Button Structure
By employing a pivot and sliding design in the key structure, the noise and weight issues caused by the metal rod are resolved, resulting in a key structure without a metal rod, thus reducing noise and achieving weight reduction.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2022-08-05
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-03
AI Technical Summary
In existing keyboard key structures, the metal rods increase the weight of the keyboard and generate noise, and when pressed, they can easily cause noise from the metal rods hitting the base plate.
The keycaps are raised and lowered by a connecting component consisting of a first outer frame, a first inner frame, a second outer frame, and a second inner frame. The keycaps are raised and lowered by pivoting and sliding through these frames, thus avoiding the use of a metal rod.
A key structure without metal rods was achieved, reducing noise and keyboard weight while ensuring smooth keystrokes.
Smart Images

Figure CN117558576B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to a button structure. Background Technology
[0002] In current computer usage habits, the keyboard is an indispensable input device. A keyboard consists of multiple keys. Generally, the key structure connects a keycap to a base plate via a scissor-switch connector, causing the keycap to rise and fall relative to the base plate. Most keycaps are square, but depending on the key's function or its placement on the keyboard, keycaps can also be other shapes. For example, the spacebar or other multiple-number keys often have rectangular or other polygonal keycaps.
[0003] Because the spacebar and other multiple-digit keys have a large area, if the user only presses a corner of the keycap, the pressure cannot be effectively transmitted to the entire keycap, thus failing to trigger the switch on the circuit board. Therefore, in addition to scissor-switch connectors, metal rods are also added to assist the keycap in moving downwards. Furthermore, for other polygonal (non-quadrilateral) function keys, multiple scissor-switch connectors and multiple metal rods are often used to assist in the keycap's raising and lowering motion.
[0004] However, the metal bar setup increases the overall weight of the keyboard, and the metal bar also generates noise when the keys are pressed, as it hits the base plate. Therefore, improvements are necessary. Summary of the Invention
[0005] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the main objective of the present invention is to provide a button structure that includes a connecting component, thereby solving the problems of noise and increased weight caused by the presence of a metal rod in conventional button structures through a novel structure of the connecting component.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a key structure comprising a base plate, a keycap, and a connecting assembly. The keycap has a first region and a second region connected to each other. The keycap includes a plurality of first pivot portions and a plurality of sliding grooves. The first pivot portions are disposed on the side of the first region near the second region. Some of the sliding grooves are disposed in the first region, and some of the sliding grooves are disposed in the second region. The connecting assembly includes a first outer frame, two first inner frames, a second outer frame, and a second inner frame. The first outer frame includes two receiving portions, a first moving side opposite to each other, and a fixed side. The first moving side is connected to the sliding grooves located in the first region, and the fixed side is connected to the base plate. The two first inner frames are respectively disposed in the two receiving portions and pivotally connected to each other with the first outer frame. The two first inner frames each include a first pivot side and a second moving side opposite to each other. The first pivot side is connected to the first pivot portion, and the second moving side is connected to the base plate. The second outer frame includes a third moving side and a second pivot side opposite to each other. The third movable side is connected to the grooves located in the second region, and the second pivot side is pivotally connected to the fixed side of the first outer frame. The second inner frame is disposed within the second outer frame and is pivotally connected to the second outer frame. The second inner frame includes a third pivot side and a fourth movable side. The third pivot side is connected to one of the two first inner frames, and the third pivot side is pivotally connected to the first pivot side, and the fourth movable side is connected to the base plate.
[0007] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the area of the first region is larger than the area of the second region.
[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a long side of the first outer frame corresponds to a long side of the first region.
[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first pivot portions are linearly disposed on one bottom side of the keycap.
[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the keycap includes a plurality of sidewalls, the grooves being located close to each of two adjacent sidewalls.
[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the base plate includes a plurality of hooks, and the first outer frame includes a plurality of first rods disposed on the fixed side. The two first inner frames each include a plurality of second rods disposed on a first pivot side and a second movable side, respectively. The second inner frame includes a plurality of third rods disposed on a fourth movable side. The hooks respectively fix portions of the first rods, the second rods located on the second movable side, and the third rods.
[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, each of the first pivot portions includes a first pivot hole. The portions of the second rods located on the first pivot side are respectively accommodated in the first pivot holes of the first pivot portions.
[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the second outer frame includes a plurality of second pivot holes located on the second pivot side. A portion of the first rods of the first outer frame are received within these second pivot holes.
[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the second inner frame has a plurality of third pivot holes located on the third pivot side. The portions of the second rods located on the first pivot side are accommodated in the third pivot holes.
[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first outer frame includes two first guide portions located on a first moving side. The two first guide portions are accommodated in grooves located in a first region.
[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the second outer frame includes two second guide portions located on the third moving side. The two second guide portions are accommodated in grooves located in the second region.
[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the keycap further includes a third region, one side of which is connected to the first region, and the third region is disposed adjacent to the second region. Some of the grooves are disposed in the third region, and some of the first pivot portions are disposed in the first region on the side near the third region.
[0018] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the connecting assembly further includes a third outer frame and a third inner frame pivotally connected to each other. The third outer frame includes a fifth movable side and a fourth pivot side opposite to each other. The fifth movable side is connected to the slides located in the third region, and the fourth pivot side is pivotally connected to the fixed side of the first outer frame. The third inner frame includes a fifth pivot side and a sixth movable side opposite to each other. The fifth pivot side is connected to the other of the two first inner frames, and the fifth pivot side is pivotally connected to the first pivot side, and the sixth movable side is connected to the base plate.
[0019] As described above, the key structure according to the present invention includes a base plate, a keycap, and a connecting assembly. The keycap has a first region and a second region connected together, and includes multiple first pivot portions and multiple sliding grooves. The connecting assembly includes a first outer frame, two first inner frames, a second outer frame, and a second inner frame. A first movable side of the first outer frame is connected to a sliding groove located in the first region, while a fixed side is connected to the base plate. The first inner frame is pivotally connected to the first outer frame. A first pivot side of the first inner frame is connected to a first pivot portion of the keycap, and a second movable side is connected to the base plate. A third movable side of the second outer frame is connected to a sliding groove located in the second region, and a second pivot side is pivotally connected to the fixed side of the first outer frame. The second inner frame is pivotally connected to the second outer frame, and a third pivot side of the second inner frame is connected to a first pivot side of one of the first inner frames, while a fourth movable side is connected to the base plate. With the aforementioned structure, when the keycap is pressed, it applies a downward force to the first moving side of the first outer frame and the third moving side of the second outer frame, causing both sides to move outwards. Simultaneously, the first pivot of the keycap applies a downward force to the first pivot side of the first inner frame, simultaneously causing the third pivot side of the second inner frame to move downwards. This, in turn, causes the second and fourth moving sides of the first inner frame to move outwards, thus completing the lifting and lowering action of the key structure. Therefore, even without a metal rod, the lifting and lowering action of the key structure can be completed smoothly. Compared to the conventional multiplier key structure, this design achieves reduced noise and a lighter weight. Attached Figure Description
[0020] Figure 1A This is a schematic diagram of the button structure according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] Figure 1B for Figure 1A A top view of the button structure shown;
[0022] Figure 2 for Figure 1A A partially exploded diagram of the button structure shown.
[0023] Figure 3 for Figure 1A The side view of the button structure shown;
[0024] Figure 4 for Figure 3 The diagram shows the keycaps after they have been pressed.
[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the button structure according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] [Symbol Explanation]
[0027] Button structure 1, 1a
[0028] Base plate 10, 10a
[0029] Hook 11
[0030] Keycaps 20, 20a
[0031] Area 1, 21a
[0032] Long side 210
[0033] Second area 22, 22a
[0034] First pivot part 23, 23a
[0035] First pivot hole 231
[0036] Slides 24, 24a
[0037] Bottom side 25
[0038] Side wall 26
[0039] Third Region 27a
[0040] Connection components 30, 30a
[0041] First outer frame 31, 31a
[0042] Long side 310
[0043] 311
[0044] Open terminal 3111
[0045] First moving side 312, 312a
[0046] Fixed side 313, 313a
[0047] First Guiding Section 314
[0048] First section 315
[0049] Connecting rod 3151
[0050] Pivot 3152
[0051] First inner frame 32, 32a
[0052] First pivotal side 321, 321a
[0053] Second moving side 322
[0054] Second section 323
[0055] Connecting rod 3231
[0056] Pivots 3232, 3233
[0057] Second outer frame 33, 33a
[0058] 331
[0059] Third moving side 332, 332a
[0060] Second pivot side 333
[0061] Second guidance section 334
[0062] Second pivot hole 335
[0063] Second inner frame 34, 34a
[0064] Third pivot side 341, 341a
[0065] Fourth moving side 342, 342a
[0066] Third pivot hole 343
[0067] Third section 344
[0068] Third outer frame 35a
[0069] Fifth moving side 351a
[0070] Fourth pivot side 352a
[0071] Third inner frame 36a
[0072] Fifth pivot side 361a
[0073] Sixth moving side 362a Detailed Implementation
[0074] To better understand the technical content of the present invention, preferred embodiments are described below.
[0075] Figure 1A This is a schematic diagram of the button structure according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1B for Figure 1A The top view of the button structure shown. Figure 2 for Figure 1A The diagram shows a partial exploded view of the button structure. Figure 3 for Figure 1A The side view of the button structure shown. Figure 4 for Figure 3 The diagram shows the keycaps after they have been pressed. Please refer to it first. Figure 1A , Figure 1B and Figure 2 As shown. The button structure 1 includes a base plate 10, a keycap 20, and a connecting component 30. It should be noted that... Figure 1BThe keycap 20 shown is represented by dashed lines to illustrate the structure of the connecting component 30 and the base plate 10 below. In this embodiment, the key structure 1 can be a non-quadrilateral multiple key, and the keycap 20 has a first area 21 and a second area 22 connected together, such as... Figure 1A and Figure 2 The keycap 20 shown is circled in a dotted circle. In this embodiment, both the first region 21 and the second region 22 are rectangular, and the area of the first region 21 is larger than the area of the second region 22. The second region 22 extends outward from the long side 210 of one side of the first region 21 to form a non-quadrilateral keycap 20.
[0076] The keycap 20 includes a plurality of first pivot portions 23 and a plurality of sliding grooves 24. In this embodiment, the keycap 20 includes four first pivot portions 23. Preferably, the first pivot portions 23 are linearly arranged on a bottom side 25 of the keycap 20 (and located on the side of the first region 21 adjacent to the second region 22). Two of the first pivot portions 23 are located on the side of the first region 21 close to the second region 22, and the other two are located on the bottom side 25 of the first region 21 that is not adjacent to the second region 22. That is, two of the first pivot portions 23 are located on the left half of the bottom side 25, and the other two are located on the right half of the bottom side 25. It should be noted that in actual implementation of the present invention, the position and spacing of the first pivot portions 23 can be adjusted as needed, and the present invention is not limited thereto.
[0077] Furthermore, some of the slide grooves 24 are located in the first region 21, and some of the slide grooves 24 are located in the second region 22. Specifically, the keycap 20 of this embodiment includes four slide grooves 24, two of which are located in the first region 21 and the other two in the second region 22. Preferably, the slide grooves 24 are located close to the two adjacent side walls 26. That is, the slide grooves 24 of this embodiment are located at the corners of the first region 21 or the second region 22 of the keycap 20.
[0078] The connecting component 30 is used to connect the keycap 20 and the base plate 10, and to drive the keycap 20 to rise and fall relative to the base plate 10. In this embodiment, the connecting component 30 includes two sets of scissor-type connectors, comprising a first outer frame 31, two first inner frames 32, a second outer frame 33, and a second inner frame 34. The first inner frames 32 are pivotally connected to the first outer frames 31, and the second inner frames 34 are pivotally connected to the second outer frames 33. The first outer frames 31 and the first inner frames 32 correspond to the first region 21 of the keycap 20, while the second outer frames 33 and the second inner frames 34 correspond to the second region 22 of the keycap 20. Preferably, a long side 310 of the first outer frame 31 corresponds to the long side 210 of the first region 21. That is, the long axis direction of the keycap 20 is parallel to the long axis direction of the first outer frame 31.
[0079] In this embodiment, the first outer frame 31 includes two accommodating portions 311, a first movable side 312, and a fixed side 313. The specific structure of the first outer frame 31 will be described below. First, the accommodating portion 311 has an open end 3111 facing the second region 22. Please refer to... Figure 2 As shown. That is, the open end 3111 of the accommodating part 311 faces the second region 22, and the aforementioned two first inner frames 32 are respectively disposed in the two accommodating parts 311 and are pivotally connected to the first outer frame 31.
[0080] In this embodiment, the first moving side 312 (i.e., the long side 310 of the first outer frame 31 opposite to the second outer frame 33) is an elongated plate structure, which has higher structural strength relative to the open end 3111. The first moving side 312 is connected to the bottom of the keycap 20, which helps the user transmit force when pressing the keycap 20. Specifically, the first moving side 312 is connected to the slide grooves 24 located in the first region 21. In this embodiment, the first outer frame 31 includes two first guide portions 314, which are located on the first moving side 312. Preferably, the first guide portion 314 is a shaft extending from the first outer frame 31 to both sides, which can be disposed on the short side wall of the first outer frame 31 and close to the first moving side 312. Furthermore, the first guide portion 314 is accommodated in the slide groove 24 located in the first region 21. When the keycap 20 is raised or lowered relative to the base plate 10, the first guide portion 314 can move within the slide groove 24.
[0081] Furthermore, the fixed side 313 is connected to the base plate 10. Specifically, the base plate 10 includes a plurality of hooks 11 for limiting one side of the first outer frame 31, the first inner frame 32, and the second inner frame 34. Some of the hooks 11 fix the fixed side 313 of the first outer frame 31. Specifically, in this embodiment, the first outer frame 31 includes a plurality of first rods 315 disposed on the fixed side 313. Figure 2 As shown, preferably, a portion of the first rod 315 can serve as a connecting rod 3151 for connection to the hook 11 of the base plate 10; while a portion of the first rod 315 can serve as a pivot 3152 for connection to the second outer frame 33 (to be further explained later). For the sake of brevity, Figure 2 Only the first rod portion 315, its connecting rod 3151, and the pivot 3152 are indicated on the left side. In this embodiment, the hook 11 presses against the upper edge of a portion of the first rod portion 315 (i.e., the connecting rod 3151), thereby connecting the fixed side 313 of the first outer frame 31 to the base plate 10. When the keycap 20 rises and falls relative to the base plate 10, a portion of the first rod portion 315 (i.e., the connecting rod 3151) can rotate within the hook 11, allowing the first outer frame 31 to rise and fall smoothly. It should also be noted that the keycap 20 has a groove corresponding to the position of the hook 11. Figure 1BThe groove structure is omitted to show the structure where the hook 11 abuts against the connecting rod 3151.
[0082] Furthermore, each of the two first inner frames 32 includes a first pivot side 321 and a second movable side 322. The first pivot side 321 is connected to the first pivot portion 23 of the keycap 20, and the second movable side 322 is connected to the base plate 10. Specifically, each first inner frame 32 includes a plurality of second rod portions 323, which are respectively disposed on the first pivot side 321 and the second movable side 322. It should be noted that the plurality of second rod portions 323 can also serve as connecting rods 3231 and pivots 3232, 3233, as shown below. Figure 1B As shown. Connecting rod 3231 is located on the second moving side 322, while pivots 3232 and 3233 are located on the first pivoting side 321. Furthermore, pivots 3232 and 3233 may also be referenced. Figure 2 On the left side, and connecting rod 3231 can be referenced. Figure 3 .
[0083] In this configuration, the pivot 3232 of the first inner frame 32 is pivotally connected to the keycap 20, while the pivot 3233 is pivotally connected to the second inner frame 34 (to be further explained later). Figure 2 As shown, the first pivot portion 23 of this embodiment includes a first pivot hole 231, allowing a portion of the second rod portion 323 (i.e., pivot 3232) located on the first pivot side 321 to be accommodated in the first pivot hole 231, thereby pivotally connecting the first pivot side 321 of the first inner frame 32 to the keycap 20. Preferably, the first pivot hole 231 can be a teardrop hole to facilitate the assembly of a portion of the second rod portion 323 (i.e., pivot 3232) into the first pivot hole 231. Similarly, a portion of the hook 11 of the base plate 10 can press against the upper edge of the second rod portion 323 (i.e., connecting rod 3231) located on the second moving side 322, such as... Figure 3 As shown, this allows the second movable side 322 of the first inner frame 32 to be connected to the base plate 10. When the keycap 20 is raised or lowered relative to the base plate 10, a portion of the second rod 323 (i.e., the connecting rod 3231) moves outward toward the hook 11, while a portion of the second rod 323 (i.e., the pivot 3232) rotates within the first pivot hole 231, allowing the first inner frame 32 to be raised or lowered smoothly.
[0084] The second outer frame 33 includes a receiving portion 331, the open end of which faces the first outer frame 31. A second inner frame 34 is disposed within the receiving portion 331 of the second outer frame 33 and pivotally connected to the second outer frame 33. The second outer frame 33 also includes a third moving side 332 and a second pivoting side 333, with the second pivoting side 333 facing the first outer frame 31. In this embodiment, the third moving side 332 is an elongated plate structure and is connected to the bottom of the keycap 20, facilitating the transmission of force when the user presses the keycap 20. The second pivoting side 333 is pivotally connected to the fixed side 313 of the first outer frame 31. Specifically, the third moving side 332 of the second outer frame 33 is connected to a groove 24 located in the second region 22. In this embodiment, the second outer frame 33 includes two second guide portions 334 located on the third moving side 332. Preferably, the second guide portion 334 can be disposed on the short side wall of the second outer frame 33 and close to the third moving side 332. The second guide portion 334 is accommodated in the slide groove 24 located in the second region 22. When the keycap 20 is raised or lowered relative to the base plate 10, the second guide portion 334 can also move within the slide groove 24.
[0085] Furthermore, the second pivot side 333 of the second outer frame 33 is pivotally connected to the fixed side 313 of the first outer frame 31. Specifically, the second outer frame 33 includes a plurality of second pivot holes 335 and is located on the second pivot side 333. A portion of the first rod portion 315 (i.e., the pivot 3152) of the first outer frame 31 can be accommodated within the second pivot hole 335. In other words, the pivot 3152 of the first outer frame 33 engages within the second pivot hole 335. It should be noted that because the pivot 3152 engages within the second pivot hole 335, therefore... Figure 1B The pivot 3152 and the second pivot hole 335 shown are marked in the same location. Additionally, because... Figure 2 From this perspective, the perforated structure of the second pivot hole 335 is obscured, and is marked on the outside of one of the second pivot holes 335.
[0086] In this embodiment, the second inner frame 34 includes a third pivot side 341 and a fourth movable side 342. The third pivot side 341 is connected to one of the first inner frames 32, and the third pivot side 341 is pivotally connected to the first pivot side 321. The fourth movable side 342 is connected to the base plate 10. Specifically, the second inner frame 34 has a plurality of third pivot holes 343 located on the third pivot side 341. Figure 2 The third pivot side 341 and the third pivot hole 343 are marked at the same location. Furthermore, the second rod portion 323 (i.e., pivot 3233) of the first inner frame 32, located on the first pivot side 321, is accommodated within the third pivot hole 343, thereby pivoting the third pivot side 341 of the second inner frame 34 to the first pivot side 321 of the first inner frame 32. Similarly, Figure 1BThe pivot 3233 and the third pivot hole 343 shown are marked in the same place.
[0087] Furthermore, the second inner frame 34 includes a plurality of third rods 344 disposed on the fourth movable side 342. In this embodiment, a portion of the hooks 11 of the base plate 10 presses against the third rods 344 of the second inner frame 34, thereby connecting the fourth movable side 342 of the second inner frame 34 to the base plate 10. When the keycap 20 is pressed, the third rods 344 move outward from the hooks 11, while the pivot 3233 rotates within the third pivot hole 343.
[0088] The aforementioned rods (e.g., connecting rod 3151, pivot 3152, connecting rod 3231, pivots 3232, 3233, and the third rod 344) and pivot holes (first pivot hole 231, second pivot hole 335, and third pivot hole 343) are preferred embodiments. In other embodiments, the structures of the rods and pivot holes can be interchanged, or other pivoting structures (e.g., universal joints) can be used; the present invention is not limited thereto.
[0089] In this embodiment, the hooks 11 of the base plate 10 respectively fix the fixed side 313 of the first outer frame 31, the second movable side 322 of the first inner frame 32, and the fourth movable side 342 of the second inner frame 34. The keycap 20 is connected to the first pivot side 321 of the first inner frame 32 via the first pivot part 23, and is connected to the first movable side 312 of the first outer frame 31 and the third movable side 332 of the second outer frame 33 via the slide groove 24. Furthermore, the second pivot side 333 of the second outer frame 33 is pivotally connected to the fixed side 313 of the first outer frame 31, and the first pivot side 321 of the first inner frame 32 is pivotally connected to the third pivot side 341 of the second inner frame 34. Furthermore, when the keycap 20 is pressed, the first pivot portion 23 is linearly arranged on the bottom side 25 of the keycap 20, so that the fixed side 313 of the first outer frame 31, the second pivot side 333 of the second outer frame 33, the first pivot side 321 of the first inner frame 32, and the third pivot side 341 of the second inner frame 34 are pivotally connected to each other and are linearly arranged in the orthographic projection of the base plate 10, and pivot on the same straight line to drive the keycap 20 to rise and fall.
[0090] Please refer to Figure 1B , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown. Through the aforementioned structure, when the keycap 20 is pressed, it applies a downward force to the first moving side 312 of the first outer frame 31 and the third moving side 332 of the second outer frame 33, causing the first guide portion 314 and the second guide portion 334 to move outward within the slide groove 24. Simultaneously, the first pivot portion 23 of the keycap 20 applies a downward force to the first pivot side 321 of the first inner frame 32. Correspondingly, the second moving side 322 of the first inner frame 32 also moves outward. Furthermore, since the third pivot side 341 of the second inner frame 34 is pivotally connected to the first pivot side 321 of the first inner frame 32, the third pivot side 341 can also be simultaneously driven downward, while the fourth moving side 342 moves outward, thus completing the lifting and lowering action of the key structure 1. Therefore, by having a first outer frame 31, a first inner frame 32, a second outer frame 33, and a second inner frame 34, and the aforementioned connection relationship, the lifting and lowering action of the key structure 1 can be smoothly completed without the need for a metal rod. Furthermore, the slide groove 24 is located between two adjacent side walls 26, that is, near the corner of the keycap 20, and the first pivot portion 23 is located on the side of the first region 21 near the second region 22. Therefore, regardless of where the keycap 20 is pressed, the force can be effectively transmitted to the connecting component 30. In addition, by having the first pivot portion 23 linearly arranged on the bottom side 25 of the keycap 20, and the first outer frame 31 and the second outer frame 33 pivotally connected to each other, and the first inner frame 32 and the second inner frame 34 pivotally connected to each other, the connecting component 30 can achieve a tighter configuration, allowing efficient use of the space under the keycap 20 and further facilitating the transmission of pressing force.
[0091] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the button structure according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Please refer to... Figure 5 As shown. The difference from the previous embodiment is that the key structure 1a in this embodiment is a quadrilateral-shaped multiple key. Correspondingly, in addition to the first region 21a and the second region 22a, the keycap 20a in this embodiment also includes a third region 27a, as shown. Figure 5 The keycap 20a is shown with a dashed circle indicating the selection area. One side of the third region 27a is connected to the first region 21a, and the third region 27a is arranged adjacent to the second region 22a. In this embodiment, the second region 22a and the third region 27a are side by side, and one side of the second region 22a and the third region 27a are respectively connected to the first region 21a.
[0092] Furthermore, the keycap 20a also includes multiple first pivot portions 23a and multiple sliding grooves 24a. Specifically, the keycap 20a of this embodiment also includes four first pivot portions 23a, two of which are disposed between the first region 21a and the second region 22a, while the other two are disposed between the first region 21a and the third region 27a. In other words, some of the first pivot portions 23a are disposed on the side of the first region 21a closer to the second region 22a, and some of the first pivot portions 23a are disposed on the side of the first region 21a closer to the third region 27a. In addition, the keycap 20a of this embodiment includes six sliding grooves 24a, with two sliding grooves 24a each disposed in the first region 21a, the second region 22a, and the third region 27a.
[0093] In this embodiment, the connecting component 30a consists of three sets of scissor-type connectors. That is, in addition to the first outer frame 31a, the first inner frame 32a, the second outer frame 33a, and the second inner frame 34a, the connecting component 30a also includes a third outer frame 35a and a third inner frame 36a pivotally connected to each other. The first outer frame 31a and the third outer frame 35a are pivotally connected to the fixed side 313 of the first outer frame 31a, respectively, while the two first inner frames 32a are pivotally connected to the second inner frame 34a and the third inner frame 36a, respectively. Regarding the structure and connection relationship of the first outer frame 31a, the first inner frame 32a, the second outer frame 33a, and the second inner frame 34a, please refer directly to the first embodiment, and it will not be elaborated here. Preferably, the structure of the third outer frame 35a can be the same as the structure of the second outer frame 33a, and the structure of the third inner frame 36a can be the same as the structure of the second inner frame 34a.
[0094] In this embodiment, the third outer frame 35a includes a fifth movable side 351a and a fourth pivot side 352a. The fifth movable side 351a is connected to the keycap 20a, and similarly, it is connected to the slide groove 24a located in the third region 27a. The fourth pivot side 352a is pivotally connected to the fixed side 313a of the first outer frame 31a. Additionally, the third inner frame 36a includes a fifth pivot side 361a and a sixth movable side 362a. The fifth pivot side 361a is pivotally connected to the first pivot side 321a of the first inner frame 32a, and the sixth movable side 362a is connected to the base plate 10a.
[0095] When the keycap 20a is pressed, it applies a downward force to the first moving side 312a of the first outer frame 31a, the third moving side 332a of the second outer frame 33a, and the fifth moving side 351a of the third outer frame 35a, causing these three moving sides to move outwards from the keycap 20a. Simultaneously, the first pivot portion 23a of the keycap 20a applies a downward force to the first pivot sides 321a of the two first inner frames 32a, causing the third pivot side 341a of the second inner frame 34a and the fifth pivot side 361a of the third inner frame 36a to move downwards. At the same time, the fourth moving side 342a of the second inner frame 34a and the sixth moving side 362a of the third inner frame 36a move outwards from the keycap 20a, thus completing the lifting and lowering action of the key structure 1a. In this embodiment, by means of the connecting component 30a having a first outer frame 31a, a first inner frame 32a, a second outer frame 33a, a second inner frame 34a, a third outer frame 35a, and a third inner frame 36a, and the aforementioned connection relationship, the lifting and lowering action of the quadrilateral button structure 1a can be smoothly completed without the need for an iron rod.
[0096] In summary, the key structure according to the present invention includes a base plate, a keycap, and a connecting assembly. The keycap has a first region and a second region connected together, and includes multiple first pivot portions and multiple sliding grooves. The connecting assembly includes a first outer frame, two first inner frames, a second outer frame, and a second inner frame. A first movable side of the first outer frame is connected to a sliding groove located in the first region, while a fixed side is connected to the base plate. The first inner frame is pivotally connected to the first outer frame. A first pivot side of the first inner frame is connected to a first pivot portion of the keycap, and a second movable side is connected to the base plate. A third movable side of the second outer frame is connected to a sliding groove located in the second region, while a second pivot side is pivotally connected to the fixed side of the first outer frame. The second inner frame is pivotally connected to the second outer frame, and a third pivot side of the second inner frame is connected to a first pivot side of one of the first inner frames, while a fourth movable side is connected to the base plate. With the aforementioned structure, when the keycap is pressed, it applies a downward force to the first moving side of the first outer frame and the third moving side of the second outer frame, causing both sides to move outwards. Simultaneously, the first pivot of the keycap applies a downward force to the first pivot side of the first inner frame, simultaneously causing the third pivot side of the second inner frame to move downwards. This, in turn, causes the second and fourth moving sides of the first inner frame to move outwards, thus completing the lifting and lowering action of the key structure. Therefore, even without a metal rod, the lifting and lowering action of the key structure can be completed smoothly. Compared to the conventional multiplier key structure, this design achieves reduced noise and a lighter weight.
[0097] In addition, the first pivot is linearly arranged on the bottom side of the keycap, and the first outer frame and the second outer frame are pivotally connected to each other, and the first inner frame and the second inner frame are pivotally connected to each other, so that the connecting components can be configured more tightly, the space under the keycap can be used efficiently, and it is more conducive to the transmission of pressing force.
[0098] It should be noted that the above embodiments are examples for illustrative purposes only, and the scope of the claims of this invention should be determined by the claims, and not limited to the above embodiments.
Claims
1. A button structure, characterized in that, include: One base plate; A keycap has a first region and a second region connected to each other. The keycap includes a plurality of first pivots and a plurality of slides. The first pivots are disposed on the side of the first region close to the second region. Some of the slides are disposed in the first region and some of the slides are disposed in the second region. as well as A connection component, including: A first outer frame includes two receiving portions, a first movable side and a fixed side opposite to each other, the first movable side being connected to the slides located in the first region, and the fixed side being connected to the base plate; Two first inner frames are respectively disposed in the two accommodating portions and pivotally connected to the first outer frame. Each of the two first inner frames includes a first pivot side and a second movable side opposite to each other. The first pivot side is connected to the first pivot portion, and the second movable side is connected to the base plate. A second outer frame includes a third movable side and a second pivot side, the third movable side being connected to the grooves located in the second region, and the second pivot side being pivotally connected to the fixed side of the first outer frame; and A second inner frame is disposed within the second outer frame and pivotally connected to the second outer frame. The second inner frame includes a third pivot side and a fourth movable side opposite to each other. The third pivot side is connected to one of the two first inner frames and is pivotally connected to the first pivot side. The fourth movable side is connected to the base plate.
2. The button structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The area of the first region is greater than the area of the second region.
3. The button structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, One long side of the first outer frame corresponds to one long side of the first region.
4. The button structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, These first pivots are linearly arranged on one bottom side of the keycap.
5. The button structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The keycap includes multiple sidewalls, with grooves located close to each of the two adjacent sidewalls.
6. The button structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The base plate includes multiple hooks, the first outer frame includes multiple first rods disposed on the fixed side, the two first inner frames each include multiple second rods disposed on the first pivot side and the second movable side, the second inner frame includes multiple third rods disposed on the fourth movable side, and the hooks respectively fix the first rods, the second rods located on the second movable side, and the third rods.
7. The button structure as described in claim 6, characterized in that, Each of the first pivot portions includes a first pivot hole, and the portions of the second rods located on the first pivot side are respectively accommodated in the first pivot holes of the first pivot portions.
8. The button structure as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The second outer frame includes a plurality of second pivot holes located on the second pivot side, and portions of the first rods of the first outer frame are accommodated within the second pivot holes.
9. The button structure as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The second inner frame has a plurality of third pivot holes located on the third pivot side, and the portions of the second rods located on the first pivot side are accommodated in the third pivot holes.
10. The button structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first outer frame includes two first guide portions located on the first moving side, the two first guide portions being accommodated in the grooves located in the first region.
11. The button structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The second outer frame includes two second guide sections located on the third moving side, the two second guide sections being accommodated in the grooves located in the second region.
12. The button structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The keycap also includes a third region, one side of which is connected to the first region and the third region is adjacent to the second region. Some of the slides are located in the third region, and some of the first pivots are located in the first region on the side close to the third region.
13. The button structure as described in claim 12, characterized in that, The connecting assembly also includes a third outer frame and a third inner frame pivotally connected to each other. The third outer frame includes a fifth movable side and a fourth pivot side opposite to each other. The fifth movable side is connected to the grooves located in the third region. The fourth pivot side is pivotally connected to the fixed side of the first outer frame. The third inner frame includes a fifth pivot side and a sixth movable side opposite to each other. The fifth pivot side is connected to the other of the two first inner frames and is pivotally connected to the first pivot side. The sixth movable side is connected to the base plate.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Key structure and keyboard
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Keyboard device
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