from the adapter portion 33, is adapted to connect with the keycap 202. For example, if a mounting post 204 is provided at a position corresponding to the keycap 202, then a blind hole or similar fitting to the mounting post 204 is formed on the second sub-portion 342. Thus, the shaft structure 30 with the balancing portion 34 of this embodiment can adapt to a longer keycap 202.

[0059] For example, the second sub-part 342 may be arranged along the extending direction of the first sub-part 341, that is, the two are arranged parallel to each other with an included angle of 180°. Of course, in other embodiments, there is an angle between the extending direction of the first sub-part 341 and the extending direction of the second sub-part 342 and the included angle is less than 180°.

[0060] For example, there are two balancing parts 34, which are symmetrically arranged on the main body 31 with the central axis of the adapter 33 as the center. The first sub-parts 341 of the two balancing parts 34 have the same length, and the second sub-parts 342 have the same length. A guide part 351 is provided on the end face of the second sub-part 342 away from the adapter 33. The guide part 351 is a groove. A guide adapter part 352 is provided on the hole wall of the through hole structure 20a of the upper cover 20. The guide adapter is a protrusion.

[0061] Please refer to Figure 4 In one embodiment, the second sub-part 342 has a groove structure 34a adapted to the keycap 202. Understandably, the groove structure 34a is adapted to the mounting post 204 on the inner wall of the keycap 202, thereby balancing the connection position between the balancing part 34 and the keycap 202, further improving the stability of the keycap 202 during movement.

[0062] Alternatively, please refer to Figure 5 In other embodiments, the second sub-part 342 has a groove structure 34a, within which a sleeve 34b adapted to fit the keycap 202 is provided. Understandably, the sleeve 34b is adapted to the mounting post 204 on the inner wall of the keycap 202. Furthermore, the sleeve 34b can be replaced according to the different dimensions of the keycap 202; that is, the outer diameter of the sleeve 34b can be kept consistent to fit the groove structure 34a of the second sub-part 342, while the inner diameter of the sleeve 34b can be adjusted according to the size of the mounting post 204. Thus, the balancing part 34 can accommodate different types of keycaps 202.

[0063] Depending on actual usage requirements, the first sub-part 341 and the second sub-part 342 of the balancing part 34 can be connected by an integral molding method or by a detachable connection method. When the two are connected by an integral molding method, the structural stability of the balancing part 34 is higher, preventing the connection from easily loosening. When the two are connected by a detachable connection method, the overall length or width of the balancing part 34 can be adjusted by replacing the second sub-part 342 of different lengths as needed.

[0064] Please refer to Figure 4 In one embodiment, one end of the second sub-part 342 is integrally formed on one end of the first sub-part 341. It is understood that the second sub-part 342 and the first sub-part 341 may extend in the same direction, that is, one end of the second sub-part 342 is integrally formed on the end of the first sub-part 341 away from the adapter 33. Of course, in other embodiments, one end of the second sub-part 342 may also be integrally formed on other ends of the first sub-part 341, thus obtaining a balancing part 34 with a different shape and structure.

[0065] Please refer to Figure 5 In one embodiment, the second sub-part 342 and the first sub-part 341 are separately configured, with one end of the second sub-part 342 detachably connected to one end of the first sub-part 341. Here, the second sub-part 342 can be connected to the first sub-part 341 by screws, or the second sub-part 342 can also be connected to the first sub-part 341 by plug-in or snap-fit ​​connection.

[0066] For example, such as Figure 5 As shown, a snap-fit ​​hole 361 is provided on the first sub-part 341, and a snap-fit ​​arm 362 is provided on the second sub-part 342. The snap-fit ​​arm 362 is snapped into the snap-fit ​​hole 361 to achieve a detachable connection between the two.

[0067] Please refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 The long button assembly 200 provided in this application includes a base plate 201, keycaps 202, and the aforementioned button structure 100. The base 10 of the button structure 100 is fixed to the base plate 201. The keycaps 202 are adapted to the adapter portion 33 of the button structure 100, and each balance portion 34 of the button structure 100 extends along the length direction of the keycaps 202. Understandably, the base plate 201 provides necessary support and power to the button structure 100. The keycaps 202 provide press feedback to the button structure 100.

[0068] The long button assembly 200 provided in this application has a simpler overall structure and is easier to assemble than the button structure 100 described above.

[0069] Here, as Figure 8 As shown, the keycap 202 includes a cap body 203 and a mounting post 204 disposed on the cap body 203. The mounting post 204 is adapted and connected to the adapter portion 33 of the shaft structure 30 of the key structure 100. Furthermore, the balance portion 34 of the shaft structure 30 abuts and adapts to the mounting post 204 of the cap body 203.

[0070] Please refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 In one embodiment, the upper cover 20 of the button structure 100 is fixedly connected to the base plate 201. It can be understood that the upper cover 20 of the button structure 100 needs to be adapted according to the size of the balance part 34 of the shaft body, and the upper cover 20 is connected to the base 10 by a snap-fit ​​method.

[0071] This application embodiment also provides a button device, including the above-described button structure 100.

[0072] The button device provided in this application, based on the above-mentioned button structure 100, is easy to disassemble and assemble, and has a lower cost.

[0073] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A button structure, characterized in that: The device includes a base, a top cover that fits with the base, and a shaft structure that passes through the top cover and is capable of telescopic movement relative to the top cover. The shaft structure includes a main body, an extension, an adapter, and multiple balancing parts. The extension is located on one side of the main body and is adapted to the base. The adapter is located on the other side of the main body and is adapted to a keycap. Each balancing part and the adapter are located on the same side of the main body, and each balancing part is arranged around the adapter. The top cover has through holes for limiting each balancing part, so that the shaft structure can move smoothly telescopically relative to the top cover. The balance portion includes a first sub-portion disposed on the main body portion and a second sub-portion disposed on the first sub-portion opposite to the adapter portion, the second sub-portion being adapted and connected to the keycap; One end of the second sub-part is integrally formed on one end of the first sub-part; or, the second sub-part and the first sub-part are separately configured, with one end of the second sub-part detachably connected to one end of the first sub-part.

2. The button structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each of the aforementioned balancing parts is symmetrically arranged on the main body with the central axis of the adapter part as the center.

3. The button structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The button structure also includes a guide structure, which includes a guide portion disposed on the balance portion and a guide adapter portion disposed on the upper cover and adapted to the guide portion.

4. The button structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second sub-part has a groove structure adapted to the keycap; or, The second sub-part has a groove structure, and a sleeve adapted to the keycap is provided in the groove structure.

5. A long button assembly, comprising a base plate and keycaps, characterized in that: It also includes a key structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the base of the key structure is fixed to the base plate, the keycap is adapted to the adapter portion of the key structure, and each balance portion of the key structure extends along the length direction of the keycap.

6. The long button assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that: The top cover of the button structure is fixedly connected to the base plate.

7. A button device, characterized in that: Includes the button structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 4.

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