Key structure and its lifting mechanism

Abstract

A key structure can include a switch, which includes a resilient member and an intermediate support. The resilient member is separably downwardly abutting the intermediate support, and the intermediate support is separably downwardly abutting a lifting mechanism or a key cap. During the pressing of the key cap, the intermediate support is separated from the lifting mechanism or the key cap, so that the contact force of the switch contacts is fixed. Thus, after the first switch contact and the second switch contact are in contact, the subsequent downward movement of the key cap does not change the contact force between the first switch contact and the second switch contact, thereby avoiding or greatly inhibiting the abrasion of the first switch contact and the second switch contact, so that the stability of the contact between the first switch contact and the second switch contact is increased, and the service life of the switch is prolonged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a button structure, and more particularly to a lifting mechanism for the button structure and a button structure including a button switch. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the main structure of mechanical keys consists of a lifting mechanism connecting the keycap and the base, allowing the keycap to move up and down relative to the base. The stability of keycap operation, including its travel distance and smoothness, is typically achieved through this lifting mechanism. Traditionally, mechanical keys use upright pressure springs, and the light source can be positioned directly below the pressure spring, allowing light to pass through the hollow spring and illuminate the key's light-emitting area. However, as people's requirements for key structures have increased, the traditional key structure using pressure springs can no longer meet their needs. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a button structure and its lifting mechanism to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0004] The present invention aims to provide a key structure comprising a base, a keycap, a lifting mechanism, and a switch. The keycap is disposed on the base in a vertical direction. The lifting mechanism connects the base and the keycap, allowing the keycap to move relative to the base in the vertical direction via the lifting mechanism. The switch comprises a fixed base, a spring element, a first switch contact, a second switch contact, and an intermediate support. The fixed base is fixed to the base. The spring element is partially fixed to the fixed base and generates a restoring force. The first switch contact is fixed to the fixed base, and the second switch contact is fixed to the spring element relative to the first switch contact. The intermediate support is pivotally connected to the fixed base. The spring element is detachably abutted downward against the intermediate support. The intermediate support is detachably abutted downward against the lifting mechanism or the keycap. The restoring force drives the second switch contact to move toward the first switch contact, drives the spring element to abut downward against the intermediate support, and drives the intermediate support downward against the lifting mechanism or the keycap via the spring element. Furthermore, when the keycap is pressed down to a pressed position, the second switch contact contacts the first switch contact, the elastic element separates from the intermediate bracket, and the intermediate bracket separates from the lifting mechanism or the keycap. Therefore, after the first switch contact contacts the second switch contact, subsequent downward movement of the keycap will not change the contact force between the first and second switch contacts, avoiding or significantly suppressing wear between the first and second switch contacts. This increases the stability of the contact between the first and second switch contacts and extends the service life of the switch.

[0005] As an optional technical solution, the lifting mechanism includes a first bracket and a second bracket, which are connected between the base and the keycap. The keycap can move relative to the base in the vertical direction via the first bracket and the second bracket. The intermediate bracket is detachably abutted against the lifting mechanism by detachably abutting against the first bracket.

[0006] As an optional technical solution, when the keycap is in the pressed position, the intermediate bracket does not contact the keycap.

[0007] As an optional technical solution, the base includes a circuit board, the switch is fixed on the circuit board, and the first switch contact and the second switch contact are electrically connected to the circuit board.

[0008] As an optional technical solution, the switch includes a first contact connection portion and a second contact connection portion. Both the first contact connection portion and the second contact connection portion are fixed on the mounting base and exposed outside the mounting base. The first contact connection portion is electrically connected to the first switch contact and the circuit board. The first switch contact is electrically connected to the circuit board via the first contact connection portion. The second contact connection portion is electrically connected to the second switch contact and the circuit board. The second switch contact is electrically connected to the circuit board via the second contact connection portion.

[0009] As an optional technical solution, the second contact connection portion is connected to the second switch contact via the elastic member.

[0010] As an optional technical solution, the first contact connection portion or the second contact connection portion protrudes downward and is inserted into the circuit board.

[0011] As an optional technical solution, the intermediate bracket is located above the elastic member, and the intermediate bracket has a top surface. When the keycap is in the pressed position, the elastic member is lower than the top surface in the vertical direction.

[0012] As an optional technical solution, the intermediate bracket has a groove, the elastic member has a stop portion, the elastic member can be detachably abutted against the intermediate bracket via the stop portion, and when the keycap is in the pressed position, the stop portion is located in the groove.

[0013] As an optional technical solution, the elastic member includes a fixing part and a cantilever. The elastic member is fixed to the fixing seat via the fixing part, and the elastic member can be detachably abutted against the intermediate bracket via the cantilever.

[0014] As an optional technical solution, when the keycap moves downward, the intermediate support and the cantilever deflect in the same direction.

[0015] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, but this is not intended to limit the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a button structure according to one embodiment.

[0017] Figure 2 for Figure 1 An exploded view of part of the button structure.

[0018] Figure 3 for Figure 1 An exploded view of another part of the button structure.

[0019] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the first support of the lifting mechanism.

[0020] Figure 5 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the second support of the lifting mechanism.

[0021] Figure 6 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram showing the first support of the lifting mechanism extending into the second support corresponding to its first protrusion. The outline of the second support is drawn with dashed lines. This diagram has a different perspective. Figure 3 From that perspective.

[0022] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the first support in the middle from another perspective.

[0023] Figure 8 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the second bracket of the lifting mechanism extending into the first bracket from another perspective, where the outline of the first bracket is drawn with dashed lines. This diagram has a different perspective than the previous one. Figure 3 From that perspective.

[0024] Figure 9 for Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the second support from another perspective.

[0025] Figure 10 for Figure 3 A top view of the lifting mechanism, where the keycap outline and the corresponding position of the light-emitting area defined on the keycap are indicated by chain lines.

[0026] Figure 11 for Figure 10 A sectional view of the lifting mechanism along line XX, with the base outline shown in dashed lines.

[0027] Figure 12 for Figure 10 The top view of the lifting mechanism is based on a variation.

[0028] Figure 13 for Figure 11 A cross-sectional view of the lifting mechanism, the cut plane being positioned equivalent to... Figure 11 The center line is XX, and the outline of the base is drawn with a dashed line.

[0029] Figure 14 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the key structure along line YY.

[0030] Figure 15 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of another perspective.

[0031] Figure 16 for Figure 3 Exploded view of the switch.

[0032] Figure 17 for Figure 14 A cross-sectional view of the middle key structure when the keycap moves downward to the trigger position.

[0033] Figure 18 for Figure 17 A cross-sectional view of the middle key structure as the keycap continues to move downwards to the pressing position.

[0034] Figure 19 This is a top view of the lifting mechanism of the button structure according to another embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0035] To provide a further understanding of the purpose, structure, features and functions of the present invention, detailed descriptions are provided below with reference to embodiments.

[0036] To design ultra-thin keys with tactile feedback, the inventors conducted in-depth problem analysis and experimentation. For example, the lifting mechanism could employ a dual-support mechanism in the form of scissors, butterflies (upright V), or bats (inverted V), with a low-height horizontal spring connecting the two supports and generating a restoring force to lift the keycap. To ensure balanced tension at the corners of the key during lifting and lowering without swaying, the spring would need to be placed in the central area to distribute the force evenly across the support. However, the inventors discovered that in such a configuration, the spring would roughly vertically divide the area below the keycap into two parts, making it difficult to position the backlighting element in the center to directly illuminate the main light-emitting area of ​​the keycap, or to reach certain corners of the keycap, affecting the uniformity of backlighting. Furthermore, in key structures using plastic supports, the supports are typically pivotally connected via a hole-and-pin structure, but this structure requires space, making it difficult to reduce the thickness of the support and hindering thinner designs. In addition, if a push-button switch uses a spring-loaded structure, the problem is that after the switch contacts make contact, the contact force between the switch contacts will still increase as the keycap moves down, and the switch contacts will continue to rub against each other, causing wear and shortening the service life.

[0037] Please see Figures 1 to 3 According to one embodiment, the key structure 1 includes a base 12, a keycap 14, a lifting mechanism 16, and a switch 18. The keycap 14 is disposed on the base 12 in a vertical direction Dv (indicated by a double-headed arrow in the figure). The lifting mechanism 16 is connected between the base 12 and the keycap 14, allowing the keycap 14 to move relative to the base 12 in the vertical direction Dv via the lifting mechanism 16. The switch 18 is fixed to the base 12, and the keycap 14 can move toward the base 12 to trigger the switch 18. The lifting mechanism 16 includes a first bracket 162, a second bracket 164, and a spring structure 166. The first bracket 162 and the second bracket 164 are connected between the base 12 and the keycap 14 and are rotatable relative to each other to jointly support the keycap 14, allowing the keycap 14 to move relative to the base 12 in the vertical direction Dv via the first bracket 162 and the second bracket 164. Spring structure 166 is connected to first bracket 162 and second bracket 164 to provide restoring force to first bracket 162 and second bracket 164, which can drive first bracket 162 and second bracket 164 to lift keycap 14 in the vertical direction Dv.

[0038] In this embodiment, as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the first support 162 and the second support 164 are interconnected, allowing them to rotate relative to a rotation axis 16a (represented by a chain line in the figure). Please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 4 The first support 162 has a first base connecting portion 1622 and a first keycap connecting portion 1624. The first support 162 is connected to the base 12 via the first base connecting portion 1622 and to the keycap 14 via the first keycap connecting portion 1624. In this embodiment, the first support 162 is generally U-shaped (structurally including two side arms 1620a and a horizontal connecting portion 1620b connecting the two side arms 1620a). The first base connecting portion 1622 includes two connecting structures 1622a, which are respectively located at the ends of the two side arms 1620a. The first keycap connecting portion 1624 includes two connecting structures 1624a, which are respectively located at the two ends of the horizontal connecting portion 1620b. In addition, the first bracket 162 also has a first protrusion 1626 and a third protrusion 1628, which are located at the middle of the two side arm portions 1620a respectively.

[0039] Please see Figure 5The second support 164 has a second base connecting portion 1642 and a second keycap connecting portion 1644. The second support 164 is connected to the base 12 via the second base connecting portion 1642 and to the keycap 14 via the second keycap connecting portion 1644. In this embodiment, the second support 164 is generally U-shaped (structurally including two side arms 1640a and a horizontal connecting portion 1640b connecting the two side arms 1640a). The second base connecting portion 1642 includes two connecting structures 1642a, which are respectively located at the ends of the two side arms 1640a. The second keycap connecting portion 1644 includes two connecting structures 1644a, which are respectively located at both ends of the horizontal connecting portion 1640b. In addition, the second bracket 164 also has a second protrusion 1646 and a fourth protrusion 1648, which are located at the middle of the two side arm portions 1640a respectively.

[0040] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the first protrusion 1626 and the third protrusion 1628 of the first bracket 162 extend below the second bracket 164 and abut against the second bracket 164 on the rotation axis 16a. The second protrusion 1646 and the fourth protrusion 1648 of the second bracket 164 extend below the first bracket 162 and abut against the first bracket 162 on the rotation axis 16a, so that the first bracket 162 and the second bracket 164 form an X-shaped support structure, and the first bracket 162 and the second bracket 164 can be structurally linked and restrained.

[0041] To elaborate further, please refer to Figure 4 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 The first protrusion 1626 is generally L-shaped (viewed from above), protruding from the body of the first support 162 first parallel to the rotation axis 16a, and then extending perpendicular to the rotation axis 16a. The first protrusion 1626 has an upper surface 1626a, a side surface 1626b, and a restraining surface 1626c. The upper surface 1626a and the side surface 1626b both pass through the rotation axis 16a and are connected to form a flange 1626d, which coincides with the rotation axis 16a. The restraining surface 1626c faces the side surface 1626b in a radial direction 16b (indicated by a double-headed arrow in the figure) perpendicular to the rotation axis 16a. The first support 162 has a bottom surface 1630, which passes through the rotation axis 16a. See also... Figure 5 , Figure 8 and Figure 9The second protrusion 1646 extends from the body of the second support 164 parallel to the rotation axis 16a, forming a stepped structure (which includes a first structural segment 1646a and a second structural segment 1646b in the direction of the rotation axis 16a). The second protrusion 1646 has a first edge 1646c and a second edge 1646d, which are located on the first structural segment 1646a and the second structural segment 1646b, respectively, and both coincide with the rotation axis 16a.

[0042] Please see Figure 3 , Figure 6 and Figure 8 The first structural segment 1646a of the second protrusion 1646 is located above the upper surface 1626a of the first protrusion 1626, and simultaneously between the side surface 1626b and the restraining surface 1626c of the first protrusion 1626. The second structural segment 1646b of the second protrusion 1646 extends below the side arm portion 1620a of the first bracket 162. The first edge 1646c abuts against the connecting edge 1626d of the first protrusion 1626 (i.e., logically abuts against both the upper surface 1626a and the side surface 1626b), and the second edge 1646d abuts against the bottom surface 1630 of the side arm portion 1620a of the first bracket 162. Both the first edge 1646c and the second edge 1646d abut against the first bracket 162 in a line contact manner; therefore, the first bracket 162 and the second bracket 164... Figure 6 and Figure 8The connection shown is made by line contact along the rotation axis 16a, and the first bracket 162 and the second bracket 164 can rotate relative to the rotation axis 16a. Furthermore, the first protrusion 1626 is continuously bent to have two spaced-apart opposing first surfaces, including a side surface 1626b and a restraining surface 1626c. These two surfaces together constrain the second structural segment 1646b of the second protrusion 1646 in the radial direction 16b, preventing the second protrusion 1646 from detaching from the first bracket 162 (the first protrusion 1626) in the radial direction 16b. The upper surface 1626a of the first protrusion 1626 and the bottom surface 1630 of the side arm portion 1620a also together constrain the second protrusion 1646, preventing the second protrusion 1646 from detaching from the first bracket 162 in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis 16a (e.g., not parallel to the upper surface 1626a and the bottom surface 1630). During the operation of the lifting mechanism 16, the structural constraint of the upper surface 1626a of the first protrusion 1626 on the second protrusion 1646 (the first structural segment 1646a) can also limit the height at which the lifting mechanism 16 raises the keycap 14. Furthermore, the stepped structure of the second protrusion 1646 can also form a mutual structural constraint with the first support 162 (the body and the first protrusion 1626) in a direction parallel to the rotation axis 16a, thereby preventing the first support 162 and the second support 164 from separating from each other in this direction.

[0043] Please see Figures 3 to 5In this embodiment, the third protrusion 1628 of the first bracket 162 has the same structure as the second protrusion 1646 of the second bracket 164, and the fourth protrusion 1648 of the second bracket 164 has the same structure as the first protrusion 1626 of the first bracket 162. Therefore, the connection relationship between the first bracket 162 and the second bracket 164 at the third protrusion 1628 and the fourth protrusion 1648 is the same as the connection relationship between the first bracket 162 and the second bracket 164 at the first protrusion 1626 and the second protrusion 1646, and will not be described again. However, this is not a limitation in actual operation. For example, both sides of the first bracket 162 can be connected to the second bracket 164 by the structure of the first protrusion 1626 (or both sides can be provided with the structure of the second protrusion 1646). As another example, the third protrusion 1628 of the first bracket 162 can be connected to the second bracket 164 by other connection structures (with its fourth protrusion 1648 in conjunction with a modified structure), which will not be described again. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first bracket 162 and the second bracket 164 have the same structure, which helps to reduce the number of parts and lower manufacturing costs. Also, the first bracket 162 and the second bracket 164 can be formed by stamping from a single metal sheet, which balances the thinness of the bracket and structural strength. However, this is not a limitation in actual operation. In addition, in this embodiment, the connection position between the first bracket 162 and the second bracket 164 is located between the first base connecting portion 1622 / second base connecting portion 1642 and the first keycap connecting portion 1624 / second keycap connecting portion 1644, but this is not a limitation in actual operation. For example, the first base connecting portion 1622 / second base connecting portion 1642 can each be located in the middle of the side arm of its U-shaped structure, while the first protrusion 1626 / second protrusion 1646 can be located at the end of the side arm of its U-shaped structure. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first bracket 162 and the second bracket 164 are connected on both sides of their U-shaped structure, but this is not a limitation in actual operation; for example, the first bracket 162 and the second bracket 164 may only be connected on one side of their U-shaped structure. Additionally, compared to brackets that typically use a hole-and-axis structure for mutual pivoting, the first bracket 162 and the second bracket 164 utilize protrusions 1626, 1628 and protrusions 1646, 1648 extending under each other to achieve structural interlocking and restraint. This structural configuration eliminates the need for a hole-and-axis structure to achieve the effect of mutual pivoting of brackets 162 and 164. Moreover, because the connection structure between the first bracket 162 and the second bracket 164 lacks a hole-and-axis structure, the bracket thickness can be significantly reduced compared to a hole-and-axis structure, which is beneficial for thinner design.

[0044] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 10 In this embodiment, the lifting mechanism 16 is defined as a central region 16c (represented by a dashed box). Figure 3 and Figure 10In the central region 16c, the central area extends vertically along the direction Dv and penetrates the entire lifting mechanism 16. The spring structure 166 includes a first spring portion 1662 and a second spring portion 1664, which are located on both sides of the central region 16c and connected to the first bracket 162 and the second bracket 164. Figure 10 (From a certain perspective) The first spring portion 1662 extends adjacent to and parallel to the projected extension of the side arm portion 1620a of the first support 162, and the second spring portion 1664 extends adjacent to and parallel to the projected extension of the side arm portion 1640a of the second support 164. The first spring portion 1662 and the second spring portion 1664 can be actually made, for example, but not limited to, coil springs, which are stretched and connected to the first support 162 and the second support 164. The first spring portion 1662 and the second spring portion 1664 will drive the first support 162 and the second support 164 to move closer to each other in the horizontal direction (perpendicular to the vertical direction Dv), thereby lifting the keycap 14.

[0045] like Figure 10 As shown, the force F11 (indicated by the arrow in the figure) applied by the first spring section 1662 to the first bracket 162 is the same in magnitude but opposite in direction to the force F12 (indicated by the arrow in the figure) applied by the first spring section 1662 to the second bracket 164; the force F21 (indicated by the arrow in the figure) applied by the second spring section 1664 to the first bracket 162 is the same in magnitude but opposite in direction to the force F22 (indicated by the arrow in the figure) applied by the second spring section 1664 to the second bracket 164. The equivalent force F1 (indicated by the arrow in the figure) of the force (i.e., force F11 and force F21) applied by the spring structure 166 to the first bracket 162 passes through the central region 16c, which helps to suppress or eliminate the rotation of the first bracket 162 relative to the vertical direction Dv due to the force applied by the spring structure 166. Similarly, the equivalent force F2 (indicated by arrows in the figure) of the force (i.e., force F12 and force F22) exerted by the spring structure 166 on the second support 164 passes through the central region 16c. This helps to suppress or eliminate the rotation of the second support 164 relative to the vertical direction Dv due to the force exerted by the spring structure 166. The aforementioned force relationship can be achieved, for example, but not limited to, by actually manufacturing the first spring portion 1662 and the second spring portion 1664 with the same spring and symmetrically arranged relative to the central region 16c. On the other hand, the equivalent forces F1 and F2 passing through the central region 16c help to make the forces (including the forces of mutual abutment between the supports) on the first support 162 and the second support 164 uniform, which helps to increase the structural stability of the lifting mechanism 16.

[0046] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 11 The rotation axis 16a is located at... Figure 11The position is indicated by a cross. In this embodiment, the first spring portion 1662 is connected to the first bracket 162 and the second bracket 164 adjacent to the base 12, such that when the first bracket 162 and the second bracket 164 rotate relative to the rotation axis 16a (and the keycap 14 rises and falls accordingly), the first spring portion 1662 can be extended and retracted in a substantially fixed position in the vertical direction Dv, or the positional change of the first spring portion 1662 in the vertical direction Dv during extension and retraction can be significantly reduced (compared to the case where the first spring portion 1662 is connected to other parts of the first / second bracket 162 / 164). Please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The portion 1632 connecting the first bracket 162 and the first spring portion 1662 has a distance 1632a (in the direction of extension of the side arm of the first bracket 162) between it and the connection structure 1622a of the first base connection portion 1622. The portion 1632 has a distance 1632b (in the direction of extension of the side arm of the first bracket 162) between it and the connection structure 1624a of the first keycap connection portion 1624.

[0047] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 5 The portion 1650 connecting the second bracket 164 to the first spring portion 1662 and the connection structure 1642a of the second base connecting portion 1642 have a distance 1652a (in the direction of extension of the side arm of the second bracket 164), and the portion 1650 has a distance 1652b (in the direction of extension of the side arm of the second bracket 164) with the connection structure 1644a of the second keycap connecting portion 1644. In principle, distance 1632a is less than distance 1632b and distance 1652a is less than distance 1652b, meaning that the position of the first spring portion 1662 in the vertical direction Dv varies when it extends and retracts due to the rotation of the first bracket 162 and the second bracket 164 relative to the rotation axis 16a. Furthermore, in this embodiment, distances 1632a and 1652a are quite small, so that the vertical position of the first spring portion 1662 can be considered to remain constant during its extension and retraction. This structural configuration helps reduce the space required for the first spring portion 1662 to operate, reduces the chance of the first spring portion 1662 interfering with other structures, and also benefits the telescopic stability of the first spring portion 1662. Furthermore, the aforementioned description of the connection between the first spring portion 1662 and the first bracket 162 and the second bracket 164 also applies to the connection relationship between the second spring portion 1664 and the first bracket 162 and the second bracket 164, and will not be repeated here.

[0048] In addition, such as Figure 3 and Figure 10As shown, the spring structure 166 does not enter the central region 16c, but the equivalent force (including equivalent force F1 and equivalent force F2) of the restoring force it provides to the first support 162 and the second support 164 can pass through the central region 16c, which helps to stabilize the operation of the first support 162 and the second support 164. In the lifting mechanism 16, the first support 162, the second support 164 and the spring structure 166 never enter the central region 16c during operation. Therefore, the central region 16c is a transparent space provided by the lifting mechanism 16 in the vertical direction Dv, which can be used by other components of the key structure 1 (e.g., for accommodating the switch 18 or preventing upward-traveling light from being interfered with by the structure of the lifting mechanism 16), and is also beneficial for the thin key design. In a key structure that generally uses an elastic protrusion to provide the restoring force of the support, the elastic protrusion is located in the central position, so that if the backlight travels upward from below the elastic protrusion, it will be interfered with by the elastic protrusion, thus affecting the backlight effect on the keycaps. In this embodiment, the central region 16c of the lifting mechanism 16 allows the light-emitting element to be set in the corresponding central region 16c, which can easily provide a symmetrical backlighting effect for the keycap 14.

[0049] Please see Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 10 Multiple light-emitting zones can be defined on keycap 14 (shown as dashed lines). Figures 1 to 3 (in the middle), including the main light-emitting area 14a and the four corner light-emitting areas 14b, located in the central area and corner areas of the keycap 14 respectively; Figure 10 In the diagram, the outline of keycap 14 and the corresponding positions of the backlighting areas 14a and 14b are indicated by chain lines. For example... Figure 10 As shown (in) Figure 10 From a visual perspective, the main light-emitting area 14a largely overlaps with the central area 16c of the lifting mechanism 16, and the main light-emitting area 14a is located between the first spring portion 1662 and the second spring portion 1664. The corner light-emitting area 14b does not overlap with the central area 16c, and part of the corner light-emitting area 14b overlaps with the first bracket 162 and the second bracket 164. In actual products, the keycap 14 does not necessarily have a light-transmitting structure (e.g., but not limited to light-transmitting characters) in both the light-emitting areas 14a and 14b. When the backlight source corresponding to the central area 16c is set on the base 12, during the operation of the key structure 1, regardless of whether the keycap 14 is pressed down, the light emitted by this light source can directly illuminate the main light-emitting area 14a. When the keycap 14 is not pressed, the light emitted by the light source can also illuminate the corner light-emitting area 14b, at least providing an indication effect when the user does not press the keycap 14.

[0050] In addition, in this embodiment, the spring structure 166 is connected to the lower part of the first bracket 162 and the second bracket 164 (relative to the rotation axis 16a), such as... Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, but not limited to this in practice. For example, as Figure 12 and Figure 13 The spring structure 166 is connected to the upper part of the first bracket 162 and the second bracket 164 (relative to the rotation axis 16a). For example, the first spring portion 1662 is connected to part 1632' of the first bracket 162 and part 1650' of the second bracket. The first spring portion 1662 maintains its projection extension adjacent to and parallel to the side arm portion 1620a of the first bracket 162, and does not enter the central region 16c. Although the vertical position of the spring structure 166 changes during operation (i.e., when the brackets 162 and 164 rotate relative to each other and extend), the spring structure 166 affects the corner light-emitting area 14b of the light source located on the base 12 corresponding to the central region 16c (see reference). Figure 10 Despite the illumination from the light source, the spring structure 166 still keeps the central region 16c unobstructed (or prevents light from entering the central region 16c), meaning that the light emitted by this light source can always directly illuminate the main light-emitting area 14a (see reference). Figure 10 ).

[0051] Please see Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 14 In this embodiment, the base 12 includes a circuit board 122 and a base plate 124 stacked on the circuit board 122. The lifting mechanism 16 is connected to the base 12 via the base plate 124. In practice, the base plate 124 may be formed by stamping, but is not limited to, a metal sheet. The switch 18 is fixed to the base 12. The circuit board 122 may be, but is not limited to, a printed circuit board. The switch 18 may be fixed to the base plate 124 and electrically connected to the circuit board 122. The keycap 14 may be pressed and moved toward the base 12 via the lifting mechanism 16 to trigger the switch 18.

[0052] Please see Figures 14 to 16 In this embodiment, the switch 18 includes a fixing base 182, an elastic element 184, a first contact connection portion 186, a second contact connection portion 188, a first switch contact 190, a second switch contact 192, and an intermediate bracket 194. The fixing base 182 forms an accommodating space 182a and has a plurality of positioning feet 1822. The positioning feet 1822 are inserted into corresponding positioning holes 122a and 124a on the circuit board 122 and the base plate 124. The positioning feet 1822 have ribs 1822a, which can interfere with the structure of the positioning holes 122a and / or 124a, thereby providing a certain degree of fixing effect. In other words, the switch 18 is positioned on the base 12 via the positioning feet 1822, and can be fixed to the base 12 by the ribs 1822a of the positioning feet 1822.

[0053] The elastic element 184 is housed in the receiving space 182a and includes a fixing part 1842 and a cantilever 1844 extending from the fixing part 1842. The elastic element 184 is fixed to the fixing seat 182 via the fixing part 1842, and the cantilever 1844 can elastically deflect in the vertical direction Dv; on the other hand, the elastic element 184 is partially fixed to the fixing seat 182. The fixing part 1842 has a U-shaped structure and can be fixed to the fixing seat 182 by insertion (e.g., insertion into a hole in the fixing seat 182) or by injection (e.g., the fixing seat 182 is an injection-molded part). Furthermore, the elastic deflection of the cantilever 1844 is actually achieved through structural elasticity, but for the sake of simplicity in description and drawings, the cantilever 1844 itself is represented as a rigid body, and its deflection angle is determined by its curved portion (e.g., Figure 14 In the middle, the curvature center of the portion of the cantilever 1844 that extends from the fixed seat 182 is the deflection center.

[0054] The first contact connection portion 186 is fixed to and protrudes from the fixing base 182. The first contact connection portion 186 has a U-shaped structure and can be fixed to the fixing base 182 by insertion (e.g., insertion into a hole in the fixing base 182) or by injection molding (e.g., the fixing base 182 is an injection-molded part). The first contact connection portion 186 is electrically fixed to the circuit board 122 by surface adhesion; however, this is not a limitation in actual operation, for example, it can be electrically fixed to the circuit board 122 by plug-in method (i.e., inserted downwards into the circuit board 122). The first switch contact 190 is located within the accommodating space 182a and fixed to the first contact connection portion 186, so as to be fixed to the fixing base 182 via the first contact connection portion 186 and electrically connected to the circuit board 122. In practice, the first contact connection portion 186 and the first switch contact 190 can be integrally formed, for example, by stamping from a metal sheet.

[0055] The second contact connection portion 188 is fixed to and protrudes from the fixing base 182. The second contact connection portion 188 is integrally formed with the fixing portion 1842 of the elastic member 184, such that the second contact connection portion 188 is fixed to the fixing base 182 via the fixing portion 1842. The second contact connection portion 188 includes two pins, and is electrically fixed to the circuit board 122 by means of a plug-in (i.e., the two pins are inserted downwards into the circuit board 122); however, in actual operation, this is not a limitation, for example, it can be electrically fixed to the circuit board 122 by surface adhesion. The second switch contact 192 is fixed relative to the first switch contact 190 on the cantilever 1844 of the elastic member 184 and is electrically connected to the second contact connection portion 188. In actual operation, the elastic element 184, the second contact connection portion 188, and the second switch contact 192 can be integrally formed, for example, by stamping from a metal sheet. In this case, the second switch contact 192 is electrically connected to the second contact connection portion 188 via the cantilever 1844, and then electrically connected to the circuit board 122 via the second contact connection portion 188. The cantilever 1844 can be elastically deflected downward in the vertical direction Dv to make the first switch contact 190 contact the second switch contact 192. Therefore, the switch 18 can be fixed to the circuit board 122 at least via the first contact connection portion 186 and the second contact connection portion 188.

[0056] Intermediate bracket 194 is pivotally connected to fixed base 182. Elastic member 184 (via its cantilever 1844) detachably abuts downward against intermediate bracket 194, and intermediate bracket 194 detachably abuts downward against lifting mechanism 16. (As...) Figure 14 As shown, the elastic element 184 is configured to cause the cantilever 1844 to deflect downwards so that the second switch contact 192 moves toward and contacts the first switch contact 190. The intermediate support 194 has a first abutment 1942 and abuts upwards against the elastic element 184 (the cantilever 1844) to control the degree of elastic deflection of the cantilever 1844 in the vertical direction Dv. In other words, in Figure 14In this configuration, the elastic element 184 is lifted upward by the first abutment portion 1942 of the intermediate bracket 194, generating a rebound force (which drives the cantilever 1844 to deflect downward); wherein, the lifted cantilever 1844 separates the second switch contact 192 from the first switch contact 190. Furthermore, the intermediate bracket 194 has a second abutment portion 1944, and the first bracket 162 correspondingly has an abutment portion 1634, located at the transverse connecting portion of the first bracket 162. As explained above, the spring structure 166 drives the transverse connecting portion of the first bracket 162 to move upward, causing the abutment portion 1634 of the first bracket 162 to abut upward against the second abutment portion 1944 of the intermediate bracket 194; conversely, the intermediate bracket 194, pressed downward by the cantilever 1844 of the elastic element 184, also abuts downward against the abutment portion 1634 of the first bracket 162 via its second abutment portion 1944.

[0057] Please see Figure 14 , Figure 17 and Figure 18 .in, Figure 14 The keycap 14 is in an unpressed position, meaning that when the user does not press the keycap 14, the keycap 14 is at its highest point. Figure 17 The display shows that when the keycap 14 moves down from the unpressed position to a triggered position, the second switch contact 192 just contacts the first switch contact 190. Figure 18 The keycap 14 continues to move downwards, leaving the trigger position and reaching a pressed position. At this point, it can be considered that the keycap 14 has been pressed down to its lowest point by the user.

[0058] Among them, such as Figure 14 As shown, when the user does not press the keycap 14 (which is in the unpressed position), the first switch contact 190 and the second switch contact 192 separate. The first bracket 162 exerts an upward force on the second abutment 1944 of the intermediate bracket 194 via its abutment portion 1634, and the cantilever 1844 of the elastic member 184 exerts a downward force on the first abutment 1942 of the intermediate bracket 194. At this time, the elastic member 184 generates a rebound force due to elastic deformation, causing the cantilever 1844 of the elastic member 184 to tend to deflect downward. The second switch contact 192, which is provided on the cantilever 1844, also moves downward (i.e., moves towards the first switch contact 190).

[0059] The user can press keycap 14 to move it downward from the unpressed position. Before keycap 14 moves downward to the actuation position (e.g. Figure 17 As shown), the first switch contact 190 and the second switch contact 192 remain separated, the first bracket 162 maintains an upward force on the intermediate bracket 194, and the elastic member 184 maintains a downward force on the intermediate bracket 194. At the keycap 14 in the unpressed position (e.g., Figure 14(As shown) Move down to the trigger position (e.g.) Figure 17 During the process shown, the rebound force of the elastic element 184 drives its cantilever 1844 to deflect downward and abut against the first abutment portion 1942 of the intermediate bracket 194. The intermediate bracket 194 is subjected to the force of the cantilever 1844 and rotates downward relative to the fixed base 182, abutting against the abutment portion 1634 of the first bracket 162 (that is, the rebound force of the elastic element 184 drives the intermediate bracket 194 to abut against the first bracket 162 downward via the elastic element 184). The second switch contact 192 moves toward the first switch contact 190 as the cantilever 1844 deflects downward. The first bracket 162 moves downward due to the linkage of the keycap 14 pressed by the user. At the same time, the first bracket 162 limits the degree of downward rotation of the intermediate bracket 194 through its abutment portion 1634 and logically indirectly limits the degree of downward deflection of the cantilever 1844 of the elastic element 184 through the intermediate bracket 194. In the switch 18 configuration of this embodiment, during the process of the keycap 14 moving downward from the unpressed position to the trigger position, the cantilever 1844 of the intermediate support 194 and the elastic member 184 deflects in the same direction. For example... Figure 17 As shown, when the keycap 14 reaches the trigger position, the second switch contact 192 just contacts the first switch contact 190, that is, the switch 18 is triggered.

[0060] Next, as the keycap 14 continues to move downward from the trigger position, the cantilever 1844 stops deflecting downward because the second switch contact 192 contacts the first switch contact 190. The cantilever 1844 no longer abuts against the intermediate support 194, nor does it exert force on the intermediate support 194. In other words, after the second switch contact 192 contacts the first switch contact 190, the contact force between the two will not change. That is, the trigger contact force between the first switch contact 190 and the second switch contact 192 is fixed and will not change due to the amount of displacement of the keycap 14 when pressed down by the user or the force of the press. This design can significantly reduce the wear of the first switch contact 190 and the second switch contact 192, and extend the service life of the switch 18. In addition, in principle, the intermediate support 194 will continue to rotate downward relative to the fixed base 182 under its own weight, and abut against the abutment part 1634 of the first support 162 via the second abutment part 1944 (or its degree of rotation is still limited by the first support 162). When the intermediate support 194 is blocked by the base 12 and can no longer rotate downwards, the first support 162, which continues to rotate downwards, will also separate from the intermediate support 194. Figure 18 As shown, when the keycap 14 moves downward from the trigger position to the press position, the second switch contact 192 is still in contact with the first switch contact 190, the cantilever 1844 of the elastic member 184 is still separate from the intermediate bracket 194, and the intermediate bracket 194 is blocked by the base 12 so that the first bracket 162 no longer contacts the intermediate bracket 194.

[0061] Furthermore, during the process of the keycap 14 moving downward from the trigger position to the press position, the cantilever 1844 of the elastic element 184 will not deflect relative to the fixed base 182, while the intermediate support 194 will rotate downward relative to the cantilever 1844, allowing the intermediate support 194 to structurally interfere with the cantilever 1844. Please refer to... Figure 14 , Figures 16 to 18 The elastic member 184 has a stop portion 1846 located at the end of the cantilever 1844. The elastic member 1844 is detachably abutted against the intermediate support 194 via the stop portion 1846. The intermediate support 194 is located above the elastic member 184 in the vertical direction Dv and has a groove 194a corresponding to the stop portion 1846, when the keycap 14 is in the pressed position (e.g. Figure 18 As shown), the abutment portion 1846 is located within the groove 194a. Therefore, the groove 194a serves as a clearance space to prevent structural interference between the intermediate support 194 and the elastic element 184. In this embodiment, the groove 194a is implemented as a through hole, but this is not a limitation in actual operation; for example, a blind hole can be formed inside the intermediate support 194 (facing the accommodating space 182a of the fixing seat 182) to replace the aforementioned groove 194a. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the intermediate support 194 has a top surface 194b, through which the groove 194a passes. When the keycap 14 is in the pressed position (e.g....), Figure 18 As shown, the elastic element 184 is lower than the top surface 194b in the vertical direction Dv (i.e., the end (or abutment 1846) of the cantilever 1844 does not protrude from the top surface 194b), which can prevent structural interference between the cantilever 1844 and the external components of the switch 18. Furthermore, the intermediate support 194 does not contact the keycap 14 at this time, so it will not cause structural interference with the keycap 14.

[0062] In this embodiment, the intermediate support 194 is detachably abutting downward against the lifting mechanism 16 (the first support 162), but in actual operation, the keycap 14 can also be used to restrict the rotation of the intermediate support 194. For example, an L-shaped structure 142 can be formed by protruding directly downward from the bottom surface of the keycap 14 (its outline is shown in dashed lines). Figure 14 In the middle, which can also be called the abutment part, the intermediate support 194 detachably abuts against the intermediate support 162 and can limit the rotation of the first support 162 (at this time, the abutment part 1634 of the first support 162 should be removed in principle). In terms of operation logic, the L-shaped structure 142 (or abutment part) of the keycap 14 is the same as the abutment part 1634 of the first support 162, so you can directly refer to the relevant description above, without repeating it again.

[0063] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 14In this embodiment, the button structure 1 further includes a light-emitting element 20 (e.g., but not limited to a light-emitting diode). The light-emitting element 20 is disposed on the base 12 (e.g., directly electrically fixed to the circuit board 122) and its projection P1 (indicated by a dashed box) on the base 12 (circuit board 122) in the central region 16c is located on the base 12. Figure 3 Inside (in the middle). The light-emitting element 20 emits light upwards to illuminate the keycap 14, for example, to provide backlighting for the keycap 14. In this embodiment, the light emitted by the light-emitting element 20 passes through the switch 18. Above the light-emitting element 20 are an elastic element 184 (a cantilever 1844) and an intermediate support 194. The cantilever 1844 has a through hole 1844a for the light to pass through. The intermediate support 194 is made of a light-transmitting material so that the light can also pass through the intermediate support 194. In this embodiment, the intermediate support 194 has an optical structure 1946 above the light-emitting element 20, which has the effect of diffusing the light from the light-emitting element 20. The optical structure 1946 has a concave top surface 1946a, which includes a plane of equal thickness 1946b and a concave arc surface 1946c. Figure 14 As shown, when the keycap 14 is in the unpressed position (at which point the keycap 14 is at its highest point and is usually not covered by fingers), the uniform thickness plane 1946b is parallel to the circuit board 122 or the upper surface of the keycap 14. In this state, in actual operation, the uniformity of light emission can be finely adjusted by designing the area of ​​the uniform thickness plane 1946b that exceeds the area of ​​the light-emitting element 20 directly below in the horizontal direction, and the degree to which the vertical projection of the concave arc surface 1946 overlaps with the light-emitting element 20. In addition, the uniform thickness plane 1946b is also beneficial as a suction surface for robotic arms during automated production. In the intermediate bracket 194, when the keycap 14 is at its highest point, the inclined lower section 1948 and inclined upper section 1950 of the optical structure 1946 (in the horizontal direction) form angles with the circuit board 122 or the keycap 14, respectively. In addition, in actual operation, the intermediate bracket 194 can also provide through holes for the light to pass through (i.e., a clearance structure similar to the cantilever 1844), which will not be described in detail.

[0064] In addition, in actual operation, the function of switch 18 can be realized through other methods or structures. By moving the structure of switch 18 away from the middle area of ​​key structure 1, the upward-emitting light from the light-emitting element 20 can reach the keycap 14 directly without structural obstruction. The switch of key structure 1 can be offset below the first bracket 162 or the second bracket 164, utilizing the structure of the first bracket 162 or the second bracket 164 (e.g., a downward-protruding structure) to trigger the switch when the keycap 14 moves downward. Alternatively, the switch of key structure 1 can be offset below the downward-protruding structure of the keycap 14, allowing the keycap 14 to trigger the switch via this structure when moving downward. This switch can be implemented through a touch switch (e.g., disposed on circuit board 122) or a thin-film circuit board (e.g., replacing the aforementioned circuit board 122 and stacked above or below the base plate 124), etc., which will not be elaborated further.

[0065] Furthermore, in button structure 1, the first bracket 162 and the second bracket 164 form an overall X-shaped support structure, but this is not a limitation in actual operation. For example... Figure 19 As shown, the lifting mechanism 36 of the key structure according to another embodiment includes a first bracket 362 and a second bracket 364. Both the first bracket 362 and the second bracket 364 are U-shaped structures, abutting against each other at their two ends (i.e., the ends of their side arms) and capable of relative rotation. The first bracket 362 and the second bracket 364 are respectively connected to the base plate 32 to jointly support the keycap 14 (its outline and the corresponding positions of the light-emitting areas 14a and 14b defined on the keycap 14 are shown in the figure as chain lines) on the base plate 32. The side view of the first bracket 362 and the second bracket 364 is approximately V-shaped (or butterfly-shaped structure). The lifting mechanism 36 also includes a spring structure 366, which includes a first spring portion 3662 and a second spring portion 3664. Both the first spring portion 3662 and the second spring portion 3664 are connected to the first bracket 362 and the second bracket 364, providing a restoring force to allow the keycap 14 to return to its original position. Figure 19 From the perspective of [the user], the first spring portion 3662 and the second spring portion 3664 are located inside the U-shaped structure of the first bracket 362 and the second bracket 364, adjacent to and parallel to the projection extension of the side arm portions of the first bracket 362 and the second bracket 364. The lifting mechanism 36 as a whole can also define a central region 36c (represented by a dashed box). Figure 19In this embodiment, the central region 36c extends vertically along the direction Dv and penetrates the entire lifting mechanism 36. The first spring portion 3662 and the second spring portion 3664 are located on both sides of the central region 36c and do not enter the central region 36c. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the main light-emitting area 14a of the keycap 14 mostly overlaps with the central region 36c of the lifting mechanism 36, and the main light-emitting area 14a is located between the first spring portion 3662 and the second spring portion 3664. The corner light-emitting area 14b of the keycap 14 does not overlap with the central region 36c, and the corner light-emitting area 14b partially overlaps with the first support 362 and the second support 364. Therefore, overall, the lifting mechanism 36 is similar in structural logic to the lifting mechanism 16 of the key structure 1, with the main difference being that the first spring portion 3662 and the second spring portion 3664 are connected to the keycap connecting portion (or the portion adjacent to the keycap 14) of the first support 362 and the second support 364. Therefore, although the vertical position of the spring structure 366 changes during operation (i.e., when the brackets 362 and 364 rotate relative to each other and extend), which affects the illumination of the corner light-emitting area 14b by the light source on the base 32 corresponding to the central area 36c, the spring structure 366 can still keep the central area 36c unobstructed (or prevent it from entering the central area 36c). That is, the light emitted by the light-emitting element 40 (located on the base plate 32) can always directly illuminate the main light-emitting area 14a. Furthermore, when the keycap 14 is not pressed, the light emitted by the light-emitting element 40 can also illuminate the corner light-emitting area 14b, at least providing an indication effect when the user is not pressing the keycap 14.

[0066] Of course, the present invention may have other various embodiments. Without departing from the spirit and essence of the present invention, those skilled in the art can make various corresponding changes and modifications according to the present invention, but these corresponding changes and modifications should all fall within the protection scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A button structure, characterized in that... Include: Base; The keycaps are mounted vertically on the base. A lifting mechanism is connected between the base and the keycap, allowing the keycap to move vertically relative to the base via the lifting mechanism; and A switch, comprising: Fixing base, fixed to the base; An elastic element is partially fixed to the fixed base, and the elastic element generates a restoring force; The first switch contact is fixed on the mounting base; The second switch contact is fixed to the elastic member relative to the first switch contact; as well as An intermediate bracket is pivotally connected to the fixed base, and the elastic element can be detachably pressed against the intermediate bracket downwards. The intermediate bracket can be detachably pressed against the lifting mechanism or the keycap downwards. The rebound force drives the second switch contact to move toward the first switch contact, drives the elastic element to press down against the intermediate bracket, and drives the intermediate bracket to press down against the lifting mechanism or the keycap via the elastic element. When the keycap is pressed down to the pressed position, the second switch contact contacts the first switch contact, the elastic element separates from the intermediate bracket, and the intermediate bracket separates from the lifting mechanism or the keycap.

2. The button structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lifting mechanism includes a first bracket and a second bracket, which are connected between the base and the keycap. The keycap is movable relative to the base in the vertical direction via the first bracket and the second bracket. The intermediate bracket is detachably abutted against the lifting mechanism by detachably abutting against the first bracket.

3. The button structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the keycap is in the pressed position, the intermediate bracket is not in contact with the keycap.

4. The button structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base includes a circuit board, the switch is fixed on the circuit board, and the first switch contact and the second switch contact are electrically connected to the circuit board.

5. The button structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The switch includes a first contact connection portion and a second contact connection portion. Both the first contact connection portion and the second contact connection portion are fixed on the mounting base and exposed on the mounting base. The first contact connection portion is electrically connected to the first switch contact and the circuit board. The first switch contact is electrically connected to the circuit board via the first contact connection portion. The second contact connection portion is electrically connected to the second switch contact and the circuit board. The second switch contact is electrically connected to the circuit board via the second contact connection portion.

6. The button structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second contact connection is connected to the second switch contact via the elastic member.

7. The button structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first contact connection or the second contact connection protrudes downward and is inserted into the circuit board.

8. The button structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The intermediate support is located above the elastic member and has a top surface. When the keycap is in the pressed position, the elastic member is lower than the top surface in the vertical direction.

9. The button structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The intermediate support has a groove, and the elastic member has a stop portion. The elastic member can be detachably abutted against the intermediate support via the stop portion. When the keycap is in the pressed position, the stop portion is located in the groove.

10. The button structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic member includes a fixing part and a cantilever. The elastic member is fixed to the fixing seat via the fixing part, and the elastic member can be detachably abutted against the intermediate bracket via the cantilever.

11. The button structure according to claim 10, characterized in that, When the keycap moves downward, the intermediate support and the cantilever deflect in the same direction.

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