Key assembly and electronic device

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a key assembly and an electronic device, the key assembly comprising: a frame, a key cap, an elastic support and a connecting rod; the frame is provided with a key cap slot; the key cap is arranged in the key cap slot; the elastic support is arranged on the inner side of the frame and is connected to a key switch; one end of the connecting rod is connected to the key cap, and the other end is connected to or abuts against the elastic support; the key cap is in a natural position, and the connecting rod is inclined relative to the elastic support; the key cap is in a pressing position, and the key cap can press the elastic support through the connecting rod to trigger the key switch. The key cap of the key assembly can realize a sliding-then-pressing triggering mode, provide a new key use method, and give users a new use experience. Moreover, this scheme can make the height of the key cap be designed to be lower, or even not extend out of the key cap slot, thereby avoiding the problem of scratching hands.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of electronic device technology, and more particularly to a button assembly and an electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] Buttons are the most direct control device for human interaction with electronic devices (such as mobile phones and tablets). The function of buttons is to transmit input information, and they also serve an aesthetic purpose. Currently, the mainstream implementation of buttons is the press-type. When a finger presses a button, the soft rubber of the button transmits the pressure to a metal dome (DOME). The elastic deformation of the DOME then completes the circuit. When the finger is released, the DOME springs back, breaking the circuit. Press-type buttons are a relatively mature technology, but the keycaps protrude from the frame. Furthermore, due to manufacturing processes, some buttons may cause scratches or irritation to the hand. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This disclosure aims to at least partially address one of the technical problems in the related art. To this end, embodiments of this disclosure first propose a button assembly, comprising:

[0004] The frame body has a keycap slot;

[0005] Keycaps, wherein the keycaps are disposed in the keycap slots;

[0006] An elastic bracket is disposed inside the frame and connected to a push-button switch;

[0007] A connecting rod, one end of which is connected to the keycap, and the other end of which is connected to or abuts against the elastic bracket;

[0008] The keycap can switch between a pressed position and a natural position, and the linkage moves during the switching process;

[0009] In its natural position, the link is tilted relative to the elastic support;

[0010] At the pressed position, the keycap can press against the elastic bracket via the connecting rod to trigger the button switch.

[0011] The button assembly of this disclosure has the following advantages: the keycaps are activated by sliding and then pressing to trigger the button switch, providing a new way of using the buttons and giving users a new user experience. Moreover, this solution allows the keycaps to be designed to be lower, or even not protrude from the keycap slot at all, thereby avoiding the problem of scratching hands and improving the aesthetics of electronic devices using this button assembly.

[0012] According to the button assembly of the present disclosure, in the pressed position, the connecting rod is perpendicular to the elastic support.

[0013] According to the key assembly of this disclosure, one end of the connecting rod is hinged to the keycap; the elastic bracket has a slot, and the other end of the connecting rod is disposed in the slot.

[0014] According to the button assembly of this disclosure, there are two connecting rods, and the connection points or contact points of the two connecting rods with the elastic bracket are respectively located on both sides of the button switch.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the button assembly further includes a first keycap position holding member.

[0016] In the natural position, the first keycap position holding component acts on the keycap to hold the keycap in the natural position within a predetermined external force range.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the button assembly of this disclosure, the first keycap position holding component includes a first magnet and a second magnet, the first magnet being fixed to the keycap and the second magnet being fixed to the frame.

[0018] In the natural position, the first magnet and the second magnet attract each other.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the button assembly further includes a second keycap position retaining component.

[0020] At the pressed position, the second keycap position holding component acts on the keycap to keep the keycap in the pressed position within a predetermined external force range.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the key assembly of this disclosure, the second keycap position holding component includes a third magnet and a fourth magnet, the third magnet being fixed to the keycap and the fourth magnet being fixed to the frame.

[0022] At the pressed position, the third magnet and the fourth magnet attract each other.

[0023] According to the key assembly of the present disclosure, in the natural position, the keycap is located within the keycap slot;

[0024] At the pressed position, a portion of the keycap protrudes from the keycap slot.

[0025] According to the button assembly of the present disclosure, the outer surface of the keycap is provided with anti-slip stripes, and soft rubber is provided between the elastic bracket and the button switch.

[0026] This disclosure further provides an electronic device having a button assembly according to any embodiment of this disclosure, thereby providing the electronic device with a completely new button user experience and better aesthetics. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a partial schematic diagram of a button assembly in one embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the keycaps are in their natural positions.

[0028] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the cross section along AA.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a partial schematic diagram of a button assembly in one embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the keycap is located in the pressing position.

[0030] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A cross-sectional view along BB.

[0031] Figure label:

[0032] 10-Frame; 11-Keycap slot;

[0033] 20 - Keycaps; 21 - Anti-slip stripes;

[0034] 30 - Flexible bracket; 31 - Push button switch; 32 - Card slot; 33 - Soft rubber;

[0035] 40-link;

[0036] 50 - First keycap position holding component; 51 - First magnet; 52 - Second magnet;

[0037] 60 - Second keycap position holding component; 61 - Third magnet; 62 - Fourth magnet. Detailed Implementation

[0038] Embodiments of this disclosure are described in detail below, with examples of these embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this disclosure, and should not be construed as limiting it.

[0039] See Figures 1-4 This embodiment provides a button assembly applicable to various electronic devices. The button assembly includes a frame 10, keycaps 20, an elastic support 30, and a connecting rod 40. The frame 10 shown in the figure is only a partial structure; its overall structure can be determined according to the actual type of button assembly. The frame 10 has a keycap slot 11, and the keycap 20 is disposed in the keycap slot 11. The keycap slot 11 is a through hole, penetrating the wall thickness of the frame 10.

[0040] The elastic bracket 30 is located inside the frame 10 and connected to the push-button switch 31; the push-button switch 31 can be mounted on the circuit board of the electronic device. The elastic bracket 30 has a certain elastic deformation capability and automatically returns to its original state after the external force is removed. One end of the connecting rod 40 is connected to the keycap 20, and the other end is connected to or abuts against the elastic bracket 30; the keycap 20 can switch between a pressed position and a natural position, and drives the connecting rod 40 to move during the switching process; in the natural position, the connecting rod 40 is tilted relative to the elastic bracket 30; in the pressed position, the keycap 20 can press the elastic bracket 30 through the connecting rod 40 to trigger the push-button switch 31.

[0041] The keycap 20 is used as follows: When the keycap 20 is in its natural position, because the linkage 40 is tilted relative to the elastic support 30, the linkage 40 has difficulty effectively transmitting the external force applied to the keycap 20 to the elastic support 30. Therefore, even if pressure is applied to the keycap 20, it is difficult or impossible for the linkage 40 to push the elastic support 30, thus making it difficult or impossible to trigger the key switch 31. When the keycap 20 needs to be used, push the keycap 20 to slide, moving the keycap 20 from its natural position to the pressed position. In the pressed position, because the linkage 40 can effectively transmit the external force applied to the keycap 20 to the elastic support 30, the elastic support 30 can be easily deformed, thereby triggering the key switch 31. When the keycap 20 is in the pressed position, press the keycap 20 to trigger the key switch 31; after pressing, the keycap 20 can be slid in the opposite direction to return the keycap 20 to its natural position. Figure 2 The arrow in the image indicates the sliding direction of keycap 20. Figure 4 The arrow in the image indicates the direction in which keycap 20 is pressed.

[0042] In one embodiment, see Figure 4 In the pressed position, the linkage 40 is perpendicular to the elastic support 30. This makes it easier to press. Understandably, as the linkage 40 changes from tilted to vertical, the distance between the keycap 20 and the elastic support 30 increases.

[0043] In one embodiment, see Figure 2 and Figure 4 One end of the connecting rod 40 is hinged to the keycap 20; the elastic bracket 30 has a slot 32, and the other end of the connecting rod 40 is placed in the slot 32. Specifically, the inner side of the keycap 20 can be provided with a mounting groove and a hinge hole, and the end of the connecting rod 40 also has a hinge hole. The hinge can be achieved by inserting the pin into the hinge holes of both the connecting rod 40 and the keycap 20.

[0044] In one embodiment, there are two connecting rods 40, and the connection points or contact points between the two connecting rods 40 and the elastic bracket 30 are located on both sides of the push-button switch 31. Having two connecting rods 40 makes pressing the keycap 20 more stable, preventing the keycap 20 from sliding from the pressed position back to its natural position. The distances from the connection points or contact points of the two connecting rods 40 and the elastic bracket 30 to the push-button switch 31 can be equal, thus ensuring even pressure on the push-button switch 31 and improving its service life.

[0045] In one embodiment, the key assembly further includes a first keycap position holding member 50. In the natural position, the first keycap position holding member 50 acts on the keycap 20 to hold the keycap 20 in the natural position within a predetermined external force range. The first keycap position holding member 50 enables the keycap 20 to be more stable when not in use, preventing it from wobbling back and forth.

[0046] Specifically, the first keycap position holding component 50 includes a first magnet 51 and a second magnet 52. The first magnet 51 is fixed to the keycap 20, and the second magnet 52 is fixed to the frame 10. In the natural position, the first magnet 51 and the second magnet 52 attract each other. Therefore, when the keycap 20 moves from the natural position to the pressed position, it must at least overcome the attractive forces of the first magnet 51 and the second magnet 52.

[0047] In one embodiment, the key assembly further includes a second keycap position holding member 60. In the pressed position, the second keycap position holding member 60 acts on the keycap 20 to keep the keycap 20 in the pressed position within a predetermined external force range. Providing the second keycap position holding member 60 makes the keycap 20 more stable in the pressed position, preventing the keycap 20 from sliding to its natural position during pressing and thus failing to achieve effective pressing.

[0048] Specifically, the second keycap position holding component 60 includes a third magnet 61 and a fourth magnet 62. The third magnet 61 is fixed to the keycap 20, and the fourth magnet 62 is fixed to the frame 10. In the pressed position, the third magnet 61 and the fourth magnet 62 attract each other. Therefore, when the keycap 20 moves from the pressed position to the natural position, it must at least overcome the attractive force of the third magnet 61 and the fourth magnet 62.

[0049] By setting the first keycap position holding component 50 and the second keycap position holding component 60, the keycap 20 is more stable in the pressed position and the natural position, which is also conducive to forming a good pressing feel.

[0050] In one embodiment, a boss is formed on the inner side of the frame 10, and one end of the elastic bracket 30 can be fixed to the boss, thereby creating a certain space between the elastic bracket 30 and the keycap 20 to facilitate the installation of the connecting rod 40. The elastic bracket 30 can be made of plastic.

[0051] In one embodiment, in the natural position, the keycap 20 is located within the keycap slot 11; in the pressed position, a portion of the keycap 20 protrudes from the keycap slot 11. That is, as the linkage 40 moves from tilted to vertical, the distance between the keycap 20 and the elastic support 30 increases, thereby allowing a portion of the keycap 20 to protrude from the keycap slot 11. Since the keycap 20 is concealed within the keycap slot 11 in its natural position, it will not cause any scratching from external objects.

[0052] To protect the push-button switch 31, in one embodiment, a soft rubber 33 is provided between the elastic bracket 30 and the push-button switch 31. This effectively avoids or reduces damage to the push-button switch 31 caused by excessive external force.

[0053] Preferably, the outer surface of the keycap 20 is provided with anti-slip stripes 21, which facilitate the sliding switching of the keycap 20 between two positions.

[0054] The keycap 20 of the key assembly in a preferred embodiment of this invention is used as follows:

[0055] 1. In its natural state, the first magnet 51 and the second magnet 52 attract each other, and the keycap 20 is hidden in the keycap slot 11 of the frame 10.

[0056] 2. After the keycap 20 is moved by external force, the first magnet 51 and the second magnet 52 separate due to the external force, the inclined connecting rod 40 is straightened, and the keycap 20 is pushed out of the keycap slot 11.

[0057] 3. After the connecting rod 40 is straightened, the third magnet 61 and the fourth magnet 62 attract each other. After the effect of the interaction force of the pair of magnets preventing external force disappears, the connecting rod 40 returns, causing the keycap 20 to retract into the keycap slot 11.

[0058] 4. After the keycap 20 extends out of the keycap slot 11, pressing the keycap 20 pushes the elastic bracket 30, and the external force is sequentially transmitted to the soft rubber 33. The soft rubber 33 then applies the external force to the key switch 31, thereby activating the key function. During this pressing process, the external force needs to overcome the attraction of the third magnet 61 and the fourth magnet 62. This magnetic force can be designed to be as small as possible while still meeting the non-return condition described in step 3, in order to ensure a good pressing feel.

[0059] 5. After using the key function, the keycap 20 can be moved in the opposite direction as described in step 2. The external force overcomes the attraction force of the third magnet 61 and the fourth magnet 62, and the keycap 20 returns to its original state (i.e., its natural position).

[0060] With this hidden button solution, when the keycaps 20 are not in use, they can be hidden below the outer surface of the frame 10, making electronic devices such as mobile phones or tablets look simple and beautiful, and eliminating the problem of the keycaps 20 protruding from the outer surface of the frame 10 causing scratches.

[0061] This embodiment further provides an electronic device (not shown in the accompanying drawings) having a button assembly from any of the above embodiments, thereby providing the electronic device with a completely new button-using experience and improved aesthetics. The button assembly can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, etc.

[0062] In the description of this disclosure, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this disclosure and simplifying the description, and are not intended to 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 disclosure.

[0063] 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 at least one of that feature. In the description of this disclosure, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0064] In this disclosure, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," "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, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows communication between components; 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, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this disclosure according to the specific circumstances.

[0065] In this disclosure, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0066] In this disclosure, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example, which is included in at least one embodiment or example of this disclosure. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0067] Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown and described above, it is to be understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A button assembly, characterized in that, include: The frame body has a keycap slot; Keycaps, wherein the keycaps are disposed in the keycap slots; An elastic bracket is disposed inside the frame and connected to a push-button switch; A connecting rod, one end of which is connected to the keycap, and the other end of which is connected to or abuts against the elastic bracket; The keycap can switch between a pressed position and a natural position, and the linkage moves during the switching process; In its natural position, the link is tilted relative to the elastic support; At the pressed position, the keycap can press against the elastic bracket via the connecting rod to trigger the button switch.

2. The button assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the pressed position, the connecting rod is perpendicular to the elastic support.

3. The button assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, One end of the connecting rod is hinged to the keycap; the elastic bracket has a slot, and the other end of the connecting rod is disposed in the slot.

4. The button assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of connecting rods is two, and the connection points or contact points of the two connecting rods with the elastic bracket are located on both sides of the push-button switch.

5. The button assembly according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The button assembly also includes a first keycap position retaining component. In the natural position, the first keycap position holding component acts on the keycap to hold the keycap in the natural position within a predetermined external force range.

6. The button assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first keycap position holding component includes a first magnet and a second magnet, the first magnet being fixed to the keycap and the second magnet being fixed to the frame. In the natural position, the first magnet and the second magnet attract each other.

7. The button assembly according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The button assembly also includes a second keycap position retaining component. At the pressed position, the second keycap position holding component acts on the keycap to keep the keycap in the pressed position within a predetermined external force range.

8. The button assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second keycap position holding component includes a third magnet and a fourth magnet, wherein the third magnet is fixed to the keycap and the fourth magnet is fixed to the frame. At the pressed position, the third magnet and the fourth magnet attract each other.

9. The button assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the natural position, the keycap is located within the keycap slot; At the pressed position, a portion of the keycap protrudes from the keycap slot.

10. The button assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer surface of the keycap is provided with anti-slip stripes, and soft rubber is provided between the elastic bracket and the button switch.

11. An electronic device, characterized in that, The electronic device has a button assembly as described in any one of claims 1-10.

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