Integrally-formed scissor foot key structure, mold and method

Abstract

The invention aims to provide the integrally-formed scissor foot key structure, the mold and the method which are high in overall structural strength, good in linkage effect and free of later assembly. The integrally-formed scissor foot key structure comprises an inner scissor foot assembly and an outer scissor foot assembly, the inner scissor foot assembly comprises a plurality of inner scissor foot pieces, the outer scissor foot assembly comprises a plurality of outer scissor foot pieces, the plurality of inner scissor foot pieces are connected through a first connecting frame, and the plurality of outer scissor foot pieces are connected through a second connecting frame. A middle shaft metal strip is further arranged on the multiple inner scissor foot pieces, the multiple outer scissor foot pieces are matched with the multiple inner scissor foot pieces in a hinged mode through the middle shaft metal strip, and the multiple inner scissor foot pieces and the multiple outer scissor foot pieces are formed on the first connecting frame, the second connecting frame and the middle shaft metal strip in an injection molding mode. The die is used for producing the integrally-formed scissor foot key structure. According to the method, the integrally-formed scissor foot key structure is prepared through a mold. The keyboard key structure is applied to the technical field of keyboard key structures.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention is applied to the technical field of keyboard key structures, and particularly relates to an integrally formed scissor-foot key structure, a mold and a method. Background Art

[0002] With the development of computer technology, keyboards have become the main input method for computers, notebooks and other devices. Due to the portable nature of notebooks, they come with keyboards. At present, in order to meet the characteristics of lightness and portability, notebook keyboards usually adopt a scissor-foot key structure. The traditional design of the scissor-foot key structure includes an inner scissor foot and an outer scissor foot. After the inner scissor foot and the outer scissor foot are produced by an injection molding machine, they need to be manually or automatically injection molded into a single component, and then assembled with other parts to form the final scissor-foot keyboard. The assembly of the inner scissor foot and the outer scissor foot is usually achieved by the matching of the hole and the shaft. The hole and the shaft are affected by the matching clearance, mold tolerance, and injection molding tolerance, which affects the feel of the corners of the keyboard keys.

[0003] In order to meet the requirements of ergonomic design, keyboards are usually designed with different types of keycaps of different sizes and lengths. In order to make the long keys function normally and feel better when pressed on the four corners, traditional scissor feet are often designed with one or more balance bars on the long keys to reinforce the structure and assist the movement of the scissor feet. The traditional scissor foot long keys have many assembly parts, which are troublesome to produce and assemble. In addition, it is difficult to realize automatic assembly production due to the complex assembly method of the balance bar, resulting in high assembly costs and high defective rates. There are various scissor foot structures on the market, such as patents with publication numbers CN214672323U, CN222440426U, CN109841443B, etc., which adopt the design of the original multiple outer scissor feet as an integrated frame structure to cooperate with the inner scissor feet. However, since this structure is not provided with a reinforcement structure and is only supported by injection molded parts, it will cause the corners of the keys to feel worse. If the material is replaced, the cost and difficulty of production and assembly will increase. On this basis, there are also patents such as CN115881460A and CN117334509A, in which metal is embedded in the frame structure to reinforce the overall structure. However, due to the large difference in expansion coefficients between plastic and metal, deformation will occur after injection molding is completed, resulting in poor linkage effect in the later stage.

[0004] In addition, in addition to the use experience and structural strength, the existing technology usually still needs manual or mechanical assembly after production, which is inefficient. If an integrated scissor-foot button structure with high overall structural strength, good linkage effect and no need for post-assembly can be provided, the above technical problems can be well solved. Summary of the invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art and provide an integrated scissor-foot button structure, mold and method with high overall structural strength, good linkage effect and no need for subsequent assembly.

[0006] The technical solution adopted by the present invention is: the one-piece scissor foot button structure includes an inner scissor foot component and an outer scissor foot component, the inner scissor foot component includes a plurality of inner scissor foot pieces, the outer scissor foot component includes a plurality of outer scissor foot pieces, the plurality of inner scissor foot pieces are connected by a first connecting frame, the plurality of outer scissor foot pieces are connected by a second connecting frame, a plurality of inner scissor foot pieces are also provided with a central axis metal strip, a plurality of outer scissor foot pieces are hingedly matched with a plurality of inner scissor foot pieces through the central axis metal strip, and a plurality of inner scissor foot pieces and a plurality of outer scissor foot pieces are injection molded on the first connecting frame, the second connecting frame and the central axis metal strip.

[0007] It can be seen from the above scheme that, compared with the traditional scissor foot key structure, the first connecting frame and the second connecting frame are used to cooperate with the corresponding scissor foot pieces to form the inner and outer scissor feet, and the inner and outer scissor foot components are hinged with the central axis metal strip, so that the edge of the key cap can also provide an integrated synchronous pressing feel when pressing the key, effectively avoiding the occurrence of shaking and the like. Compared with the scissor foot assembly structure that is injection molded on a metal sheet, a plurality of scissor foot pieces are connected as one at intervals to avoid the problem of easy interference and poor balance between the key structures due to deformation caused by different expansion coefficients between metal and plastic during the injection cooling process, and the first connecting frame and the second connecting frame are used to form a plurality of inner and outer scissor foot assemblies with a stable structure and high strength. This structure can also enable the first connecting frame and the second connecting frame with higher strength to transmit force when pressing the edge of the key cap, ensuring the synchronization of the downward pressure amplitude at both ends of the key cap. At the same time, several of the inner scissor leg pieces and several of the outer scissor leg pieces are injection molded on the first connecting frame, the second connecting frame and the central axis metal strip, so that the several of the inner scissor leg pieces and several of the outer scissor leg pieces are directly combined with the first connecting frame, the second connecting frame and the central axis metal strip, so that the assembly of the scissor leg structure is directly completed during the injection molding production process, without the need for subsequent assembly, saving a large amount of labor cost and time cost, and improving production efficiency. In addition, since the production is completed by direct injection molding, the several of the inner scissor leg pieces and several of the outer scissor leg pieces are in a fitted state with the central axis metal strip, and the surface of the central axis metal strip is a smooth rod or a slightly matte surface design to ensure that the several of the inner scissor leg pieces and several of the outer scissor leg pieces can rotate smoothly. Compared with the traditional scissor leg button structure, a certain amount of margin space is usually required for the assembly of the hinge shaft part in order to meet the assembly requirements. The structure in the fitted state can avoid the inevitable vibration caused by the margin space in the traditional structure and the problem that the downward pressure amplitude at both ends of the long button cannot be synchronized.

[0008] A preferred solution is that the same side rod of the first connecting frame and the second connecting frame is rotationally matched with the keycap and the keyboard base, and the other side rod of the first connecting frame and the second connecting frame is slidingly matched with the keycap and the keyboard base.

[0009] A further preferred solution is that a plurality of the inner scissor leg pieces and a plurality of the outer scissor leg pieces are correspondingly provided with first avoidance grooves that cooperate with the keycap and the keyboard base.

[0010] A preferred solution is that a plurality of the inner scissor leg pieces and a plurality of the outer scissor leg pieces are alternately arranged in sequence, and a gap is provided between the inner scissor leg pieces and the adjacent outer scissor leg pieces.

[0011] A preferred solution is that a second avoidance groove adapted to the first connecting frame is provided on the outer scissor leg.

[0012] A preferred solution is that an elastic member avoidance hole is provided on one of the inner scissor leg pieces, and the central axis metal strip is provided with a curved portion adapted to the elastic member avoidance hole.

[0013] A preferred solution is that the outer surface of the central axis metal strip is a glossy or matte surface.

[0014] A preferred solution is that a plurality of the outer scissor leg pieces are provided with hollow portions that cooperate with the central axis metal strip.

[0015] A preferred solution is that the first connecting frame includes an upper frame body and a lower frame body, and the upper frame body and the lower frame body are respectively distributed on both sides of the central axis metal strip.

[0016] The injection mold includes an upper mold and a lower mold, the cavity of the lower mold is provided with a limiting support member that cooperates with the first connecting frame, the second connecting frame and the central axis metal strip, and the cavity of the upper mold is provided with a limiting block that cooperates with the limiting support member to limit the position. When the molds are closed, the cavities of the upper mold and the lower mold and the first connecting frame, the second connecting frame and the central axis metal strip cooperate to form injection molding cavities for a plurality of the inner scissor leg parts and a plurality of the outer scissor leg parts, and each of the formed injection molding cavities is independent of each other.

[0017] It can be seen from the above scheme that the first connecting frame, the second connecting frame and the central axis metal strip are limited by the cavities set by the upper mold and the lower mold, and at the same time cooperate with each other to form a number of injection molding cavities, and each injection molding cavity is independent of each other. On the one hand, it ensures that the injection-molded outer scissor leg parts and the inner scissor leg parts are tightly combined with the metal parts, while reducing the bonding area between the plastic parts and the metal parts, and reducing the influence of post-injection deformation caused by the different expansion coefficients between the two. The independent injection molding cavities make it unnecessary to separate the inner and outer scissor leg parts after the injection molding, so that the assembly of various components can be completed quickly. The product can be obtained after the cleaning of the injection port, eliminating the subsequent transportation, assembly and other processes of conventional production.

[0018] The preparation method includes the following specific contents: firstly, the first connecting frame, the second connecting frame and the central axis metal strip are placed in the limiting grooves of the limiting support component respectively; after the placement is completed, the injection molding equipment is controlled to perform the clamping action of the upper mold and the lower mold, and after the clamping action, the injection molding is started to allow the plastic to melt and enter each of the injection molding cavities, and the injection molding of all the inner scissor leg parts and all the outer scissor leg parts is completed in one clamping process, and all the inner scissor leg parts and all the outer scissor leg parts are combined to the surfaces of the first connecting frame, the second connecting frame and the central axis metal strip.

[0019] It can be seen from the above scheme that by using one-time mold closing to complete the injection molding of all injection molding cavities, an integrally molded scissor-foot key structure that does not require assembly is obtained, which greatly improves the production efficiency of the product. In addition, through the connection method of injection molding, the gap between the moving parts is greatly reduced. The smooth surface design of the metal parts makes the injection molded parts also have a smooth surface. The metal rod-shaped structure is used to achieve the natural and smooth rotation between the moving parts and the central axis metal bar. At the same time, the almost gapless feature is used to ensure the consistency of the overall movement of the key structure, so that the shaking inside the key is reduced and the feel is greatly improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the one-piece scissor-foot button structure; Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the one-piece scissor-foot button structure; Figure 3 is a further decomposed structural schematic diagram of the one-piece scissor-foot button structure; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the one-piece scissor-foot key structure, keycap and base; Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the one-piece scissor-foot key structure, keycap and base; Figure 6 is a first structural schematic diagram of the mold; Figure 7 4 is a second structural schematic diagram of the mold. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the one-piece scissor leg button structure includes an inner scissor leg assembly 1 and an outer scissor leg assembly 2, the inner scissor leg assembly 1 includes a plurality of inner scissor leg pieces 11, the outer scissor leg assembly 2 includes a plurality of outer scissor leg pieces 21, the plurality of inner scissor leg pieces 11 are connected by a first connection frame 12, the plurality of outer scissor leg pieces 21 are connected by a second connection frame 22, a central axis metal strip 3 is further provided on the plurality of inner scissor leg pieces 11, the plurality of outer scissor leg pieces 21 are hingedly matched with the plurality of inner scissor leg pieces 11 through the central axis metal strip 3, and the plurality of inner scissor leg pieces 11 and the plurality of outer scissor leg pieces 21 are injection molded on the first connection frame 12, the second connection frame 22 and the central axis metal strip 3. The first connection frame, the second connection frame and the central axis metal strip 3 are all made of metal.

[0022] like Figures 1 to 4As shown, in this embodiment, the one-piece scissor-leg key structure is a scissor-leg structure of a long key such as a space bar, and is provided with three inner scissor-leg parts 11 and five outer scissor-leg parts 21, wherein the inner scissor-leg part 11 located in the middle of the key cooperates with the elastic part b of the key structure to avoid each other, so that the elastic part b of the key structure cooperates with the key cap a of the key structure to realize the automatic rebound of the key structure. The outer shapes of the two outer scissor parts 21 located at the outermost ends are adapted to the first connecting frame 12, and at the same time, the two outer scissor parts 21 are provided with non-through rotation holes that cooperate with the ends of the central axis metal strip 3 to realize the position limiting of the central axis metal strip 3; the central axis metal strip 3 passes through all the inner scissor-leg parts 11 and the remaining outer scissor-leg keys 21 to realize the rotation of the key structure when it is pressed.

[0023] In this embodiment, a plurality of the outer scissor leg pieces 21 are provided with hollow portions 212 that cooperate with the central axis metal strip 3, and the portions of the central axis metal strip 3 that contact the outer scissor leg pieces 21 are all cylindrical. By providing the hollow portions 212, the contact area between the outer scissor leg pieces 21 and the central axis metal strip 3 is reduced, thereby ensuring that the outer scissor leg pieces 21 can rotate smoothly relative to the inner scissor leg pieces 11 after injection molding, thereby ensuring that the key structure has a good feel when pressed. At the same time, the portions of the central axis metal strip 3 that contact and cooperate with the outer scissor leg pieces 21 are cylindrical, so that they can rotate smoothly with the outer scissor leg pieces 21 without eccentric shaking or the like.

[0024] like Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the central axis metal strip 3 and the plurality of inner scissor leg pieces 11 are fixedly matched, and the portion of the central axis metal strip 3 in contact with the inner scissor leg 11 may be cylindrical with a rough surface, prismatic or curved in addition to being cylindrical. This design ensures that the central axis metal strip 3 and the inner scissor leg pieces 11 are more firmly combined, so that when the key structure is pressed, the plurality of inner scissor leg pieces 11 drive the central axis metal strip 3 to rotate relative to the outer scissor leg pieces 21. In addition, another embodiment is that the central axis metal strip 3 and the plurality of outer scissor leg pieces 21 are fixedly matched, and a hollow structure is provided on the inner scissor leg pieces 11, and the portion of the central axis metal strip 3 combined with the outer scissor leg pieces 21 adopts a more stable connection shape.

[0025] like Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, in this embodiment, the same side rod of the first connection frame 12 and the second connection frame 22 is rotationally matched with the keycap a and the keyboard base c, and the other side rod of the first connection frame 12 and the second connection frame 22 is slidingly matched with the keycap a and the keyboard base c. The keycap a and the keyboard base c are both provided with a rotation buckle 8 and a sliding buckle 9 corresponding to the first connection frame 12 and the second connection frame 22, thereby satisfying the limit and active avoidance of the one-piece scissor foot key structure when pressed. A plurality of the inner scissor foot pieces 11 and a plurality of the outer scissor foot pieces 21 are correspondingly provided with a first avoidance groove 4 that is matched with the keycap a and the keyboard base c. By correspondingly setting the first avoidance groove 4, the corresponding rotation buckle 8 and sliding buckle 9 are avoided, thereby ensuring that the one-piece scissor foot key structure will not interfere with the keycap a and the structure on the keyboard base c during the pressing movement, which affects the smoothness of the action.

[0026] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, in this embodiment, a plurality of the inner scissor leg pieces 11 and a plurality of the outer scissor leg pieces 21 are alternately arranged in sequence, and a gap 5 is provided between the inner scissor leg piece 11 and the adjacent outer scissor leg piece 21. The alternating arrangement is adopted to achieve a more uniform force on the one-piece scissor leg button structure when pressed, and better linkage. The gap is set between adjacent scissor leg pieces to avoid mutual interference, and at the same time, the scissor leg pieces are divided into multiple independent injection cavities in the mold for injection molding.

[0027] like Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the outer scissor leg member 21 is provided with a second avoidance groove 211 adapted to the first connection frame 12. The second avoidance groove 211 is provided to ensure that the one-piece scissor leg key structure does not cause interference between components during the process of pressing to the bottom, thereby ensuring the smoothness of key pressing.

[0028] like Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, one of the inner scissor leg parts 11 is provided with an elastic part avoidance hole 111, and the central axis metal strip 3 is provided with a bent portion 31 adapted to the elastic part avoidance hole 111. The elastic part avoidance hole 111 is used to avoid the elastic part b, thereby ensuring that the elastic part b can always contact the keycap a and provide elastic force when the one-piece scissor leg key structure is in use. In addition to avoiding the elastic part b, the bent portion 31 also makes the combination of the central axis metal strip 3 and the inner scissor leg part 11 more firmly.

[0029] In this embodiment, the outer surface of the central axis metal bar 3 is glossy or matte. The glossy design ensures that the friction between the central axis metal bar 3 and the parts that rotate relative to each other is as low as possible, so that the operation is smooth during use. Although the matte design is slightly inferior to the glossy surface, the parts are combined by injection molding. After the initial rotation, they can overcome the combined state under the action of friction and provide a sufficiently smooth use experience.

[0030] like Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the first connection frame 12 includes an upper frame 121 and a lower frame 122, and the upper frame 121 and the lower frame 122 are respectively distributed on both sides of the central axis metal strip 3. By adopting the split first connection frame 12, the central axis metal strip 3 is avoided, and the connection reliability and linkage of the plurality of inner scissor leg members 11 are ensured at the same time.

[0031] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the injection mold includes an upper mold 6 and a lower mold 7, the cavity of the lower mold 7 is provided with a limit support 71 that cooperates with the first connection frame 12, the second connection frame 22 and the central axis metal strip 3, and the cavity of the upper mold 6 is provided with a limit block 61 that cooperates with the limit support 71 to limit. When the molds are closed, the cavities of the upper mold 6 and the lower mold 7 and the first connection frame 12, the second connection frame 22 and the central axis metal strip 3 cooperate to form injection molding cavities for a plurality of the inner scissor leg parts 11 and a plurality of the outer scissor leg parts 21, and each of the injection molding cavities formed is independent of each other. The support of the metal parts is achieved by the limit support 71 and the limit block 61, so that the metal parts are located in the injection molded parts when combined. At the same time, the cooperation of the limit support 71, the limit block 61 and the cavity forms hollowing and avoidance groove structures, thereby meeting the activity requirements of the one-piece scissor leg button structure.

[0032] The preparation method includes the following specific contents: firstly, the first connection frame 12, the second connection frame 22 and the central axis metal strip 3 are placed in the limiting grooves of the limiting support member 71; after the placement is completed, the injection molding equipment is controlled to perform the clamping action of the upper mold 6 and the lower mold 7, and after the clamping, the injection molding is started to melt the plastic and enter each of the injection molding cavities, and the injection molding of all the inner scissor leg pieces 11 and all the outer scissor leg pieces 21 is completed in one clamping process, and all the inner scissor leg pieces 11 and all the outer scissor leg pieces 21 are combined with the surfaces of the first connection frame 12, the second connection frame 22 and the central axis metal strip 3. By completing the injection molding of all the injection molding cavities in one clamping, an integrally formed scissor leg button structure without assembly is obtained, which greatly improves the production efficiency of the product. And through the injection molding connection method, the gap between the moving parts is greatly reduced. The smooth surface design of the metal part makes the injection molded part also have a smooth surface. The metal rod-shaped structure is used to realize the natural and smooth rotation between the moving part and the central metal bar. At the same time, the almost gapless feature is used to ensure the consistency of the overall movement of the key structure, so that the shaking between the inner and outer scissor feet inside the key is reduced, and the feel is greatly improved.

[0033] The one-piece scissor foot button structure, mold and method provided by the present invention can achieve high overall structural strength of the scissor foot button, and good linkage effect between the inner and outer scissor foot components, and can achieve overall synchronous movement. At the same time, no subsequent assembly process is required, which reduces labor costs and improves production efficiency.

[0034] Although the embodiments of the present invention are described with practical solutions, they do not constitute limitations on the meaning of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, it is obvious to modify the implementation scheme and combine it with other solutions based on this description.

Claims

1. One-piece scissor-foot button structure, characterized by: The invention comprises an inner scissor leg assembly (1) and an outer scissor leg assembly (2), wherein the inner scissor leg assembly (1) comprises a plurality of inner scissor leg pieces (11), and the outer scissor leg assembly (2) comprises a plurality of outer scissor leg pieces (21), wherein the plurality of inner scissor leg pieces (11) are connected to each other via a first connection frame (12), and the plurality of outer scissor leg pieces (21) are connected to each other via a second connection frame (22), wherein the plurality of inner scissor leg pieces (11) are further provided with a central axis metal strip (3), wherein the plurality of outer scissor leg pieces (21) are hingedly matched with the plurality of inner scissor leg pieces (11) via the central axis metal strip (3), and the plurality of inner scissor leg pieces (11) and the plurality of outer scissor leg pieces (21) are injection molded on the first connection frame (12), the second connection frame (22) and the central axis metal strip (3).

2. The one-piece scissor-foot button structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The same side rod portion of the first connecting frame (12) and the second connecting frame (22) is rotationally matched with the key cap and the keyboard base, and the other side rod portion of the first connecting frame (12) and the second connecting frame (22) is slidingly matched with the key cap and the keyboard base.

3. The one-piece scissor-foot button structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: A plurality of the inner scissor leg pieces (11) and a plurality of the outer scissor leg pieces (21) are correspondingly provided with first avoidance grooves (4) that cooperate with the key cap and the keyboard base.

4. The one-piece scissor-foot button structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plurality of inner scissor leg pieces (11) and the plurality of outer scissor leg pieces (21) are arranged alternately in sequence, and a gap (5) is provided between the inner scissor leg piece (11) and the adjacent outer scissor leg piece (21).

5. The one-piece scissor-foot button structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer scissor leg piece (21) is provided with a second avoidance groove (211) adapted to the first connection frame (12).

6. The one-piece scissor-foot button structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: An elastic member avoidance hole is provided on one of the inner scissor leg pieces (11), and the central axis metal strip (3) is provided with a bent portion (31) adapted to the elastic member avoidance hole.

7. The one-piece scissor-foot button structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: A plurality of the outer scissor leg pieces (21) are provided with hollow portions (212) that cooperate with the central axis metal strip (3).

8. The one-piece scissor-foot button structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first connection frame (12) comprises an upper frame body (121) and a lower frame body (122), wherein the upper frame body (121) and the lower frame body (122) are respectively distributed on both sides of the central axis metal strip (3).

9. An injection mold for preparing the one-piece scissor-foot key structure according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the injection mold comprising an upper mold (6) and a lower mold (7), characterized in that: The cavity of the lower mold (7) is provided with a limit support member (71) that cooperates with the first connecting frame (12), the second connecting frame (22) and the central axis metal strip (3), and the cavity of the upper mold (6) is provided with a limit block (61) that cooperates with the limit support member (71) to limit the position. When the molds are closed, the cavities of the upper mold (6) and the lower mold (7) and the first connecting frame (12), the second connecting frame (22) and the central axis metal strip (3) cooperate to form injection molding cavities for the plurality of inner scissor leg members (11) and the plurality of outer scissor leg members (21), and each of the formed injection molding cavities is independent of each other.

10. A preparation method, using the injection mold as claimed in claim 9 to realize the injection molding of a scissor-leg button structure, characterized in that: The preparation method comprises the following specific contents: firstly, the first connection frame (12), the second connection frame (22) and the central axis metal strip (3) are placed in the limiting grooves of the limiting support member (71) respectively; after the placement is completed, the injection molding equipment is controlled to perform the mold closing action of the upper mold (6) and the lower mold (7), and after the mold closing, the injection molding is started to allow the plastic to melt and enter each injection molding cavity, and the injection molding of all the inner scissor leg parts (11) and all the outer scissor leg parts (21) is completed in one mold closing process, and all the inner scissor leg parts (11) and all the outer scissor leg parts (21) are combined with the surfaces of the first connection frame (12), the second connection frame (22) and the central axis metal strip (3).

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