Key structure

Abstract

The present application provides a key structure, which includes a bottom plate, a key cap, a scissor leg structure, a first sleeve, a second sleeve and a trigger. The key cap is arranged above the bottom plate. The scissor leg structure is arranged between the bottom plate and the key cap. The first sleeve is connected to the key cap, wherein the first sleeve is located between the bottom plate and the key cap and has a guide inclined groove. The second sleeve is rotatably inserted into the first sleeve, and the first sleeve is slidably sleeved on the second sleeve. The second sleeve has a guide protrusion slidably arranged in the guide inclined groove and a notch opposite to the guide protrusion, and the notch faces the bottom plate. The second sleeve is slidably sleeved on the trigger, wherein the trigger has a trigger protrusion contacting the bottom plate, and the trigger protrusion is located between the bottom plate and the second sleeve.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a key structure, and more particularly to a key structure for use in a keyboard. Background Technology

[0002] Keyboards are a common physical user interface, widely used in desktop computers, laptops, and other electronic devices. Based on differences in structural design, travel distance, and triggering mechanisms, keyboards can be broadly categorized into membrane keyboards and mechanical keyboards, with scissor-switch keyboards being the most common type of membrane keyboard. Generally, mechanical keyboards have springs inside the key switches. When a user presses a key, the springs are compressed, causing elastic deformation and producing a sound, thus enhancing the user experience. However, due to the limited travel distance of the key switches, the overall thickness of mechanical keyboards is much greater than that of scissor-switch keyboards, making it impossible to meet the design requirements for thinner and lighter designs. Furthermore, repeated compression over a long period can cause the springs to deform or shift, potentially preventing them from producing a sound or affecting the key travel distance. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention relates to a button structure that not only meets the design requirements for a thin and light design, but also helps to improve the user's operating experience.

[0004] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the key structure includes a base plate, a keycap, a scissor-switch mechanism, a first sleeve, a second sleeve, and an actuator. The keycap is disposed above the base plate. The scissor-switch mechanism is disposed between the base plate and the keycap. The first sleeve connects to the keycap, wherein the first sleeve is located between the base plate and the keycap, and the first sleeve has a guide groove. The second sleeve is rotatably inserted into the first sleeve, and the first sleeve is slidably sleeved on the second sleeve. The second sleeve has a guide protrusion and a recess opposite to the guide protrusion. The guide protrusion slides within the guide groove, and the recess faces the base plate. The second sleeve is slidably sleeved on the actuator, wherein the actuator has an actuation protrusion that contacts the base plate, and the actuation protrusion is located between the base plate and the second sleeve. As the first and second sleeves move toward the base plate, the second sleeve abuts against the trigger protrusion, and the first sleeve continues to move toward the base plate to drive the second sleeve to rotate relative to the first sleeve. When the notch rotates to align with the trigger protrusion, the trigger protrusion moves into the notch, and the second sleeve contacts the base plate.

[0005] Based on the above, in the button structure of the present invention, a telescopic component is disposed between the keycap and the base plate, and the sound structure is integrated into the telescopic component. When the keycap is pressed down and moves towards the base plate, the telescopic component compresses and strikes, producing a sound to enhance the user's operating experience (e.g., auditory experience). Furthermore, compared to button structures using mechanical switches, the button structure of the present invention uses a scissor-switch mechanism, thus meeting the design requirements for a thinner and lighter design. Attached Figure Description

[0006] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a button structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0007] Figure 2A and Figure 2B They are Figure 1 An exploded view of the button structure from two different perspectives;

[0008] Figure 3A yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the button structure;

[0009] Figure 3B and Figure 3C yes Figure 3A A cross-sectional view of the button structure under pressure.

[0010] Figure 4A yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the keycaps and telescopic components from another perspective;

[0011] Figure 4B and Figure 4C yes Figure 4A A schematic diagram of the keycaps and telescopic components under pressure. Detailed Implementation

[0012] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same element references are used in the drawings and description to denote the same or similar parts.

[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a button structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2A and Figure 2B They are Figure 1 The button structure is shown in exploded view from two different perspectives. To clearly illustrate the internal structural configuration, Figure 1 The keycap 190 is indicated by a dashed line. Please refer to this. Figure 1 , Figure 2A and Figure 2B In this embodiment, the key structure 100 can be applied to a keyboard and includes a base plate 110, a scissor-switch structure 120, a keycap 190, and a telescopic component. The scissor-switch structure 120 and the telescopic component are disposed between the base plate 110 and the keycap 190 and are used to support the keycap 190.

[0014] Figure 3A yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the button structure. Figure 3B and Figure 3C yes Figure 3A A cross-sectional view of the button structure under pressure. Please refer to the diagram. Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 3A The telescopic assembly includes at least a first sleeve 160, a second sleeve 180, and a trigger 140. The first sleeve 160 is connected to the keycap 190, and the second sleeve 180 is inserted into the first sleeve 160. Furthermore, the second sleeve 180 is rotatably inserted into the first sleeve 160, and the first sleeve 160 is slidably fitted onto the second sleeve 180. That is, the second sleeve 180 has degrees of freedom of movement relative to the first sleeve 160, including sliding and rotation.

[0015] On the other hand, the trigger 140 is inserted into the second sleeve 180, or rather, the second sleeve 180 is slidably fitted onto the trigger 140, and the bottom of the trigger 140 remains in contact with the base plate 110. Figure 3A In the initial state shown, the first sleeve 160 is separated from the base plate 110, and the second sleeve 180 is separated from the base plate 110 by the support of the first sleeve 160.

[0016] Please refer to Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 3A In this embodiment, the first sleeve 160 has a guide groove 161, and the second sleeve 180 has a guide protrusion 184 that slides within the guide groove 161. Based on the cooperation between the guide protrusion 184 and the guide groove 161, the first sleeve 160 and the second sleeve 180 can maintain mechanical coupling. Furthermore, when the first sleeve 160 and the second sleeve 180 slide relative to each other, the guide protrusion 184 slides within the guide groove 161, driving the second sleeve 180 to rotate relative to the first sleeve 160.

[0017] Specifically, the trigger 140 has a trigger protrusion 141 that contacts the base plate 110, and the trigger protrusion 141 is located between the base plate 110 and the second sleeve 180. The trigger protrusion 141 protrudes outward from the outer wall surface of the trigger 140 and is located at the bottom of the trigger 140. Figure 3A In the initial state shown, the second sleeve 180 is separated from the trigger protrusion 141 by the support of the first sleeve 160. Figure 3B As shown, when the keycap 190 is pressed down and moves towards the base plate 110, the first sleeve 160 and the second sleeve 180 move towards the base plate 110 simultaneously, and the second sleeve 180 abuts against the trigger protrusion 141. At this time, the trigger 140 strikes the second sleeve 180 for the first time, producing the first operating sound. Then, the first sleeve 160 continues to move towards the base plate 110, and the second sleeve 180 slides relative to the first sleeve 160. Finally, the second sleeve 180 moves entirely into the first sleeve 160, and both the first sleeve 160 and the second sleeve 180 simultaneously contact the base plate 110, as shown. Figure 3C As shown.

[0018] Figure 4Ayes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the keycaps and telescopic components from another perspective. Figure 4B and Figure 4C yes Figure 4A This diagram illustrates the keycaps and telescopic components under downward pressure. Please refer to it. Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figure 3A and Figure 4A The second sleeve 180 also has a notch 181 relative to the guide protrusion 184, wherein the notch 181 faces the base plate 110, and the trigger protrusion 141 is located on the action path of the notch 181. Figure 3A and Figure 4A In the initial state shown, the trigger protrusion 141 is separated from the second sleeve 180, and the trigger protrusion 141 is located outside the recess 181.

[0019] Please refer to Figure 3B , Figure 3C , Figure 4B and Figure 4C When the keycap 190 is pressed down and moves towards the base plate 110, the first sleeve 160 and the second sleeve 180 move towards the base plate 110 simultaneously, with the second sleeve 180 abutting against the trigger protrusion 141. At this time, the trigger 140 strikes the second sleeve 180 for the first time, producing the first operational sound. Next, the keycap 190 and the first sleeve 160 continue to move towards the base plate 110, while the second sleeve 180 slides relative to the first sleeve 160. Simultaneously, the second sleeve 180 rotates relative to the first sleeve 160 and the trigger 140, causing the notch 181 to move towards the trigger protrusion 141. When the notch 181 rotates to align with the trigger protrusion 141, the trigger protrusion 141 moves into the notch 181 and contacts the bottom surface 1811 of the notch 181. At this time, the trigger 140 strikes the second sleeve 180 for the second time, producing the second operational sound.

[0020] In other words, during the process of the user pressing the button structure 100, the trigger 140 strikes the second sleeve 180 twice to produce two operation sounds, thus helping to improve the user's operating experience (such as auditory sensation). In addition, compared with the button structure using mechanical switches, the button structure 100 uses a scissor-switch structure 120, thus meeting the design requirements of thinness and lightness.

[0021] Please refer to Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 3AIn this embodiment, the key structure 100 further includes a first spring 150 and a second spring 170, both of which are compression springs, with the first spring 150 surrounding the second spring 170. The first spring 150 is disposed between the second sleeve 180 and the keycap 190, and has a first end 151 and a second end 152 opposite to the first end 151, with the second end 152 contacting the keycap 190. Furthermore, the first end 151 of the first spring 150 is disposed within the second sleeve 180 and abuts against the second sleeve 180.

[0022] Furthermore, the second sleeve 180 also has an inner wall surface 182 and a positioning portion 183 relative to the guide protrusion 184, and the positioning portion 183 protrudes from the inner wall surface 182. The positioning portion 183 is located approximately at the bottom of the second sleeve 180, and the first end portion 151 of the first spring 150 abuts against the positioning portion 183.

[0023] A second spring 170 is disposed between the trigger member 140 and the keycap 190, wherein the trigger member 140 has a groove 143 facing the keycap 190, and the second spring 170 has a first end 171 and a second end 172 opposite to the first end 171. The first end 171 of the second spring 170 is disposed within the groove 143 and abuts against the bottom surface of the groove 143. The second end 172 of the second spring 170 contacts the keycap 190.

[0024] like Figure 3A and Figure 3B As shown, when the keycap 190 is pressed down and moves towards the base plate 110, the first sleeve 160 and the second sleeve 180 move towards the base plate 110 simultaneously, and the second spring 170 is compressed by the keycap 190 and the trigger member 140 to provide the user with the first tactile feedback and the first reaction force. On the other hand, since the second sleeve 180 was originally separated from the trigger protrusion 141 and the base plate 110, the first spring 150 is not compressed.

[0025] like Figure 3B , Figure 3C , Figure 4B and Figure 4CAs shown, the keycap 190, the first sleeve 160, and the second sleeve 180 continuously move towards the base plate 110, while the second spring 170 is continuously compressed by the keycap 190 and the trigger 140. Furthermore, the second sleeve 180 first abuts against the trigger protrusion 141, then rotates relative to the first sleeve 160 and the trigger 140, and the first sleeve 160 and the second sleeve 180 slide relative to each other, causing the first spring 150 to be compressed by the keycap 190 and the second sleeve 180. Further, the simultaneously compressed second spring 170 and first spring 150 provide the user with a second tactile feedback and a second reaction force, wherein the second tactile feedback is harder than the first tactile feedback, and the second reaction force is greater than the first reaction force.

[0026] In other words, the button structure 100 can provide users with tactile feedback and a two-stage operating feel.

[0027] Please refer to Figure 2B , Figure 3A and Figure 4C The key structure 100 also includes a positioning seat 191 connecting the keycap 190, wherein the positioning seat 191 is located between the base plate 110 and the keycap 190, and is slidably sleeved on the trigger member 140. Specifically, the second end 172 of the second spring 170 is inserted into the positioning seat 191, wherein the positioning seat 191 has a recess 1911 facing the base plate 110, and the trigger protrusion 141 is located on the movement path of the recess 1911. When the trigger protrusion 141 moves into the notch 181 of the second sleeve 180, the trigger protrusion 141 moves into the recess 1911 of the positioning seat 191.

[0028] Furthermore, the positioning seat 191 moves toward the base plate 110 along with the keycap 190, and the recess 1911 moves toward the trigger protrusion 141. When the notch 181 of the second sleeve 180 is rotated to align with the trigger protrusion 141, the notch 181 of the second sleeve 180 aligns with the recess 1911 of the positioning seat 191, so that the trigger protrusion 141 moves into both the notch 181 and the recess 1911 at the same time.

[0029] Please refer to Figure 2B and Figures 3A to 3C The positioning seat 191 also has a groove 1912, and the trigger member 140 has a sliding protrusion 142 relative to the trigger protrusion 141, and the sliding protrusion 142 is slidably disposed in the groove 1912. Based on the cooperation between the sliding protrusion 142 and the groove 1912, the keycap 190 and the positioning seat 191 can stably rise and fall vertically. On the other hand, the extending direction of the groove 1912 is not parallel to the extending direction of the guide groove 161, wherein the first sleeve 160 rises and falls vertically with the keycap 190, and the extending direction of the groove 1912 is parallel to the moving direction of the first sleeve 160, but the moving direction of the first sleeve 160 is not parallel to the extending direction of the guide groove 161.

[0030] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2A and Figure 3A In this embodiment, the key structure 100 further includes a frame 130, which is detachably disposed on the keycap 190 and located between the keycap 190 and the base plate 110. Specifically, the telescopic component may consist of an actuating element 140, a first spring 150, a first sleeve 160, a second spring 170, and a second sleeve 180, wherein the frame 130 has an opening 131 through which the telescopic component passes. Additionally, the scissor-switch structure 120 has an opening 121 overlapping the opening 131 of the frame 130, through which the telescopic component passes.

[0031] In summary, in the button structure of this invention, the telescopic component is disposed between the keycap and the base plate, and the sound structure is integrated into the telescopic component. Furthermore, the telescopic component includes at least a first sleeve, a second sleeve, and a trigger. When the keycap is pressed down and moves towards the base plate, the first and second sleeves move towards the base plate, and the second sleeve slides and rotates relative to the first sleeve. Additionally, the trigger strikes the second sleeve twice, producing two operation sounds, thus improving the user's operating experience (e.g., auditory experience). Moreover, compared to button structures using mechanical switches, the button structure of this invention uses a scissor-switch mechanism, thus meeting the design requirements for a thinner and lighter design.

[0032] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A button structure, characterized in that, include: Base plate; Keycaps are positioned on top of the base plate; A scissor-switch mechanism is positioned between the base plate and the keycap. A first sleeve is connected to the keycap, wherein the first sleeve is located between the base plate and the keycap, and the first sleeve has a guide groove; The second sleeve is rotatably inserted into the first sleeve, and the first sleeve is slidably sleeved onto the second sleeve, wherein the second sleeve has a guide protrusion and a recess opposite to the guide protrusion, the guide protrusion is slidably disposed in the guide groove, and the recess faces the bottom plate; as well as A trigger element is provided, and a second sleeve is slidably fitted onto the trigger element. The trigger element has a trigger protrusion that contacts the base plate, and the trigger protrusion is located between the base plate and the second sleeve. During the movement of the first sleeve and the second sleeve toward the base plate, the second sleeve abuts against the trigger protrusion. The first sleeve continues to move toward the base plate to drive the second sleeve to rotate relative to the first sleeve. When the notch rotates to align with the trigger protrusion, the trigger protrusion moves into the notch, and the second sleeve contacts the base plate.

2. The button structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A first spring is disposed between the second sleeve and the keycap, wherein the first spring has a first end and a second end relative to the first end, the first end of the first spring is disposed within the second sleeve, and the second end of the first spring contacts the keycap.

3. The button structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second sleeve also has an inner wall surface and a positioning portion protruding from the inner wall surface, and the first end of the first spring abuts against the positioning portion.

4. The button structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, Also includes: A second spring is disposed between the trigger and the keycap, and the first spring surrounds the second spring.

5. The button structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The trigger has a groove facing the keycap, and the second spring has a first end and a second end relative to the first end, the first end of the second spring being disposed in the groove, and the second end of the second spring contacting the keycap.

6. The button structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, Also includes: A positioning seat is connected to the keycap and located between the base plate and the keycap, wherein the positioning seat is slidably sleeved on the trigger member, and the second end of the second spring is inserted into the positioning seat.

7. The button structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, The positioning seat has a recess facing the base plate, and the trigger protrusion is located on the movement path of the recess. When the trigger protrusion moves into the recess, the trigger protrusion moves into the recess.

8. The button structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, The positioning seat has a groove, and the trigger has a sliding protrusion relative to the trigger protrusion, and the sliding protrusion is slidably disposed in the groove.

9. The button structure according to claim 8, characterized in that, The extension direction of the chute is not parallel to the extension direction of the guide groove.

10. The button structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The extension direction of the guide groove is not parallel to the moving direction of the first sleeve.

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