Key structure, keyboard and electronic device

Abstract

This application provides a key structure, keyboard, and electronic device. The key structure includes a keycap, a support component, and a base plate. The base plate includes a thin-film circuit board. The two ends of the support component are movably connected to the base plate and the keycap, respectively. The support component includes a frustum-shaped elastomer disposed between the thin-film circuit board and the keycap. The elastomer stores energy when the keycap is pressed and resets the keycap when it is released. When the upper and lower parts of the elastomer abut against the thin-film circuit board on the base plate, the contact portion of the thin-film circuit board is triggered. A first relief groove is provided on the back of the keycap. When the elastomer is compressed and deformed, the upward protrusion of the elastomer can be accommodated in the first relief groove, reducing interference between the elastomer and the keycap and thus reducing fatigue damage to the elastomer, improving the service life of the elastomer, reducing the impact on key function caused by the thinning of the elastomer, achieving a thinner and lighter electronic device, and ensuring that the key structure has a sufficiently long key travel, thus improving the tactile feel of the key structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of button technology, and in particular to a button structure, keyboard, and electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] A keyboard is a device for inputting commands and data to operate electronic devices. Frequent computer users often perform a large amount of keyboard input, making the typing experience crucial. Key travel, which directly affects the user's typing feel, is a key parameter in keyboard design. Key travel is the distance a key travels when pressed; a keyboard with moderate key travel feels soft and comfortable. As electronic devices become smaller and thinner, keyboards are becoming thinner, resulting in shorter key travel and consequently affecting the user's typing feel. Therefore, providing a key structure that ensures sufficient key travel while maintaining the thinness and lightness of electronic devices is a pressing issue for the industry. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a key structure, keyboard, and electronic device, which solves the problem that existing key structures cannot guarantee a sufficiently long key travel in order to make electronic devices thinner and lighter.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the embodiments of this application adopt the following technical solutions:

[0005] In a first aspect, a key structure is provided, comprising: a keycap, a support assembly, and a base plate. The base plate includes a thin-film circuit board having a contact portion. A first clearance groove is provided on the side of the keycap facing the thin-film circuit board. The two ends of the support assembly are movably connected to the base plate and the keycap, respectively, for supporting the keycap's movement relative to the base plate. The support assembly includes a frustoconical elastomer disposed between the thin-film circuit board and the keycap. The elastomer includes an upper bottom and a lower bottom, with the projection of the upper bottom onto the keycap located within the projection of the lower bottom onto the keycap. When the keycap is pressed, the elastomer is compressed, and the compressed upper bottom of the elastomer abuts against the keycap and the contact portion, with the upwardly protruding portion of the compressed elastomer receiving within the first clearance groove.

[0006] In this context, "frustum-shaped" refers to a solid formed by cutting a cone, elliptical cone, or prismatic pyramid between two parallel planes. A frustum-shaped elastomer is an elastomer whose appearance is roughly frustum-shaped. This elastomer only has the top and side surfaces of the frustum, lacking the bottom surface, which has an opening.

[0007] The key structure provided in this application embodiment supports the movement of the keycap relative to the base plate during the pressing or releasing process. The elastomer stores energy when the keycap is pressed and resets it when released. When the upper and lower parts of the elastomer abut against the thin-film circuit board on the base plate, the contact portion of the thin-film circuit board is triggered. A first relief groove is provided on the back of the keycap. When the elastomer is compressed and deformed, the upward protrusion of the elastomer can be accommodated in the first relief groove, reducing interference between the elastomer and the keycap and thus reducing fatigue damage to the elastomer, improving its service life, and minimizing the impact on key function caused by elastomer thinning. This achieves a thinner and lighter electronic device while ensuring a sufficiently long key travel and improving the tactile feel of the key structure.

[0008] In conjunction with the first aspect, in a first possible implementation of the first aspect, the base plate is provided with a second relief groove. When the keycap is pressed, the elastomer is compressed, and the downward protruding portion of the compressed elastomer is accommodated in the second relief groove. This reduces fatigue failure of the downward protruding portion caused by interference between the elastomer and the base plate or thin-film circuit board, improves the service life of the elastomer, further realizes the thinning of electronic devices, and satisfies the requirement that the key structure has a sufficiently long key travel.

[0009] In a second possible implementation of the first aspect, in conjunction with the first possible implementation of the first aspect, a first annular portion is included between the upper and lower bottom portions. The first annular portion is the part of the elastomer that protrudes upward after being compressed and contacts the keycap. The position of the first relief groove corresponds to the position of the first annular portion. A second annular portion is included between the upper and lower bottom portions. The second annular portion is the part of the elastomer that protrudes downward to contact the base plate after being compressed. The position of the second relief groove corresponds to the position of the second annular portion. When the keycap is pressed so that the upper bottom portion abuts against the contact portion, the first annular portion protrudes towards the keycap to form an upward protrusion, and the upward protrusion is at least partially accommodated in the first relief groove, reducing interference between the elastomer and the keycap and preventing fatigue failure of the elastomer. Furthermore, the second annular portion protrudes towards the base plate to form a downward protrusion, and the downward protrusion is at least partially accommodated in the second relief groove, reducing interference between the elastomer and the base plate and preventing fatigue failure of the elastomer.

[0010] In a third possible implementation of the first aspect, in conjunction with the second possible implementation of the first aspect, the shapes of the second relief groove and the second annular portion are adapted to each other, and the second relief groove is annular. When the keycap is pressed, the second annular portion will bend downward and deform, forming a downward protruding portion with the convex surface facing the base plate and the concave surface facing the keycap. This allows a portion of the annular downward protruding portion to be accommodated in the second relief groove, effectively reducing the interference between the second annular portion and the thin-film circuit board or base plate that would occur if the second relief groove were not provided.

[0011] In conjunction with the second possible implementation of the first aspect, in the fourth possible implementation of the first aspect, the second clearance groove includes multiple arc-shaped grooves distributed around the contact portion. When the keycap is pressed, the second annular portion will bend downwards and deform, so that multiple parts of the downwardly protruding portion are respectively accommodated in different arc-shaped grooves, reducing the possibility of interference between the second annular portion and the thin-film circuit board or base plate due to the absence of a second clearance groove.

[0012] In a fifth possible implementation of the first aspect, combining any one of the first to fourth possible implementations, the second clearance groove extends through the base plate; or, the depth of the second clearance groove is less than the thickness of the base plate. Both of these methods ensure that when the keycap is pressed, the second annular portion of the elastomer is at least partially accommodated within the second clearance groove.

[0013] In a sixth possible implementation of the first aspect, combining any one of the first to fifth possible implementations, the projection of the first relief groove on the keycap surrounds the projection of the second relief groove on the keycap. Viewed from above, the first relief groove is positioned outside the second relief groove, facilitating the entry of the outermost annular portion into the first relief groove of the keycap during compression of the elastomer, while allowing the innermost first annular portion to enter the second relief groove on the base plate or thin-film circuit board.

[0014] In a seventh possible implementation of the first aspect, combining any one of the second to fourth possible implementations, the shapes of the first relief groove and the first annular portion are adapted to each other, and the first relief groove is annular. When the keycap is pressed, the first annular portion will bend and deform upwards, forming an upwardly protruding portion with the convex surface facing the keycap and the concave surface facing the base plate. This allows a portion of the annular upwardly protruding portion to be accommodated in the first relief groove, effectively reducing interference between the back of the first annular portion and the keycap that would occur if the first relief groove were not provided.

[0015] In combination with any one of the first to seventh possible implementations of the first aspect, in the eighth possible implementation of the first aspect, the depth of the first relief groove is less than the thickness of the keycap. The first relief groove is provided on the back of the keycap to avoid the first annular portion when the elastomer is compressed, rather than having the first relief groove pass through the keycap and thus affecting the keycap's appearance and user feel.

[0016] In conjunction with any one of the eighth possible implementations of the first aspect, in the ninth possible implementation of the first aspect, the support component further includes a first scissor-switch leg and a second scissor-switch leg pivotally connected to each other. The two ends of the first scissor-switch leg are movably connected to the base plate and the keycap, respectively, and the two ends of the second scissor-switch leg are movably connected to the base plate and the keycap, respectively. An elastic body passes through the middle of the first scissor-switch leg and the middle of the second scissor-switch leg. The first scissor-switch leg and the second scissor-switch leg are arranged in an X-shape. The first scissor-switch leg and the second scissor-switch leg cooperate to provide support and balance for the keycap.

[0017] In conjunction with any one of the first to eighth possible implementations of the first aspect, in the tenth possible implementation of the first aspect, the support component includes a pair of bent rods, the first end of which is pivotally connected to the keycap, and the second end of which is slidably mounted on the base plate. An elastic body is located between the pair of bent rods. The paired bent rods cooperate to provide support and balance for the keycap.

[0018] Secondly, a keyboard is provided, including the key structure described above. The keyboard provided in this application, due to its use of the aforementioned key structure, also possesses all the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above embodiments.

[0019] Thirdly, an electronic device is provided, including the button structure described above. The electronic device provided in this application, due to employing the aforementioned button structure, also possesses all the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 An exploded view of a keyboard provided for conventional technology;

[0021] Figure 2 for Figure 1 An exploded view of the structure of one of the keys on a keyboard;

[0022] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the elastomer in the button structure;

[0023] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the compression deformation cross-section of the button structure during the pressing process;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional assembly drawing of the button structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 6 for Figure 5 An exploded 3D view of the button structure;

[0026] Figure 7(a) in the middle is Figure 6 (a) is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the keycap in the key structure, (b) is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the keycap from another angle, (c) is a front view of the keycap, (d) is a sectional view along line AA in (c), and (e) is an enlarged view of point B in (d).

[0027] Figure 8 for Figure 5 A longitudinal sectional view of the button structure;

[0028] Figure 9 (a) and (b) are Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the compression deformation cross-section of the button structure during the pressing process;

[0029] Figure 10 (a) and (b) are Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the base plate at different angles in the button structure. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The button structures provided in the following embodiments of this application can be applied to electronic devices with keyboards, such as laptops, desktop computers, mobile terminals, wearable products, tablet computers, smart home terminals, automotive electronic devices, etc.

[0031] Figure 1 An exploded view of a keyboard provided for conventional technology. Figure 2 for Figure 1 An exploded view of the structure of one of the keys on a keyboard. Figure 3 for Figure 2 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the elastic element in the button structure. Figure 4 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the cross-section of the elastic body under compression during the pressing process.

[0032] See Figures 1 to 3 A typical key structure includes a keycap 10', a scissor-switch support assembly 20', an elastomer 30', a membrane circuit board 40', and a base plate 50'. The membrane circuit board 40' is mounted on the base plate 50'. The scissor-switch support assembly 20' connects the base plate 50' and the keycap 10', providing support and balance to the keycap 10'. The elastomer 30' is located within the scissor-switch support assembly 20' and between the base plate 50' and the keycap 10', providing a return force to the keycap 10'. The base plate 50' can be made of metal or other rigid materials. Figure 4When the keycap 10' is not pressed, there is a certain distance between the keycap 10' and the base plate 50'. When the keycap 10' is pressed, the elastomer 30' will compress and deform, and the scissor-type support assembly 20' will rise and fall. When the upper bottom 33' of the elastomer 30' abuts against the contact portion 41' of the membrane circuit board 40', the contact portion 41' will generate a trigger signal. When the keycap 10' is released, under the elastic action of the elastomer 30', the keycap 10' will return to the unpressed state along with the elastomer 30', and drive the scissor-type support assembly 20' to return to the original state.

[0033] For example Figure 2 The button structure shown illustrates how, to achieve overall thinning, the thickness of each component arranged vertically can be reduced while ensuring sufficient key travel. Here, "vertical" refers to the Z-direction, which is the direction in which the button is pressed. However, some components have thickness limitations and cannot be thinned excessively; others are functionally restricted, and thinning them would introduce other problems.

[0034] For example, such as Figure 3 , Figure 4 The height dimension of the elastomer 30' shown is H when it is not compressed. When the keycap 10' is pressed, the elastomer 30' is compressed and deformed. The first part 31' of the elastomer 30' bulges upward and bends, and the second part 32' bulges downward and bends. The height dimension of the elastomer 30' when fully compressed is h. By thinning the elastomer 30', the height dimension h of the elastomer 30' when fully compressed will decrease, and the compression ratio of the elastomer 30' will increase. The compression ratio of the elastomer 30' refers to the ratio of its height dimension when uncompressed to that when fully compressed (H / h). For example, before and after thinning the elastomer 30', the compression ratio of the elastomer 30' increases from 2.73 to 3.72. When the keycap 10' is pressed, the first part 31' of the elastomer 30' will fold in half and interfere with the keycap 10' to cause fatigue fracture, while the second part 32' will interfere with the membrane circuit board 40' or the base plate 50' to cause compression fracture. After repeated compression, the elastomer 30' will cause fatigue fracture, affecting the function of the elastomer 30'.

[0035] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional assembly drawing of the button structure provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 6 for Figure 5 An exploded 3D diagram of the button structure. Figure 7 (a) in the middle is Figure 6 (a) is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the keycap in the key structure, (b) is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the keycap from another angle, (c) is a front view of the keycap, (d) is a cross-sectional view along line AA in (c), and (e) is an enlarged view of point B in (d). Figure 8 for Figure 5 A longitudinal sectional view of the button structure. Figure 9 for Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the compression deformation cross-section of the button structure during the pressing process.

[0036] To ensure a sufficiently long key travel in the design of thinner and lighter electronic devices, and to reduce fatigue damage caused by repeated compression and deformation of the elastomer leading to interference with other components, please refer to... Figure 5 and Figure 6 This application provides a button structure, including: a keycap 10, a support assembly 20, and a base plate 50. The base plate 50 includes a thin-film circuit board 40, which has contact portions 41. (In conjunction with...) Figure 7 In sections (a) to (e), the keycap 10 has a first clearance groove 11 on the side facing the thin-film circuit board 40. The two ends of the support assembly 20 are movably connected to the base plate 50 and the keycap 10, respectively, to support the movement of the keycap 10 relative to the base plate 50. Figure 8 The support component 20 includes a frustoconical elastomer 30, which is disposed between the thin-film circuit board 40 and the keycap 10. The elastomer 30 includes an upper bottom 33 and a lower bottom 34, with the projection of the upper bottom 33 onto the keycap 10 located within the projection of the lower bottom 34 onto the keycap 10. Figure 9 In (a) and (b), when the keycap 10 is pressed, the elastic body 30 is compressed. The upper bottom 33 of the compressed elastic body 30 abuts between the keycap 10 and the contact portion 41, and the upward protruding portion 31a of the compressed elastic body 30 is accommodated in the first relief groove 11.

[0037] In this context, a frustum refers to a solid formed when a cone, elliptical cone, or prismatic pyramid is truncated by two parallel planes, and the solid lies between the two parallel planes. Depending on whether the truncated cone is a cone, elliptical cone, or prismatic pyramid, frustums can be classified as frustums of a cylinder, elliptical frustums, or prismatic frustums. The edges of a prismatic frustum may be rounded. See also [reference needed] in this application. Figure 8 The frustum-shaped elastomer 30 refers to an elastomer 30 whose appearance is roughly frustum-shaped. The elastomer 30 only has the top and side surfaces of the frustum, but not the bottom surface. The bottom surface of the frustum has an opening 341. The transverse cross-section of the elastomer 30 can be circular, elliptical, polygonal, rounded rectangle, etc.

[0038] The key structure provided in this application embodiment supports the movement of the keycap 10 relative to the base plate 50 during the pressing or releasing process. The elastomer 30 stores energy when the keycap 10 is pressed and resets the keycap 10 when it is released. When the upper bottom 33 of the elastomer 30 abuts against the thin film circuit board 40 on the base plate 50, it triggers the contact portion 41 of the thin film circuit board 40. A first relief groove 11 is provided on the back 10b of the keycap 10. When the elastomer 30 is compressed and deformed, the upward protrusion 31a of the elastomer 30 can be accommodated in the first relief groove 11, reducing the fatigue damage of the elastomer 30 caused by interference between the elastomer 30 and the keycap 10, improving the service life of the elastomer 30, reducing the impact on key function caused by the thinning of the elastomer 30, realizing the thinning of electronic devices, and meeting the requirement that the key structure has a sufficiently long key travel, thus improving the tactile feel of the key structure.

[0039] When setting keycap 10, refer to Figure 7 In (a) and (b), the keycap 10 has a structural appearance for user pressing. The keycap 10 is mounted above the base plate 50 via the support assembly 20. The front 10a of the keycap 10 is the side facing the user, and the back 10b of the keycap 10 is the side facing the base plate 50. The keycap 10 can be an injection molded part for easy mass production.

[0040] When setting elastomer 30, refer to Figure 8 During the use of the button structure, the elastomer 30 needs to be compressed and deformed. The elastomer 30 can be made of rubber or other elastic materials. The elastomer 30 can be configured as a frustum-shaped cone with an opening 341 on the bottom surface. When assembling the elastomer 30, the opening 341 of the elastomer 30 faces the base plate 50, the upper bottom 33 faces the keycap 10, and the lower bottom 34 is connected to the base plate 50 or the membrane circuit board 40. When the lower bottom 34 is connected to the base plate 50, a corresponding hole can be made in the membrane circuit board 40 to allow the lower bottom 34 to be connected to the base plate 50.

[0041] See Figure 9 In (a) and (b), during the pressing of the keycap 10, the elastic body 30 is compressed and deformed, the upper bottom 33 moves to the middle position of the lower bottom 34, a part of the elastic body 30 near the lower bottom 34 bends and deforms upward, called the upward protrusion 31a; a part of the elastic body 30 near the upper bottom 33 bends and deforms downward, called the downward protrusion 32a.

[0042] In some embodiments, to reduce fatigue fracture of the downwardly protruding portion 32a of the elastomer 30 due to interference between the elastomer 30 and the base plate 50 or thin-film circuit board 40 during compression of the elastomer 30, a first relief groove 11 is provided on the back 10b of the keycap 10 to avoid the upwardly protruding portion 31a of the elastomer 30. See [reference needed] Figure 9 In (a) and (b), the base plate 50 is provided with a second relief groove 51. When the keycap 10 is pressed, the elastomer 30 is compressed, and the downward protruding portion 32a of the compressed elastomer 30 is accommodated in the second relief groove 51. This reduces the fatigue failure of the downward protruding portion 32a caused by interference between the elastomer 30 and the base plate 50 or the thin-film circuit board 40, improves the service life of the elastomer 30, further realizes the thinning of electronic devices, and meets the requirement that the key structure has a sufficiently long key travel.

[0043] In this design, a third clearance groove can be provided on the thin-film circuit board 40 corresponding to the position of the second clearance groove 51, allowing the downward protrusion 32a to at least partially pass through the third clearance groove and be accommodated in the second clearance groove 51. Alternatively, the third clearance groove can be omitted from the position of the thin-film circuit board 40 corresponding to the second clearance groove 51, allowing the downward protrusion 32a to push the portion of the thin-film circuit board 40 located in the second clearance groove 51 into the second clearance groove 51. Both methods can reduce fatigue failure of the downward protrusion 32a during the compression deformation of the elastomer 30.

[0044] In some embodiments, a first annular portion 31 is included between the upper bottom 33 and the lower bottom 34. The first annular portion 31 is the portion of the elastic body 30 that protrudes upward after being compressed and contacts the keycap 10. The position of the first relief groove 11 corresponds to the position of the first annular portion 31. A second annular portion 32 is included between the upper bottom 33 and the lower bottom 34. The second annular portion 32 is the portion of the elastic body 30 that contacts the base plate 50 downward after being compressed. The position of the second relief groove 51 corresponds to the position of the second annular portion 32. That is, the elastic body 30 is configured as a lower bottom 34, a first annular portion 31, a second annular portion 32, and an upper bottom 33 connected in sequence, with the lower bottom 34 having an opening 341. The lower bottom 34, the first annular portion 31, the second annular portion 32, and the upper bottom 33 can be a one-piece molded structure. Figure 9 In (a) and (b), when the keycap 10 is pressed so that its upper bottom 33 abuts against the contact portion 41, the first annular portion 31 protrudes towards the keycap 10 to form an upward protrusion portion 31a, and the upward protrusion portion 31a is at least partially accommodated in the first relief groove 11, reducing interference between the elastomer 30 and the keycap 10 and thus preventing fatigue failure of the elastomer 30. Furthermore, the second annular portion 32 protrudes towards the base plate 50 to form a downward protrusion portion 32a, and the downward protrusion portion 32a is at least partially accommodated in the second relief groove 51, reducing interference between the elastomer 30 and the base plate 50 and thus preventing fatigue failure of the elastomer 30.

[0045] When the first clearance groove 11 is set, the shape of the first clearance groove 11 and the first annular portion 31 are adapted to each other, and the first clearance groove 11 is annular. The axis of the first clearance groove 11 is set approximately coaxially with the axis of the elastic body 30. When the keycap 10 is pressed, the first annular portion 31 will bend and deform upward, forming an upwardly protruding portion 31a with the convex surface facing the keycap 10 and the concave surface facing the base plate 50. The annular upwardly protruding portion 31a is partially accommodated in the first clearance groove 11, which can effectively reduce the interference between the first annular portion 31 and the back surface 10b of the keycap 10 that would occur if the first clearance groove 11 were not set. The first clearance groove 11 is annular, and its shape is specifically adapted to the shape of the first annular portion 31, such as circular, elliptical, rounded rectangle, etc.

[0046] In some embodiments, the depth of the first relief groove 11 is less than the thickness of the keycap 10. The thickness of the keycap 10 is its wall thickness. The first relief groove 11 is provided on the back surface 10b of the keycap 10 to avoid the first annular portion 31 when the elastomer 30 is compressed, rather than having the first relief groove 11 penetrate through the keycap 10 and thus affecting the appearance and tactile feel of the keycap 10. In addition, a chamfer can be provided between the bottom surface and the inner surface of the first relief groove 11 to facilitate the demolding of the keycap 10 during injection molding.

[0047] There are several ways to implement the second clearance slot 51. The first way to implement the second clearance slot is: see [link / reference] Figure 9 In (a) and (b), the shapes of the second clearance groove 51 and the second annular portion 32 are adapted to each other. The second clearance groove 51 is annular and continuous. The axis of the second clearance groove 51 is approximately coaxial with the axis of the elastic body 30. When the keycap 10 is pressed, the second annular portion 32 will bend downwards, forming a downwardly protruding portion 32a with its convex surface facing the base plate 50 and its concave surface facing the keycap 10. This annular downwardly protruding portion 32a is partially accommodated in the second clearance groove 51, effectively reducing interference between the second annular portion 32 and the thin-film circuit board 40 or the base plate 50 that would occur without the second clearance groove 51. The second clearance groove 51 is annular, and its shape is specifically adapted to the shape of the second annular portion 32, such as circular, elliptical, or rounded rectangle.

[0048] For example, the elastomer 30 is a frustum shape with an opening 341. The upper bottom 33 and the lower bottom 34 are both circular, with the diameter of the upper bottom 33 being smaller than the diameter of the lower bottom 34. The lower bottom 34 has an opening 341. The first annular portion 31 and the second annular portion 32 are both annular structures extending in a circle. The first clearance groove 11 and the second clearance groove 51 are circular, satisfying that the upwardly convex and bent first annular portion 31 enters the circular first clearance groove 11, and the downwardly convex and bent second annular portion 32 enters the circular second clearance groove 51.

[0049] For example, the elastomer 30 is an elliptical frustum with an opening 341. The upper bottom 33 and the lower bottom 34 are both elliptical. The projection of the upper bottom 33 onto the keycap 10 is located within the projection of the lower bottom 34 onto the keycap 10. The lower bottom 34 has an opening 341. The first annular portion 31 and the second annular portion 32 are both annular structures extending along an ellipse. The first clearance groove 11 and the second clearance groove 51 are set to be elliptical, so that the upwardly convex and bent first annular portion 31 enters the elliptical first clearance groove 11, and the downwardly convex and bent second annular portion 32 enters the elliptical second clearance groove 51.

[0050] For example, the elastomer 30 is a frustum-shaped structure with an opening 341 and rounded edges. The upper bottom 33 and the lower bottom 34 are both rounded rectangles. The projection of the upper bottom 33 onto the keycap 10 is located within the projection of the lower bottom 34 onto the keycap 10. The lower bottom 34 has an opening 341. The first annular portion 31 and the second annular portion 32 are both annular structures extending along the rounded rectangle. The first clearance groove 11 and the second clearance groove 51 are rounded rectangles, satisfying that the upwardly convex and bent first annular portion 31 enters the first clearance groove 11 of the rounded rectangle, and the downwardly convex and bent second annular portion 32 enters the second clearance groove 51 of the rounded rectangle.

[0051] The second way to implement the second clearance slot is: Figure 10 (a) and (b) are Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the base plate at different angles in the button structure. (See attached diagram.) Figure 8 and Figure 10 In (a) and (b), the second clearance groove 51 includes multiple arc-shaped grooves 511 distributed around the contact portion 41, and these second clearance grooves 51 are discontinuous. The axes of the multiple arc-shaped grooves 511 are arranged approximately coaxially with the axis of the elastic body 30. When the keycap 10 is pressed, the second annular portion 32 will bend downwards, causing multiple portions of the downwardly protruding portion 32a to be accommodated in different arc-shaped grooves 511, reducing interference between the second annular portion 32 and the thin-film circuit board 40 or the base plate 50 that would occur without the second clearance groove 51. The base plate 50 or thin-film circuit board 40 using the multiple arc-shaped grooves 511 is easy to manufacture and assemble.

[0052] In some embodiments, the second clearance groove 51 extends through the base plate 50; or, the depth of the second clearance groove 51 is less than the thickness of the base plate 50. Both methods ensure that when the keycap 10 is pressed, the second annular portion 32 of the elastomer 30 is at least partially accommodated within the second clearance groove 51, and can be configured as needed.

[0053] In some embodiments, to ensure that different bending deformation portions of the elastomer 30 fully enter the clearance groove, refer to... Figure 9In (a) and (b), the projection of the first relief groove 11 on the keycap 10 surrounds the projection of the second relief groove 51 on the keycap 10. The lower bottom 34, the first annular portion 31, the second annular portion 32, and the upper bottom 33 of the elastomer 30 are arranged radially inward in sequence. Viewed from above, the first relief groove 11 is positioned outside the second relief groove 51, which facilitates the first annular portion 31 located on the outer side of the elastomer 30 entering the first relief groove 11 of the keycap 10 when the elastomer 30 is compressed, while allowing the first annular portion 31 located on the inner side to enter the second relief groove 51 of the base plate 50 or the thin-film circuit board 40. Furthermore, when the keycap 10 is pressed, the back surface 10b of the keycap 10 forms a relatively large pressing surface in the middle region of the first relief groove 11, allowing the pressure from the keycap 10 to be evenly transmitted to the top surface of the upper bottom 33 of the elastomer 30. This facilitates stable compression deformation of the elastomer 30 and improves the repeatability of the deformation of the elastomer 30.

[0054] There are different ways to implement support components. The first method is a scissor-type support component: see [link / reference] Figure 6 The support assembly 20 includes a first scissor leg 21 and a second scissor leg 22 pivotally connected to each other. The two ends of the first scissor leg 21 are movably connected to the base plate 50 and the keycap 10, respectively. The two ends of the second scissor leg 22 are also movably connected to the base plate 50 and the keycap 10, respectively. An elastic body 30 passes through the middle of the first scissor leg 21 and the middle of the second scissor leg 22. The first scissor leg 21 and the second scissor leg 22 are arranged in an X-shape. The first end 21a of the first scissor leg 21 is pivotally connected to the keycap 10, and the second end 21b of the first scissor leg 21 is slidably mounted on the base plate 50. The axes of the first end 21a and the second end 21b of the first scissor leg 21, and the first end 22a and the second end 22b of the second scissor leg 22 are parallel to each other. During the up-and-down movement of the keycap 10 relative to the base plate 50, the second ends 21b of the first scissor-switch leg 21 and the second ends 22b of the second scissor-switch leg 22 slide in the same direction and are both perpendicular to the pressing direction of the keycap 10. The first scissor-switch leg 21 and the second scissor-switch leg 22 work together to support and balance the keycap 10.

[0055] When setting the first scissor leg 21 and the second scissor leg 22, the first scissor leg 21 is an inner ring structure, and the second scissor leg 22 is an outer ring structure. The first scissor leg 21 is pivotally connected to the inner side of the second scissor leg 22. Figure 7In (b), the back 10b of the keycap 10 is provided with a first pivot seat 12, and the first end 21a of the first scissor-switch leg 21 is pivotally connected to the keycap 10 through the first pivot seat 12. The back 10b of the keycap 10 is provided with a first slide groove 13, and the second end 22b of the second scissor-switch leg 22 is slidably installed in the first slide groove 13. The base plate 50 is provided with a second slide groove 53, and the second end 21b of the first scissor-switch leg 21 is slidably installed in the second slide groove. The base plate 50 is provided with a second pivot seat 52, and the first end 22a of the second scissor-switch leg 22 is pivotally connected to the base plate 50 through the second pivot seat. This facilitates the assembly of the first scissor-switch leg 21 and the second scissor-switch leg 22 between the base plate 50 and the keycap 10.

[0056] The second type of support component is a butterfly-shaped support component: This component includes paired bent rods, with the first end of each rod pivotally connected to the keycap and the second end slidably mounted on the base plate. An elastic body is located between the paired bent rods. In a single bent rod, the axes at the first and second ends are parallel to each other. As the keycap moves up and down relative to the base plate, the first end of the bent rod rotates relative to the keycap, while the second end slides relative to the base plate. The paired bent rods work together to support and balance the keycap.

[0057] When assembling the bend lever, multiple pivot points are provided on the back of the keycap for the first end of the bend lever to pivot. Multiple grooves are provided on the base plate for the sliding assembly of the second end of different bend levers. This facilitates the assembly of the bend lever between the base plate and the keycap.

[0058] There are different implementation methods for setting up thin-film circuit boards. The first implementation method involves a thin-film circuit board 40 comprising a first and second film stacked on top of each other, which can be made of resin or a flexible material, and both films have conductive lines. (See reference...) Figure 9 In (a) and (b), when the keycap 10 is pressed, the elastic body 30 is compressed and deformed. When the upper bottom 33 of the elastic body 30 abuts against the contact portion 41 of the thin-film circuit board 40, the electrical contacts corresponding to the first and second diaphragms make contact to achieve electrical connection, thus closing the key structure. When the keycap 10 is released, under the action of the elastic body 30 and the diaphragm, the elastic body 30 and the diaphragm return to their original positions, and the electrical contacts corresponding to the first and second diaphragms separate, thus opening the key structure.

[0059] The second implementation method of the thin-film circuit board is as follows: The thin-film circuit board 40 is provided with an independent switch as a contact part 41, such as a touch switch. When the keycap 10 is pressed, the elastic body 30 is compressed and deformed, and the upper and lower parts 33 of the elastic body 30 abut against the independent switch, realizing the closure of the key structure. When the keycap 10 is released, the independent switch will reset, realizing the disconnection of the key structure.

[0060] In some embodiments, to enable the key structure to emit light, a light source such as an LED is provided on the base plate 50. The light source and the thin-film circuit board 40 are electrically connected. A light-transmitting area is provided on the base plate 50, and the thin-film circuit board 40 can be made of a transparent material. During operation, the light generated by the light source passes through the light-transmitting area of ​​the base plate 50 and the thin-film circuit board 40, and is emitted upwards around the keycap 10. Alternatively, a light-transmitting area is provided on the keycap 10, allowing the light generated by the light source to pass through the light-transmitting area of ​​the keycap 10 and be emitted upwards.

[0061] This application provides a keyboard including the key structure described above. The keyboard provided in this application, due to its key structure, also possesses all the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above embodiments. When multiple key structures are configured, multiple sets of keycaps 10, support components 20, and elastomers 30 can share the same base plate 50 and thin-film circuit board 40, reducing the number of components and improving assembly efficiency.

[0062] This application provides an electronic device including the button structure described above. Because the electronic device provided in this application adopts the above-described button structure, it also possesses all the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above embodiments. Electronic devices with button structures can be laptops, desktop computers, mobile terminals, wearable products, tablet computers, smart home terminals, automotive electronic devices, etc.

[0063] Finally, it should be noted that the above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A button structure, characterized in that, include: Keycaps, support components, and base plate; The base plate includes a thin-film circuit board, which has a contact portion; The two ends of the support component are movably connected to the base plate and the keycap, respectively, for supporting the keycap to move relative to the base plate; The support assembly includes a frustum-shaped elastomer located between the thin film circuit board and the keycap. The elastomer includes an upper bottom and a lower bottom, with the projection of the upper bottom onto the keycap located within the projection of the lower bottom onto the keycap. The side of the keycap facing the thin film circuit board is provided with a first clearance groove; When the keycap is pressed, the elastic body is compressed. The upper bottom of the compressed elastic body abuts between the keycap and the contact portion, and the upward protruding portion of the compressed elastic body is accommodated in the first relief groove. A first annular portion is included between the upper bottom and the lower bottom. The first annular portion is the part of the elastic body that protrudes upward and contacts the keycap after being compressed. The position of the first relief groove corresponds to the position of the first annular portion.

2. The button structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base plate is provided with a second clearance groove. When the keycap is pressed, the elastic body is compressed, and the downward protruding part of the compressed elastic body is accommodated in the second clearance groove.

3. The button structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, A second annular portion is included between the upper bottom and the lower bottom. The second annular portion is the part of the elastomer that contacts the bottom plate downward after being compressed. The position of the second clearance groove corresponds to the position of the second annular portion.

4. The button structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second clearance groove and the second annular portion are adapted to each other in shape, and the second clearance groove is annular; Alternatively, the second clearance groove may include multiple arc-shaped grooves distributed around the contact point.

5. The button structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second clearance groove extends through the base plate; or, the depth of the second clearance groove is less than the thickness of the base plate.

6. The button structure according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that, The projection of the first clearance groove on the keycap surrounds the projection of the second clearance groove on the keycap.

7. The button structure according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The first clearance groove and the first annular portion are adapted to each other in shape, and the first clearance groove is annular.

8. The button structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The depth of the first clearance groove is less than the thickness of the keycap.

9. The button structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The support assembly further includes a first scissor leg and a second scissor leg pivotally connected to each other. The two ends of the first scissor leg are movably connected to the base plate and the keycap, respectively. The two ends of the second scissor leg are movably connected to the base plate and the keycap, respectively. The elastic body passes through the middle of the first scissor leg and the middle of the second scissor leg. Alternatively, the support assembly may further include a pair of bent rods, the first end of which is pivotally connected to the keycap, the second end of which is slidably mounted on the base plate, and the elastic body located between the pair of bent rods.

10. A keyboard, characterized in that, Includes the button structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. An electronic device, characterized in that, Includes the button structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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