Key switch and key module thereof

Abstract

The invention provides a key switch and a key module thereof. The key switch comprises a shell and a key module. An accommodating hole is formed in the shell; the key module comprises a key cap, a fixing piece and a pair of elastic arms. The key cap comprises a pressing part, and the pressing part is located in the containing hole. And the fixing piece is arranged below the pressing part and is fixed on the bottom surface of the shell. The pair of elastic arms is connected to the two sides of the keycap and the two sides of the fixing piece; when the key cap is pressed downwards, the pair of elastic arms elastically deform and accumulate elastic force, and the elastic force is provided for the key cap, so that the key cap can elastically return to the position before pressing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a key switch, and more particularly to a key switch having a one-piece key module for triggering a signal switch, wherein the key module is detachable and replaceable. Background Art

[0002] Common elastic reset structures of key switches in electronic devices include cantilever structures or springs for providing elastic force to return the keycap after being pressed to its original position. The assembly and fixing method of the cantilever structure is usually a hot melt fixing method to fix one end of the cantilever structure to the housing of the key switch. The assembly method of the spring requires manual assembly.

[0003] Possible problems with the above-mentioned fixing method of the cantilever structure are as follows. First, the hot melt process requires additional hot melt equipment, which is costly and the assembly steps are complicated. Moreover, when the pressure or temperature during the assembly process is too high, the cantilever may be deformed, resulting in the key of the key switch being skewed, which affects the pressing touch and appearance.

[0004] In addition, the assembly method of the spring, especially the compression spring, requires ensuring that the keycap has enough movement space, which may lead to inaccurate positioning and affect the appearance and gap of the key.

[0005] Therefore, how to improve the structural design to streamline the number of components, simplify the assembly steps, and accurately assemble the key switch to overcome the above defects has become a problem to be solved in this technical field. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a key switch in view of the deficiencies of the prior art, which can streamline the number of components, simplify the assembly steps, and accurately assemble.

[0007] To solve the above technical problem, one of the technical solutions adopted by the present invention is to provide a key switch, including a housing and a key module. The housing forms a receiving hole. The key module is disposed at the bottom of the housing. The key module includes a keycap, a fixing member, and a pair of elastic arms. The keycap includes a pressing portion located within the receiving hole. The fixing member is disposed below the pressing portion and is detachably fixed to the bottom of the housing. The pair of elastic arms are connected to both sides of the keycap and both sides of the fixing member; when the keycap is pressed down, the pair of elastic arms are elastically deformed and accumulate elastic force to provide elastic force to the keycap, so that the keycap can elastically return to the position before pressing.

[0008] In an embodiment according to the present application, the key module is of a one-piece structure. The pair of elastic arms includes a first elastic arm and a second elastic arm. The first elastic arm includes a first upper arm and a first lower arm. The first upper arm is bendably connected to the first lower arm. One end of the first upper arm is fixedly connected to the keycap, and one end of the first lower arm is fixedly connected to the fixing member. The second elastic arm includes a second upper arm and a second lower arm. The second upper arm is rotatably and detachably connected to the second lower arm. One end of the second upper arm is fixedly connected to the keycap, and one end of the second lower arm is fixedly connected to the fixing member.

[0009] In an embodiment according to the present application, after the key module is assembled, the first upper arm and the second upper arm are correspondingly arranged on both sides of the pressing portion, and the first lower arm and the second lower arm are oppositely arranged on both sides of the fixing member, wherein the first lower arm is located below the first upper arm, and the second lower arm is located below the second upper arm.

[0010] In an embodiment according to the present application, the second lower arm is detachably connected to the second upper arm. The other end of the second lower arm relative to this end forms a pivot joint portion, and the end of the second upper arm forms a clamping portion. The clamping portion is rotatably connected to the pivot joint portion.

[0011] In an embodiment according to the present application, the bottom of the housing includes a first base and a second base. The accommodation hole is located between the first base and the second base. The first base includes a first hook, and the second base includes a second hook.

[0012] In an embodiment according to the present application, the fixing member includes a first engaging hole and a second engaging hole. The first hook is engaged with the first engaging hole, and the second hook is engaged with the second engaging hole. The first engaging hole and the second engaging hole.

[0013] In an embodiment according to the present application, the first base further includes a first limiting post, and the second base further includes a second limiting post. The fixing member includes a first limiting hole and a second limiting hole. The first limiting post is located in the first limiting hole, and the second limiting post is located in the second limiting hole.

[0014] In an embodiment according to the present application, the keycap further includes a triggering portion. The triggering portion is connected to the bottom surface of the pressing portion. The fixing member forms a through hole. The triggering portion can pass through the through hole. The through hole is located between the first engaging hole and the second engaging hole.

[0015] In one embodiment according to the present application, the fixing member is strip-shaped, the first lower arm and the second lower arm are connected to two sides of the fixing member, and are respectively located on both sides of the through hole.

[0016] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide, in view of the deficiencies of the prior art, a key module, which includes a keycap, a fixing member, a first elastic arm and a second elastic arm. The keycap includes a pressing portion, and the pressing portion is located within the accommodating hole. The fixing member is disposed below the pressing portion and is detachably fixed to the bottom of the housing. Two ends of the first elastic arm are respectively connected to one side of the keycap and one side of the fixing member. The first elastic arm includes a first upper arm and a first lower arm. The first upper arm is bendably connected to the first lower arm. One end of the first upper arm is fixedly connected to the keycap, and one end of the first lower arm is fixedly connected to the fixing member. Two ends of the second elastic arm are respectively connected to the other side of the keycap and the other side of the fixing member. The second elastic arm includes a second upper arm and a second lower arm. The second upper arm is rotatably and detachably connected to the second lower arm. One end of the second upper arm is fixedly connected to the pressing portion of the keycap, and one end of the second lower arm is fixedly connected to the fixing member. When the keycap is pressed down, the first elastic arm and the second elastic arm are elastically deformed and accumulate elastic force, providing elastic force to the keycap, so that the keycap can elastically return to the position before pressing.

[0017] One beneficial effect of the present invention is that the key switch provided by the present invention has a keycap, a fixing member, a first elastic arm and a second elastic arm. Two ends of the first elastic arm are respectively connected to one side of the keycap and one side of the fixing member. Two ends of the second elastic arm are respectively connected to the other side of the keycap and the other side of the fixing member. When the keycap is pressed down, the first elastic arm and the second elastic arm are elastically deformed and accumulate elastic force, which can provide elastic force to the keycap, and the keycap can elastically return to the position before pressing. Thus, the present invention can omit additional spring components and save costs.

[0018] To further understand the features and technical content of the present invention, please refer to the following detailed description and drawings of the present invention. However, the provided drawings are only for reference and illustration, and are not used to limit the present invention. Description of the Drawings

[0019] Figure 1 is a perspective combined schematic diagram of the key switch of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 is another combined schematic diagram of the key switch of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the key switch of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 4 It is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the unassembled state of the button module of the push-button switch of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 5 It is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the assembled state of the button module of the push-button switch of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 6 It is another three-dimensional exploded view of the push-button switch of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 7 It is another combined schematic diagram of the push-button switch of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 8 It is according to Figure 7 The cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII.

[0027] Figure 9 It is according to Figure 7 The cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX.

[0028] Figure 10 It is Figure 9 The enlarged view of part X in Detailed implementation manner

[0029] As Figures 1 to 3 shown, the present invention provides a push-button switch 100. The push-button switch 100 includes a housing 10 and a button module 20. In this embodiment, the housing 10 is a part of the housing of an electronic product. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the housing 10 may also be the housing of an independent push-button switch. The housing 10 forms a receiving hole 102.

[0030] As Figure 3 shown, a feature of this embodiment is that the button module 20 is detachably assembled to the bottom of the housing 10 to form a push-button switch 100 that can repair and replace the button module 20.

[0031] As Figure 4 shown, Figure 4 is the three-dimensional unfolded view of the button module of this embodiment. The button module 20 of this embodiment is of a one-piece structure. Specifically, the button module 20 may be a structure integrally formed by plastic injection molding. The button module 20 includes a button cap 21, a fixing member 22, a first elastic arm 23 and a second elastic arm 24. The fixing member 22 is disposed below the key cap 21 and fixed to the bottom of the housing 10. Two ends of the first elastic arm 23 are respectively connected to one side of the key cap 21 and one side of the fixing member 22. Two ends of the second elastic arm 24 are respectively connected to the other side of the key cap 21 and the other side of the fixing member 22.

[0032] The keycap 21 includes a pressing portion 212 and a triggering portion 215. The pressing portion 212 is movably located within the receiving hole 102 of the housing 10 (as Figure 3 and Figure 6 shown). The pressing portion 212 of this embodiment is disc-shaped. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the pressing portion 212 can be of other shapes and cooperate with the receiving hole 102 of the housing 10. The triggering portion 215 is connected to the bottom surface of the pressing portion 212 and can be used to trigger a signal switch, for example, a micro switch. The triggering portion 215 of this embodiment is a cross-shaped column. However, the shape of the triggering portion of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0033] As Figure 5 shown, Figure 5 is a three-dimensional combined view of the key module of this embodiment. Briefly, the upper ends of the first elastic arm 23 and the second elastic arm 24 are connected to both sides of the keycap 21, and the lower ends of the first elastic arm 23 and the second elastic arm 24 are connected to both sides of the fixing member 22. Thus, the first elastic arm 23 and the second elastic arm 24 can provide elastic force to the keycap 21 so that the keycap 21 can return to the position before being pressed after being pressed down.

[0034] When the keycap 21 is pressed down, the first elastic arm 23 and the second elastic arm 24 are elastically deformed and accumulate elastic restoring force, and provide the elastic restoring force to the keycap 21, so that the keycap 21 can elastically return to the position before being pressed (as Figure 1 shown).

[0035] Specifically, as Figure 4 and Figure 5 shown, the first elastic arm 23 includes a first upper arm 231 and a first lower arm 232. The first upper arm 231 is bendably connected to the first lower arm 232. One end of the first upper arm 231 is fixedly connected to the pressing portion 212 of the keycap 21. One end of the first lower arm 232 is fixedly connected to the fixing member 22.

[0036] The second elastic arm 24 includes a second upper arm 241 and a second lower arm 242. The second upper arm 241 is rotatably and detachably connected to the second lower arm 242. One end of the second upper arm 241 is fixedly connected to the pressing portion 212 of the keycap 21, and one end of the second lower arm 242 is fixedly connected to the fixing member 22.

[0037] As Figure 5 shown, after the key module 20 is assembled, the first upper arm 231 and the second upper arm 241 are correspondingly arranged on both sides of the pressing portion 212, and the first lower arm 232 and the second lower arm 242 are correspondingly arranged on both sides of the fixing member 22. The first lower arm 232 is located below the first upper arm 231, and the second lower arm 242 is located below the second upper arm 241.

[0038] As Figure 5 、Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown in Figure 10 , regarding the way in which the second lower arm 242 is detachably connected to the second upper arm 241, more specifically, one end of the second lower arm 242 forms a pivoting portion 2422, and the end of the second upper arm 241 forms a cylindrical engaging portion 2411. The engaging portion 2411 is rotatably connected to the pivoting portion 2422. When needed, the engaging portion 2411 can be separated from the pivoting portion 2422 by an external force. Thus, the key module 20 forms an oval-shaped and elastic unit member.

[0039] However, the connection manner of the second upper arm and the second lower arm of the present invention is not limited to the above-described way. For example, it can be a combination of multiple spherical bodies and multiple spherical grooves, or a structure similar to a hinge, so that the upper arm and the lower arm can be pivotally connected to each other and separated from each other.

[0040] The pivoting structure of the key module 20 in this embodiment, that is, the engaging portion 2411 and the pivoting portion 2422, is disposed between the second elastic arms 24. However, the pivoting structure of the key module 20 of the present invention can also be disposed at other positions. For example, it is located in the middle of the first elastic arm 23, that is, between the first upper arm 231 and the first lower arm 232, or on both sides of the fixing member 22.

[0041] As Figure 6 and Figure 7 shown, the fixing member 22 of this embodiment is fixed to the bottom surface of the housing 10, and its fixing manner is as follows. The bottom of the housing 10 includes a first base 11 and a second base 12. The fixing member 22 is strip-shaped and detachably disposed on the first base 11 and the second base 12. The first base 11 and the second base 12 form a movable space. The movable space allows the keycap 21 to move up and down.

[0042] As Figure 6 shown, the accommodation hole 102 of the housing 10 is located between the first base 11 and the second base 12. In other words, the first base 11 and the second base 12 are located on both sides of the accommodation hole 102. The first base 11 includes a first hook 112, and the second base 12 includes a second hook 122. Correspondingly, the fixing member 22 includes a first engaging hole 221 and a second engaging hole 222.

[0043] As Figures 6 to 8 shown, when the key module 20 is combined with the housing 10, the first hook 112 is engaged with the first engaging hole 221, and the second hook 122 is engaged with the second engaging hole 222. The first hook 112 and the second hook 122 of this embodiment are L-shaped, and the first engaging hole 221 and the second engaging hole 222 are rectangular holes. The first hook 112 and the second hook 122 both face the accommodation hole 102, that is, face inward to hook the bottom surface of the fixing member 22.

[0044] AsFigure 6 As shown, the first base 11 further includes a first limiting post 114, and the first limiting post 114 is located outside the first hook 112. The second base 12 further includes a second limiting post 124, and the second limiting post 124 is located outside the second hook 122. The fixing member 22 further includes a first limiting hole 223 and a second limiting hole 224. The first limiting hole 223 is located outside the first engaging hole 221, and the second limiting hole 224 is located outside the second engaging hole 222.

[0045] As Figure 7 and Figure 8 shown, when the key module 20 is combined with the housing 10, the first limiting post 114 is located in the first limiting hole 223, and the second limiting post 124 is located in the second limiting hole 224. The first limiting post 114 and the second limiting post 124 in this embodiment can provide the functions of positioning and limiting for the fixing member 22, so that the fixing member 22 is firmly connected to the bottom surface of the housing 10 without shaking. The key module 20 can be accurately assembled on the housing 10. The limiting posts in this embodiment are cross-shaped columns, and the limiting holes are round holes. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0046] The fixing member 22 further forms a through hole 225, and the triggering portion 215 of the key cap 21 can pass through the through hole 225. The through hole 225 is located between the first engaging hole 221 and the second engaging hole 222.

[0047] When it is desired to repair and replace the key module 20, the hook portions of the first hook 112 and the second hook 122 are pushed outward away from the bottom surface of the fixing member 22, and then the fixing member 22 can be separated from the first base 11 and the second base 12. The key module 20 can be separated from the housing 10, as Figure 6 shown.

[0048] As Figure 4 shown, the fixing member 22 in this embodiment is strip-shaped, and the first lower arm 232 and the second lower arm 242 are connected to both sides of the fixing member 22 and are respectively located on both sides of the through hole 225.

[0049] As Figure 9 shown, the first upper arm 231 is inclined to the top surface of the pressing portion 212, the first lower arm 232 is inclined to the top surface of the fixing member 22, and an acute angle is formed between the first upper arm 231 and the first lower arm 232, which is generally V-shaped. The second upper arm 241 is inclined to the top surface of the pressing portion 212, the second lower arm 242 is inclined to the top surface of the fixing member 22, and an acute angle is formed between the second upper arm 241 and the second lower arm 242, which is generally V-shaped.

[0050] One of the beneficial effects of the present invention is that the key switch provided by the present invention has a keycap, a fixing member, a first elastic arm and a second elastic arm. Two ends of the first elastic arm are respectively connected to one side of the keycap and one side of the fixing member, and two ends of the second elastic arm are respectively connected to the other side of the keycap and the other side of the fixing member. When the keycap is pressed down, the first elastic arm and the second elastic arm are elastically deformed and accumulate elastic restoring force, which can provide the elastic restoring force to the keycap, and the keycap can elastically return to the position before pressing. Thus, the present invention can omit additional spring components and save costs. The key module is of an integral structure, reducing the number of components and eliminating the need for spring assembly.

[0051] The key module of the present invention is arranged below the pressing part through the fixing member and is detachably fixed to the bottom of the housing. Thus, the key module is replaceable. The fixing member is fixed to the first base and the second base at the bottom of the housing in a snap-fit manner. The present invention does not require a hot-melt step, has a simple assembly and is convenient for disassembly.

[0052] The content disclosed above is only a feasible embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the scope of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent changes and modifications made by using the content of the specification and drawings of the present invention are included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A push-button switch, characterized in that, Comprising: A housing forming a receiving hole; And A key module disposed at the bottom of the housing, the key module comprising: A keycap including a pressing portion located within the receiving hole; A fixing member disposed below the keycap and detachably fixed to the bottom of the housing; and A pair of elastic arms connecting the two sides of the keycap to the two sides of the fixing member; When the keycap is pressed down, the pair of elastic arms deform and accumulate elastic force to provide elastic force to the keycap, so that the keycap can elastically return to the position before pressing.

2. The push-button switch according to claim 1, characterized in that, The key module is of an integral structure. The pair of elastic arms includes a first elastic arm and a second elastic arm. The first elastic arm includes a first upper arm and a first lower arm. The first upper arm is bendably connected to the first lower arm. One end of the first upper arm is fixedly connected to the keycap, and one end of the first lower arm is fixedly connected to the fixing member; the second elastic arm includes a second upper arm and a second lower arm. The second upper arm is rotatably and detachably connected to the second lower arm. One end of the second upper arm is fixedly connected to the keycap, and one end of the second lower arm is fixedly connected to the fixing member.

3. The push-button switch according to claim 2, characterized in that, After the key module is assembled, the first upper arm and the second upper arm are correspondingly disposed on both sides of the pressing portion, and the first lower arm and the second lower arm are correspondingly disposed on both sides of the fixing member.

4. The push-button switch according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second lower arm is detachably connected to the second upper arm. The other end of the second lower arm relative to this end forms a pivoting portion, and the end of the second upper arm forms a engaging portion. The engaging portion is rotatably connected to the pivoting portion.

5. The push-button switch according to claim 2, characterized in that, Wherein the bottom of the housing includes a first base and a second base. The receiving hole is located between the first base and the second base. The first base includes a first engaging hook, and the second base includes a second engaging hook.

6. The push-button switch according to claim 5, characterized in that, Wherein the fixing member includes a first engaging hole and a second engaging hole. The first engaging hook is engaged with the first engaging hole, and the second engaging hook is engaged with the second engaging hole. The first engaging hole and the second engaging hole.

7. The push-button switch according to claim 5, characterized in that, Wherein the first base further includes a first limiting post, and the second base further includes a second limiting post; the fixing member includes a first limiting hole and a second limiting hole. The first limiting post is located within the first limiting hole, and the second limiting post is located within the second limiting hole.

8. The push-button switch according to claim 7, characterized in that, The keycap further includes a triggering portion connected to the bottom surface of the pressing portion. The fixing member forms a through hole. The triggering portion can pass through the through hole. The through hole is located between the first engaging hole and the second engaging hole.

9. The push-button switch according to claim 8, characterized in that, The fixing member is in a strip shape. The first lower arm and the second lower arm are connected to both sides of the fixing member and are respectively located on both sides of the through hole.

10. A push-button module, characterized in that, Comprising: A keycap including a pressing portion; A fixing member disposed below the keycap; A first elastic arm, both ends of the first elastic arm are respectively connected to one side of the keycap and one side of the fixing member. The first elastic arm includes a first upper arm and a first lower arm. The first upper arm is bendably connected to the first lower arm. One end of the first upper arm is fixedly connected to the keycap, and one end of the first lower arm is fixedly connected to the fixing member; and a second elastic arm, both ends of the second elastic arm are respectively connected to the other side of the keycap and the other side of the fixing member. The second elastic arm includes a second upper arm and a second lower arm. The second upper arm is rotatably and detachably connected to the second lower arm. One end of the second upper arm is fixedly connected to the pressing portion of the keycap, and one end of the second lower arm is fixedly connected to the fixing member; wherein when the keycap is pressed down, the first elastic arm and the second elastic arm are elastically deformed and accumulate elastic force, providing elastic force to the keycap, so that the keycap can elastically return to the position before pressing.

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