Key device and electronic device

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of key device, it includes the first key cap with mounting hole and second key cap in the mounting hole;It also includes the installation shell with opening at sidewall, and the first key cap is arranged in the opening at sidewall of installation shell;Second trigger switch is arranged in the inside of installation shell, and first trigger switch is arranged in the position around second trigger switch, second trigger part is arranged in the bottom of second key cap, first trigger part is arranged in the bottom of first key cap, and first trigger part is distributed around second trigger part.The application integrates multiple keys into one, greatly reducing the occupation of internal space and external shell space of electronic equipment, especially suitable for small smart wearable devices such as smart watches, bracelets and the like, making the key function diversified while saving the internal space of the product, making the product appearance simple, elegant and generous;The application also discloses an electronic device comprising the above key device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a button device, and more specifically, to a button device that integrates two buttons into one unit to save space; this invention also relates to an electronic device, such as a smart bracelet, a smartwatch, or other smart wearable device. Background Technology

[0002] Electronic devices that people use every day, such as mobile phones, smartwatches, smart bracelets, etc., are usually equipped with several physical buttons, knobs, etc. to perform some functions, such as adjusting the volume, scrolling the screen, turning on, turning off, etc. The presence of buttons allows users to perform some operations without turning on and unlocking the device screen, simplifying the device operation process and improving the user experience.

[0003] With the increasing popularity of smart electronic devices, consumers have more diverse preferences and requirements for everyday devices such as mobile phones and smartwatches. For example, they demand these devices to be thinner, lighter, more portable, and more compact for easier use. For mobile phones, many manufacturers strive for portability and slimness by designing the side bezels as thin as possible. While this design satisfies user needs to some extent, it also limits the area of ​​the side bezels, making it difficult to accommodate multiple buttons to meet user needs. Existing multiple buttons, although comprehensive in function, occupy a significant amount of external and internal space in electronic devices, making them difficult to implement on smaller devices. Therefore, it is necessary to optimize the button structure to reduce its space requirements. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One objective of this invention is to provide a new technical solution for a button device.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a button device is provided, comprising:

[0006] The first keycap and the second keycap are provided. The first keycap has a through mounting hole in the middle. The second keycap is placed in the mounting hole and the top surface of the second keycap extends out of the mounting hole to the outside of the first keycap. The bottom end of the second keycap is provided with a second trigger part, and the bottom end of the first keycap is provided with a first trigger part. The first trigger part is distributed around the second trigger part.

[0007] The mounting housing has an opening, the top surface of the first keycap extends out of the mounting housing through the opening, and the bottom surface of the first keycap is located inside the mounting housing.

[0008] The second trigger switch is located inside the mounting housing and corresponds to the position of the second keycap. The second keycap is used to trigger the second trigger switch.

[0009] The first trigger switch is located inside the mounting housing and is positioned around the second trigger switch. The first trigger switch corresponds to the position of the first trigger part, and the first keycap is used to trigger the first trigger switch.

[0010] Optionally, it also includes a PCB board, which is located inside the mounting housing.

[0011] Further optionally, it also includes a PCB bracket, which is located inside the mounting housing. The two ends of the PCB bracket are detachably connected to the inner sidewall of the mounting housing, and the middle part of the PCB bracket is bent into a groove shape for placing the PCB board.

[0012] Alternatively, the first trigger switch is a dome switch or a tactile switch, and the second trigger switch is a dome switch or a tactile switch; one side of the PCB board faces the bottom of the first keycap and the second keycap, and both the first trigger switch and the second trigger switch are fixedly mounted on this surface.

[0013] Optionally, the bottom surface of the first keycap extends outward on both the upper and lower sides to form limiting baffles, and the first trigger part includes the limiting baffles.

[0014] Optionally, the first trigger part further includes two first protrusions, which are respectively located at the bottom of the ends of the two limiting baffles; there are two first trigger switches, and the positions of the two first trigger switches specifically correspond to the two first protrusions.

[0015] Optionally, the bottom side of the second keycap is provided with a limiting skirt.

[0016] Alternatively, the second trigger portion includes a second protrusion located on the bottom surface of the second keycap, and the position of the second protrusion corresponds to that of the second trigger switch.

[0017] According to a second aspect of the present invention, an electronic device is provided, which includes a working circuit board and the above-described button device, wherein the working circuit board is disposed inside a mounting housing and is electrically connected to a PCB board.

[0018] Optionally, the aforementioned electronic device is specifically a smart wearable device, with a wristband detachably mounted on the mounting housing, and a display screen fixedly mounted on the top surface of the mounting housing, the display screen being electrically connected to the working circuit board.

[0019] The present invention provides a button device that integrates a first keycap and a second keycap into one unit, realizing the two-in-one button function, reducing the area occupied by the keycap, saving internal space of electronic devices, facilitating lightweight and portable design, and making the product look simple, beautiful and elegant.

[0020] Other features and advantages of the invention will become clear from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with their description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0022] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the button device described in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the external structure of the button device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a side sectional view of the button device described in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0026] In the diagram: 1-First keycap, 11-Limiting baffle, 111-First protrusion, 2-Second keycap, 22-Limiting skirt, 222-Second protrusion, 3-Mounting housing, 4-PCB board, 5-First trigger switch, 6-Second trigger switch, 7-PCB bracket, 8-Bolt. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Various exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention.

[0028] The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit the invention or its application or use.

[0029] Techniques, methods, and equipment known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and equipment should be considered part of the specification.

[0030] In all the examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values.

[0031] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be discussed further in subsequent figures.

[0032] This embodiment provides a button device suitable for various electronic devices, such as smartphones, smartwatches, smart bracelets, etc. Taking its application in a smartwatch as an example... Figures 1-3 As shown, the button device provided in this embodiment includes a mounting housing 3, which is the outer shell of the smartwatch. An opening is provided on one side wall of the mounting housing 3 for placing the button. The side wall where this opening is located typically needs to avoid the wristband side where the smartwatch is located for easy button operation. A first keycap 1 is provided in the opening of the mounting housing 3. The outer contour of the first keycap 1 typically needs to match the contour of the opening to avoid large gaps that could allow water, dust, etc., to enter the mounting housing 3 and affect the normal operation of the watch. However, the two should not be too close together, otherwise, pressing will produce a sticky feeling and poor tactile feedback. Long-term use will also cause wear and tear on both the first keycap 1 and the mounting housing 3. Figure 1 As shown, the first keycap 1 in this embodiment is generally a cuboid with rounded chamfers on both the top and bottom surfaces, and curved edges on the top surface (the side facing the outside of the mounting housing 3). This shape avoids the keycap having too many sharp edges, resulting in a better feel when pressed and preventing discomfort. To prevent the first keycap 1 from coming out of the opening, the bottom surface of the first keycap 1 extends outward on both the top and bottom sides to form a limiting baffle 11. When the first keycap 1 moves outward towards the outside of the mounting housing 3, the limiting baffle 11 will lock onto the inner wall of the mounting housing 3, preventing the first keycap 1 from coming out. Figures 1-3 As shown, a mounting hole perpendicular to the side wall of the mounting housing 3 is provided at the middle position of the first keycap 1. A second keycap 2 is provided in the mounting hole, and the outer contour of the second keycap 2 is adapted to the mounting hole, both being cylindrical. Since the second keycap 2 is placed in the mounting hole of the first keycap 1, in order to prevent excessive friction between the second keycap 2 and the first keycap 1, resulting in a stiff pressing feel and wear on both, the second keycap 2 and the inner wall of the mounting hole should not be too close, but a small gap is required. This gap can also prevent accidental touches caused by excessive friction between the two, such as the second keycap 2 moving when the first keycap 1 is pressed, or the first keycap 1 moving when the second keycap 2 is pressed. The top of the second keycap 2 extends out of the outer side of the first keycap 1 instead of being parallel to that side, making it easier for the user to distinguish, facilitating pressing and preventing accidental touches. A limiting skirt 22 is provided circumferentially at the bottom side wall of the second keycap 2, mainly to limit the displacement of the second keycap 2 and prevent it from sliding out of the mounting hole.

[0033] The button device provided in this embodiment is equipped with a PCB board 4, a second trigger switch 6, and two first trigger switches 5 to respond to button operations. The PCB board 4, the first trigger switches 5, and the second trigger switches 6 are all located in the internal space of the mounting housing 3 and fixed in position. The first trigger switches 5 and the second trigger switches 6 are both electrically connected to the PCB board 4. The first trigger switches 5 are located around the second trigger switches 6. In actual use, the number of first trigger switches 5 is determined according to actual needs; there can be one or more. The distribution of the first trigger switches 5 around the second trigger switches 6 means that one or more first trigger switches 5 are located next to the second trigger switches 6. In particular, when there are multiple first trigger switches 5, the multiple first trigger switches 5 are arranged in a surrounding or encircling manner next to the second trigger switches 6. The bottom of the first keycap 1 is provided with a first trigger part for pressing to trigger the first trigger switch 5, and the bottom of the second keycap 2 is provided with a second trigger part for pressing to trigger the second trigger switch 6. The first trigger part is distributed around the second trigger part. Specifically, the first trigger part includes the aforementioned limiting baffle 11.

[0034] In this embodiment, specifically, there are two first trigger switches 5 and one second trigger switch 6. The two first trigger switches 5 are respectively set at the positions of the two limit baffles 11, and the second trigger switch 6 is set at the position of the bottom of the second keycap 2; as shown Figures 1-3As shown, since the application object of this embodiment is a smartwatch, whose internal space is relatively compact, a DOME chip is chosen as the specific form of the first trigger switch 5 and the second trigger switch 6. The advantages of the DOME chip are that it is small and lightweight, requires less pressing force, has a shorter pressing stroke, a good feel, and has a fast automatic rebound function. Furthermore, it can be directly integrated onto the PCB board 4, further reducing the space occupied by the button device. It is very suitable for smart wearable devices, especially small smartwatches. In addition, since smartwatches are usually worn on the user's wrist, the user's daily activities cause the smartwatch to shake and vibrate frequently. Since the DOME chip is directly integrated onto the PCB board 4, no additional cable connection is required, which also avoids the cable being frequently shaken during daily use. Vibration can cause the switch to break off from the solder joint, leading to button malfunction. In addition to the DOME chip, the first trigger switch 5 and the second trigger switch 6 in this embodiment can have many other optional specific forms, such as tactile switches. If the button device provided in this embodiment is applied to an electronic device with sufficient internal space, the first trigger switch 5 and the second trigger switch 6 can also be set separately and connected to the PCB board 4 via a cable, instead of being directly integrated on the PCB board 4. However, it should be noted that regardless of the setting form, the positions of the first trigger switch 5 and the second trigger switch 6 are usually fixed to prevent them from shifting due to pressing, which would prevent the first keycap 1 and the second keycap 2 from effectively pressing down their respective first trigger switches 5 and second trigger switches 6.

[0035] The button device provided in this embodiment, by setting and adjusting the working circuit of PCB board 4 and integrating a microprocessor, enables the smartwatch using this button device to have a variety of different operating logics, such as:

[0036] Press and hold the upper half of the first keycap 1, and the first trigger part located on the upper half of the first keycap 1 will press and trigger the corresponding first trigger switch 5, so that the watch screen scrolls upward.

[0037] A short press of the second keycap 2 located in the middle will press the second trigger part at the bottom of the second keycap 2 to trigger the second trigger switch 6. According to the settings of the PCB board 4, a long press and a short press can have different functions, such as a long press to turn off the power and a short press to turn off the screen.

[0038] Press and hold the lower half of the first keycap 1. The first trigger part located on the lower half of the first keycap 1 will press and trigger the corresponding first trigger switch 5, so that the watch screen scrolls down.

[0039] In summary, the button device provided in this embodiment integrates multiple buttons into one unit, greatly reducing the internal and surface space occupied by the electronic device. It is especially suitable for small smart wearable devices such as small square watches or bracelets, saving internal space and featuring a simple, beautiful, and elegant appearance.

[0040] In this embodiment, preferably, as follows: Figures 1-3 As shown, a PCB bracket 7 is provided inside the mounting housing 3. The PCB bracket 7 is roughly "U"-shaped, with its upper and lower ends detachably connected to the inner sidewalls of the mounting housing 3 located above and below the opening, respectively. The middle part is bent into a groove to hold the PCB board 4. When the PCB board 4 is placed in the groove, it can be fixed in various ways, such as by bolts 8, glue, etc. The purpose of setting up the PCB bracket 7 is mainly because a typical application scenario of the button device provided in this embodiment is for smartwatches. Smartwatches are inevitably subject to shaking during daily use. Placing the PCB bracket 7 firstly facilitates the support, protection, and fixation of the PCB board 4, preventing the PCB board from being shaken. The PCB board 4 is unstable due to shaking caused by external force, resulting in unstable electrical connection between it and the first trigger switch 5, the second trigger switch 6, and the working circuit board of the smartwatch. It also prevents the first keycap 1 and the second keycap 2 from being unable to effectively press and trigger their respective first trigger switches 5 and 6 due to shaking of the PCB board 4. Secondly, it facilitates the replacement and maintenance of the PCB board 4. Thirdly, it helps to fix the position of the PCB board 4. When the first trigger switch 5 and the second trigger switch 6 are both integrated on the PCB board 4, it can prevent the PCB board 4 from shifting due to the pressing force transmitted from the first keycap 1 and the second keycap 2, thus affecting the contact between the first keycap 1 and the second keycap 2 and their respective first trigger switches 5 and 6.

[0041] In this preferred embodiment, the detachable connection between the PCB bracket 7 and the inner wall of the mounting housing 3 can be selected in several ways. For example, protrusions can be provided at both ends of the PCB bracket 7, and corresponding slots can be provided at the corresponding positions on the inner wall of the mounting housing 3, with the two connected by mortise and tenon joints. Another example is... Figures 1-3 As shown, through holes are provided at both ends of the PCB bracket 7, and a bolt 8 is inserted through each of the two through holes. A threaded hole is provided at the corresponding position of the through holes at both ends of the PCB bracket 7 on the inner side wall of the mounting housing 3. The two bolts 8 are screwed into the threaded holes on the same side.

[0042] When adopting the above preferred solution, the assembly process of the button device provided in this embodiment can be roughly as follows:

[0043] Step 1: With the top surface of the first keycap 1 facing the outside of the mounting housing 3, insert it into the opening in the side wall of the mounting housing 3 from the inside of the mounting housing 3;

[0044] Step 2: With the top surface of the second keycap 2 facing the outside of the mounting housing 3, insert it into the mounting hole on the first keycap 1 from the bottom surface of the first keycap 1 from the inside of the mounting housing 3;

[0045] Step 3: Place the PCB board 4, which integrates the first trigger switch 5 and the second trigger switch 6, inside the mounting housing 3. When placing it, make sure that the first trigger switch 5 on the upper side is aligned with the bottom surface of the upper half of the first keycap 1, the first trigger switch 5 on the lower side is aligned with the bottom surface of the lower half of the first keycap 1, and the second trigger switch 6 is aligned with the bottom surface of the second keycap 2.

[0046] Step 4: Align the through holes at both ends of the PCB bracket 7 with the upper and lower threaded holes on the inner side wall of the mounting housing 3 and fit them together. At the same time, install the PCB board 4 in the recessed part in the middle of the PCB bracket 7.

[0047] Step 5: Screw a screw into each of the two threaded holes from Step 4, and the PCB bracket 7 will be securely connected to the inner wall of the mounting housing 3 by the screws.

[0048] In this embodiment, preferably, as follows: Figures 1-3 As shown, the upper first trigger switch 5 is positioned at the end of the limiting baffle 11 near the upper half of the first keycap 1, and the lower first trigger switch 5 is positioned at the end of the limiting baffle 11 near the lower half of the first keycap 1. Each of the two limiting baffles 11 has a first protrusion 111 at the corresponding position near the first trigger switch 5. The first trigger part includes both the limiting baffle 11 and the corresponding first protrusion 111. The purpose of the above design is mainly that when the upper and lower halves of the first keycap 1 are pressed, the displacement of the limiting baffles 11 at both ends of its bottom is the most obvious. By placing the first trigger switch 5 here, combined with the protrusion at the bottom of the limiting baffle 11, the pressing force can be reduced, and the response sensitivity of the first trigger part can be guaranteed. This avoids the situation where the first trigger part cannot effectively press down the first trigger switch 5 after pressing, resulting in no response.

[0049] In this embodiment, preferably, a second protrusion 222 is provided on the bottom surface of the second keycap, and the second trigger part includes the second protrusion 222. The second protrusion 222 is provided at the location of the second trigger switch 6. The second trigger switch 6 is triggered by concentrated pressing through the second protrusion 222, so that the trigger key travel is short and the pressing trigger effect is better.

[0050] While specific embodiments of the invention have been described in detail by way of examples, those skilled in the art should understand that the examples are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can be made to the above embodiments without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A button device, characterized in that, include: A first keycap and a second keycap. The first keycap has a through mounting hole in the middle. The second keycap is placed in the mounting hole, and the top surface of the second keycap extends out of the mounting hole to the outside of the first keycap. The bottom end of the second keycap has a second trigger part, and the bottom end of the first keycap has a first trigger part, which is distributed around the second trigger part. The mounting housing has an opening, the top surface of the first keycap extends out of the mounting housing through the opening, and the bottom surface of the first keycap is located inside the mounting housing; The second trigger switch is located inside the mounting housing and corresponds to the position of the second keycap. The second keycap is used to trigger the second trigger switch. A first trigger switch is located inside the mounting housing. The first trigger switch is positioned around the second trigger switch. The first trigger switch corresponds to the position of the first trigger part. The first keycap is used to trigger the first trigger switch. The bottom surface of the first keycap extends outward on both the upper and lower sides to form a limiting baffle, and the first trigger part includes the limiting baffle; The first trigger part further includes a first protrusion, there are two first protrusions, and the two first protrusions are respectively located at the bottom of the ends of the two limiting baffles; there are two first trigger switches, and the positions of the two first trigger switches specifically correspond to the two first protrusions.

2. The button device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a PCB board, which is disposed inside the mounting housing.

3. The button device according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a PCB bracket, which is located inside the mounting housing. The two ends of the PCB bracket are detachably connected to the inner sidewall of the mounting housing, and the middle part of the PCB bracket is bent into a groove shape to hold the PCB board.

4. The button device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first trigger switch is a dome switch or a tactile switch, and the second trigger switch is a dome switch or a tactile switch; one side of the PCB board is set facing the bottom of the first keycap and the second keycap, and the first trigger switch and the second trigger switch are both fixedly mounted on this surface.

5. The button device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom side of the second keycap is provided with a limiting skirt.

6. The button device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second trigger part includes a second protrusion, which is located on the bottom surface of the second keycap and corresponds to the position of the second trigger switch.

7. An electronic device, characterized in that, The device includes a working circuit board and a button device as described in any one of claims 1-6, wherein the button device further includes a PCB board, the working circuit board is disposed inside the mounting housing and is electrically connected to the PCB board.

8. An electronic device according to claim 7, characterized in that, Specifically, it refers to smart wearable devices.

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