Key module, keyboard and electronic equipment

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of keyboards, and provides a key module, a keyboard and electronic equipment.The key module comprises a substrate, a supporting assembly and a keycap assembly, the keycap assembly and the substrate are oppositely arranged, the keycap assembly comprises a keycap and a framework, the keycap comprises a top plate and a side surrounding plate, the side surrounding plate is fixedly arranged on the side, facing the substrate, of the top plate, and the framework is arranged on the side surrounding plate; a containing cavity is defined by the top plate and the side surrounding plates jointly. The framework is located in the containing cavity, the middle of the framework is fixedly connected with the middle of the top plate, and the ends, close to the base plate, of the side surrounding plates exceed the framework. The supporting assembly is connected between the substrate and the framework, the supporting assembly is used for supporting the framework in the moving process of the keycap assembly, and the supporting assembly can stretch out and draw back in the moving process of the keycap assembly. According to the key module, the keyboard and the electronic equipment, the problem that a key groove scratches a hand in the key cap pressing process can be solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of keyboards, and particularly to a key module, a keyboard, and an electronic device. Background Art

[0002] A keyboard is an important input device for realizing human-computer interaction in laptops, desktop computers, etc. In some industries, users may perform a large number of keyboard input operations, and at this time, the experience when hitting the keyboard becomes very important. Keyboards with key modules having a large key travel have become the mainstream trend in the current development of keyboards because they can bring a better user experience. However, while keyboards with key modules having a large key travel have a better feel, they also bring new problems, such as the problem of the key slot scratching the hand during the process of pressing the keycap. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Embodiments of this application provide a key module, a keyboard, and an electronic device, which can at least improve the problem of the key slot scratching the hand during the process of pressing the keycap.

[0004] In a first aspect, the present application provides a key module, which includes a substrate, a support assembly, and a keycap assembly. Among them, the keycap assembly is disposed opposite to the substrate. The keycap assembly includes a keycap and a skeleton. The keycap includes a top plate and a side enclosure plate. The side enclosure plate is fixedly provided on the side of the top plate facing the substrate. The top plate and the side enclosure plate jointly enclose a receiving cavity. The skeleton is located in the receiving cavity, and the middle part of the skeleton is fixedly connected to the middle part of the top plate. The end of the side enclosure plate close to the substrate extends beyond the skeleton. The support assembly is connected between the substrate and the skeleton. The support assembly is used to support the skeleton during the movement of the keycap assembly, and the support assembly can expand and contract during the movement of the keycap assembly. When the key module provided by this solution is applied to a keyboard, during the process that the keycap assembly of the key module moves towards the substrate under the action of a striking force, the end of the side enclosure plate of the keycap close to the substrate contacts the substrate. Since the end of the side enclosure plate close to the substrate extends beyond the skeleton, there is always a gap between the skeleton and the substrate and they will not contact. After the end of the side enclosure plate of the keycap contacts the substrate, under the continuous action of the striking force, the connection part between the keycap and the skeleton will continue to move towards the substrate, and the keycap and the skeleton will separate in the area other than their connection part, that is, the keycap generates elastic deformation. During the process that the keycap assembly bears the striking force, the displacement of the middle part a of the top plate of the keycap is greater than the displacement of other parts of the top plate. The top plate of the keycap undergoes elastic deformation, and the middle part a of the top plate protrudes towards the substrate. The key travel of the key module is the displacement of the connection part between the top plate and the skeleton towards the substrate, and the distance that the side enclosure plate moves towards the substrate is less than the key travel of the key module. In this way, under the condition of the same key travel and the same key slot depth, when the key module provided by this solution is adopted, when the keycap assembly is at the maximum stroke position, the distance between at least part of the edge of the top plate of the keycap and the top of the keyboard housing is smaller. Therefore, the problem of scratching the hand can be improved; in addition, since the displacement of the side enclosure plate is less than the key travel, the distance between the bottom end of the side enclosure plate and the substrate is smaller. When the keycap assembly is in the lifted position, it is beneficial to avoid the problem of light leakage.

[0005] In a possible embodiment, both the top plate and the skeleton include a middle part and a peripheral part. The peripheral part surrounds the outer periphery of the corresponding middle part. The middle part of the skeleton is fixedly connected to the middle part of the top plate, and the peripheral part of the skeleton is independent of the peripheral part of the top plate. When the side enclosure plate is in a state of abutting against the substrate, along the direction from the center of the top plate to the edge of the top plate, the distance between the peripheral part of the top plate and the peripheral part of the skeleton gradually increases or first gradually increases and then gradually decreases. When the side enclosure plate is in a state of being separated from the substrate, the minimum distance between the top plate and the substrate is greater than the minimum distance between the top plate and the substrate when the side enclosure plate is in a state of abutting against the substrate. In this solution, when the side enclosure plate is in a state of abutting against the substrate, the top plate includes a disk-shaped part, which not only improves the problems of light leakage and scratching the hand, but also has a better sense of wrapping for the user's fingers, and can make the user's use experience better.

[0006] Taking the direction parallel to the substrate as the first direction, in another possible embodiment, both the top plate and the framework include a first part, a middle part, and a second part arranged in sequence along the first direction. The first part and the second part are both fixedly connected to the corresponding middle part. The middle part of the framework is fixedly connected to the middle part of the top plate. The first part of the framework is independent of the first part of the top plate, and the second part of the framework is independent of the second part of the top plate. When the side enclosure is in contact with the substrate, along the direction from the center of the top plate to the first part of the top plate, the distance between the first part of the top plate and the first part of the framework gradually increases or first gradually increases and then gradually decreases. And along the direction from the center of the top plate to the second part of the top plate, the distance between the second part of the top plate and the second part of the framework gradually increases or first gradually increases and then gradually decreases. When the side enclosure is in a separated state from the substrate, the minimum distance between the top plate and the substrate is greater than the minimum distance between the top plate and the substrate when the side enclosure is in contact with the substrate. In this solution, when the side enclosure is in contact with the substrate, the part of the top plate in contact with the user's finger is in a groove shape, which not only improves the problems of light leakage and scratching, but also has a good wrapping feeling for the user's finger, and can also make the user's experience better.

[0007] In a possible embodiment, the middle part of the top plate is adhesively bonded to the middle part of the framework.

[0008] In a possible embodiment, when the side enclosure is in a separated state from the substrate, the top plate is a flat plate or the top plate has an arc-shaped concave surface.

[0009] In a possible embodiment, a recessed part is provided on one side of the substrate facing the keycap assembly. When the keycap assembly is in the maximum stroke position, the side enclosure abuts against the recessed part. On the one hand, with the same key stroke and the same depth of the key slot, when the keyboard adopts the key module provided by this solution, when the keycap assembly is in the lifted position, the distance between the side enclosure of the keycap and the substrate can be smaller than that in the previous embodiment, which is more beneficial to avoiding the problem of light leakage. On the other hand, for the sake of easy understanding, taking the direction from the keycap to the substrate as the second direction. In the case of the same key stroke, when the keyboard adopts the key module provided by this solution, the size of the keycap in the second direction can be larger. When the keycap assembly is in the lifted position, the size of the overlapping area between the side enclosure of the keycap and the keyboard housing in the second direction is larger. Therefore, without light leakage, the size of the keyboard housing in the second direction can be reduced, which is beneficial to avoiding the problem of scratching. In addition, the setting of the recessed part on the substrate can make the deformation amount of the keycap top plate in one key stroke smaller, enabling the user to press the key module more labor-saving, and thus being beneficial to improving the finger fatigue of the user when using the keyboard.

[0010] Further, in a possible embodiment, there are multiple recessed portions, and the multiple recessed portions are distributed along an annular track, and the annular track matches the shape of the side wall plate. When the keycap assembly is in the maximum stroke position, the side wall plate abuts against the multiple recessed portions. In another possible embodiment, the recessed portion is an annular recessed portion, and the annular recessed portion matches the shape of the side wall plate. When the keycap assembly is in the maximum stroke position, the side wall plate abuts against the annular recessed portion. When adopting this solution, when manufacturing the substrate, the annular recessed portion can be directly manufactured on the substrate, which can reduce the manufacturing process of the substrate and is beneficial to improving the manufacturing efficiency of the key module.

[0011] Further, in a possible embodiment, the key module includes a circuit board, the circuit board is fixed on the surface of the substrate opposite to the keycap assembly, and the circuit board is provided with avoidance holes corresponding to the recessed portions, and the recessed portions are located in the avoidance holes. It should be noted that when there are multiple recessed portions, there is a gap between the avoidance holes on the circuit board, and this gap can be used for the routing arrangement in the circuit board, which is beneficial to reducing the thickness of the circuit board.

[0012] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a key module, which includes a substrate, a support assembly and a keycap. The keycap includes a top plate and a side wall plate, and the side wall plate is fixedly arranged on the side of the top plate facing the substrate. The support assembly is connected between the substrate and the keycap. The support assembly is used to support the keycap during the movement of the keycap, and the support assembly can be telescopic during the movement of the keycap. A recessed portion is provided on the side of the substrate facing the keycap. When the keycap is in the maximum stroke position, the side wall plate abuts against the recessed portion. In this way, on the one hand, in the case of the same key travel and the same depth of the key slot, when the keyboard adopts the key module provided by this solution, when the keycap is in the lifted position, the distance between the side wall plate of the keycap and the substrate can be smaller, which is more beneficial to avoiding the problem of light leakage. On the other hand, in the case of the same key travel, when the keyboard adopts the key module provided by this solution, the size of the keycap in the second direction can be larger. When the keycap is in the lifted position, the size of the overlapping area between the side wall plate of the keycap and the keyboard housing in the second direction is larger. Therefore, without light leakage, the size of the keyboard housing in the second direction can be reduced, which is beneficial to avoiding the problem of scratching hands.

[0013] In a possible embodiment, there are multiple recessed portions, and the multiple recessed portions are distributed along an annular track, and the annular track matches the shape of the side wall plate. When the keycap assembly is in the maximum stroke position, the side wall plate abuts against the multiple recessed portions. In another possible embodiment, the recessed portion is an annular recessed portion, and the annular recessed portion matches the shape of the side wall plate. When the keycap assembly is in the maximum stroke position, the side wall plate abuts against the annular recessed portion. When adopting this solution, when manufacturing the substrate, the annular recessed portion can be directly manufactured on the substrate, which can reduce the manufacturing process of the substrate and is beneficial to improving the manufacturing efficiency of the key module.

[0014] In a possible embodiment, the key module includes a circuit board, the circuit board is fixed on the surface of the substrate opposite to the keycap, and an avoidance hole corresponding to the recessed part is arranged on the surface of the circuit board facing the keycap, and the recessed part is located in the avoidance hole. It should be noted that when there are multiple recessed parts, there are intervals between the avoidance holes on the circuit board, and this interval can be used for the arrangement of traces in the circuit board, which is beneficial to reducing the thickness of the circuit board.

[0015] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a keyboard, which includes a keyboard housing and at least one of the above key modules. The keyboard housing has a key slot, the key module is fixed in the key slot, and when the keycap assembly is in the lifted position, the orthographic projections of the keycap and the keyboard housing in the direction parallel to the substrate are connected or partially overlapped. Since the keyboard includes the above key module, the problem that the key slot scratches the hand during the process of pressing the keycap can be improved.

[0016] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an electronic device, which includes a host and the keyboard provided by the technical solution of the first aspect, and the keyboard is electrically connected to the host. Since the electronic device includes the above keyboard, the problem that the key slot scratches the hand during the process of pressing the keycap can be improved. Description of the Drawings

[0017] Figure 1 It is a cross-sectional view of a key module in an application scenario, where the keycap is in the lifted position;

[0018] Figure 2 is Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the key module shown in another state, where the keycap is in the position in contact with the substrate;

[0019] Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional view of a key module provided by the present application in an application scenario, where the keycap assembly is in the lifted position;

[0020] Figure 4 is Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the key module shown when the keycap assembly is in the maximum stroke position;

[0021] Figure 5 It is a schematic structural diagram of the keycap in a key module provided by the present application;

[0022] Figure 6 It is a schematic structural diagram of the skeleton in a key module provided by the present application;

[0023] Figure 7 It is a cross-sectional view of a keycap assembly in a key module provided by the present application, where the keycap assembly is in the lifted position;

[0024] Figure 8 is Figure 7Cross-sectional view of the keycap assembly shown at the maximum stroke position;

[0025] Figure 9 is Figure 7 Schematic perspective view of the keycap assembly shown;

[0026] Figure 10 Schematic structural view of a keycap in a key module provided by the present application;

[0027] Figure 11 Schematic structural view of a skeleton in a key module provided by the present application;

[0028] Figure 12 Shows a cross-sectional view of a substrate in a key module provided by the present application;

[0029] Figure 13 Schematic structural view of a substrate in a key module provided by the present application;

[0030] Figure 14 Schematic structural view of another substrate in a key module provided by the present application;

[0031] Figure 15 Schematic structural view of a substrate and a circuit board in a key module provided by the present application;

[0032] Figure 16 Shows a schematic structural view of another key module provided by the present application, wherein the keycap assembly is in the lifted position;

[0033] Figure 17 Shows Figure 16 Schematic structural view of the key module shown when the keycap assembly is at the maximum stroke position;

[0034] Figure 18 Shows Figure 17 Partial cross-sectional view of the key module shown;

[0035] Figure 19 Shows Figure 18 Exploded view of the key module shown;

[0036] Figure 20 Shows a schematic structural view of a keyboard provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0037] Figure 21 Shows a schematic structural view of an electronic device provided by an embodiment of the present application. Detailed implementation manners

[0038] Figure 1 Is a cross-sectional view of a key module in an application scenario, wherein the keycap 14' is in the lifted position; Figure 2 IsFigure 1 A cross-sectional view of the key module shown in another state, where the keycap 14' is in a position in contact with the substrate 11', that is, the keycap 14' is in the maximum stroke position. As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the keyboard housing 100' is formed with key slots, and the key module 1' is installed in the key slots. Specifically, the key module 1' includes a substrate 11', a scissor structure 12', an elastomer 13' and a keycap 14'. The substrate 11' is fixedly connected to the bottom of the keyboard housing 100'. The keycap 14' is disposed opposite to the substrate 11'. Both the scissor structure 12' and the elastomer 13' are connected between the keycap 14' and the substrate 11'. To meet the requirement of a large key stroke, the distance from the raised position of the keycap 14' to the maximum stroke position must be large enough. This makes the height difference between the top surface of the keycap 14' and the top surface of the keyboard housing 100' relatively large when the keycap 14' is in the maximum stroke position, which may cause the problem of the key slot scratching the hand. In addition, in this solution, when the keycap 14' is in the raised position, there is a gap between the bottom end of the keycap 14' and the top surface of the keyboard housing 100'. If the keyboard using this key module has a lighting function, it will cause the problem of light leakage.

[0039] Based on this, the embodiments of the present application provide a key module, a keyboard and an electronic device to solve the above problems. To make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the present application clearer, the present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0040] The terms used in the following embodiments are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments, and are not intended to limit the present application. As used in the specification and claims of the present application, the singular forms "a", "an", "the", "above", "said", "this" are also intended to include the forms such as "one or more", unless there is a clear opposite indication in the context.

[0041] Reference to "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" etc. described in this specification means that a specific feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in one or more embodiments of the present application. Thus, the phrases "in one embodiment", "in some embodiments", "in other some embodiments", "in still other embodiments" etc. appearing in different places in this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but mean "one or more but not all embodiments", unless otherwise specifically emphasized in other ways. The terms "comprise", "include", "have" and their variants all mean "including but not limited to", unless otherwise specifically emphasized in other ways.

[0042] Figure 3A cross-sectional view of a key module 1 provided by the present application when in an application scenario, wherein the keycap assembly 16 is in a lifted position; Figure 4 is Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the shown key module 1 when the keycap assembly 16 is in the maximum stroke position. As Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown, a key module 1 provided by an embodiment of the present application includes a substrate 11, a support assembly 15, and a keycap assembly 16. Among them, the keycap assembly 16 is disposed opposite to the substrate 11, and there is a gap between the keycap assembly 16 and the substrate 11. The support assembly 15 is located between the substrate 11 and the keycap assembly 16 and is connected to both the substrate 11 and the keycap assembly 16. The support assembly 15 is used to support the keycap assembly 16 during the movement of the keycap assembly 16, and the support assembly 15 can expand and contract during the movement of the keycap assembly 16. Specifically, Figure 5 shows a schematic structural view of a keycap 14 in a key module 1 provided by the present application, Figure 6 shows a schematic structural view of a skeleton 17 in a key module 1 provided by the present application. Please combine Figures 4 to 6 , the keycap assembly 16 includes a keycap 14 and a skeleton 17. The keycap 14 includes a top plate 141 and a side enclosure plate 142. The side enclosure plate 142 is fixed to the side of the top plate 141 facing the substrate 11, and the top plate 141 and the side enclosure plate 142 jointly enclose a receiving cavity A. The skeleton 17 is located in the receiving cavity A enclosed by the top plate 141 and the side enclosure plate 142, and the middle portion 171 of the skeleton 17 is fixedly connected to the middle portion 141a of the top plate 141. The end of the side enclosure plate 142 close to the substrate 11 extends beyond the skeleton 17, and the end of the support assembly 15 facing the keycap assembly 16 is connected to the skeleton 17. It should be noted that the middle mentioned in this embodiment does not refer to the center or midpoint of the component in the narrow sense, but the middle in the broad sense, which will be specifically described below.

[0043] When the keycap module 1 provided by this solution is applied to a keyboard, during the process that the keycap assembly 16 of the keycap module 1 moves towards the substrate 11 under the action of a knocking force, one end of the side enclosure plate 142 of the keycap 14 close to the substrate 11 contacts the substrate 11. Since one end of the side enclosure plate 142 close to the substrate 11 extends beyond the skeleton 17, there is always a gap between the skeleton 17 and the substrate 11 and they will not contact each other. After one end of the side enclosure plate 142 of the keycap 14 close to the substrate 11 contacts the substrate 11, under the continuous action of the knocking force, the connection part between the keycap 14 and the skeleton 17 will continue to move towards the substrate 11, and the areas of the keycap 14 and the skeleton 17 other than the connection part between them will separate, that is, the keycap 14 generates elastic deformation. During the process that the keycap assembly 16 bears the knocking force, the displacement of the middle part 141a of the top plate 141 of the keycap 14 is greater than the displacement of other parts of the top plate 141, and the top plate 141 of the keycap 14 undergoes elastic deformation, and the middle part 141a of the top plate 141 protrudes towards the substrate 11. The key travel of the keycap module 1 is the displacement of the connection part between the top plate 141 and the skeleton 17 towards the substrate 11, and the distance that the side enclosure plate 142 moves towards the substrate 11 is less than the key travel of the keycap module 1. In this way, under the conditions of the same key travel and the same key slot depth, when the keycap module 1 provided by this solution is adopted, when the keycap assembly 16 is at the maximum travel position, the distance between at least part of the edge of the top plate 141 of the keycap 14 and the top of the keyboard housing 100 is smaller. Therefore, the problem of scratching hands can be improved; in addition, since the displacement of the side enclosure plate 142 is less than the key travel, the distance between the bottom end of the side enclosure plate 142 and the substrate 11 is smaller, which is beneficial to avoiding the problem of light leakage when the keycap assembly 16 is at the lifted position.

[0044] It should be understood that the middle part 141a of the top plate 141 mentioned above can be a part of the top plate 141 that is at a distance from the edge of the top plate 141, such as Figure 5 shown; similarly, the middle part 171 of the skeleton 17 can be a part of the skeleton 17 that is at a distance from the edge of the skeleton 17, such as Figure 6 shown. The shapes of the middle part 141a of the top plate 141 and the middle part 171 of the skeleton 17 are not limited and can be circular, rectangular, oval or other shapes. In addition, the center of the middle part 141a of the top plate 141 can coincide with the center of the top plate 141 or not coincide with the center of the top plate 141; similarly, the center of the middle part 171 of the skeleton 17 can coincide with the center of the skeleton 17 or not coincide with the center of the skeleton 17.

[0045] Figure 7 It is a cross-sectional view of the keycap assembly 16 in a keycap module 1 provided by this application, wherein the keycap assembly 16 is at the lifted position; Figure 8 is Figure 7 a cross-sectional view when the keycap assembly 16 shown is at the maximum travel position; Figure 9As Figure 7 shown in the three-dimensional structure schematic diagram of the keycap assembly 16. Next, please combine with Figures 5 - 9 , in some embodiments, both the top plate 141 and the skeleton 17 include a middle part and a peripheral part. The peripheral part 141b of the top plate 141 surrounds the outer periphery of the middle part 141a of the top plate 141, and the peripheral part 172 of the skeleton 17 surrounds the outer periphery of the middle part 171 of the skeleton 17. It is not difficult to understand that the peripheral part 141b of the top plate 141 is fixedly connected to the middle part 141a of the top plate 141, and the peripheral part 172 of the skeleton 17 is fixedly connected to the middle part 171 of the skeleton 17. As an example, the peripheral part 141b of the top plate 141 and the middle part 141a of the top plate 141 are of an integrally formed structure, and the peripheral part 172 of the skeleton 17 and the middle part 171 of the skeleton 17 are also of an integrally formed structure. Of course, in other embodiments, the peripheral part 141b of the top plate 141 and the middle part 141a of the top plate 141 can also be both independent structures and fixedly connected together. The peripheral part 172 of the skeleton 17 and the middle part 171 of the skeleton 17 can also be both independent structures and fixedly connected together. Further, the middle part 171 of the skeleton 17 can be fixedly connected to the middle part 141a of the top plate 141, and the peripheral part 172 of the skeleton 17 and the peripheral part 141b of the top plate 141 can be independent of each other. When the side wall 142 is in a state of abutting against the substrate 11, that is, when the keycap assembly 16 is in the maximum stroke position, along the direction from the center of the top plate 141 to the edge of the top plate 141, the distance d between the peripheral part 141b of the top plate 141 and the peripheral part 172 of the skeleton 17 gradually increases, or first gradually increases and then gradually decreases. In addition, when the side wall 142 is in a state of being separated from the substrate 11, the minimum distance between the top plate 141 and the substrate 11 is greater than the minimum distance between the top plate 141 and the substrate 11 when the side wall 142 is in a state of abutting against the substrate 11. Among them, the minimum distance between the top plate 141 and the substrate 11 is the distance between the part of the top plate 141 closest to the substrate 11 and the substrate 11. In this solution, when the side wall 142 is in a state of abutting against the substrate 11, the top plate 141 includes a disk-shaped part, which can improve the problems of light leakage and scratching while having a better wrapping feeling for the user's fingers and can provide a better user experience. It should be understood that when specifically connecting the middle part 171 of the skeleton 17 and the middle part 141a of the top plate 141, the connection method is not limited. For example, the middle part 171 of the skeleton 17 and the middle part 141a of the top plate 141 can be bonded, snap-connected or ultrasonically welded, etc.

[0046] Exemplarily, when the side wall panel 142 is in contact with the base plate 11, in the direction from the center of the top plate 141 towards the edge of the top plate 141, the distance between the outer peripheral portion 141b of the top plate 141 and the outer peripheral portion 172 of the framework 17 first gradually increases and then gradually decreases, which may be the case where the connection between the top plate 141 and the side wall panel 142 has a chamfer. For example, the connection between the top plate 141 and the side wall panel 142 has an arc-shaped chamfer.

[0047] Next, taking the direction parallel to the base plate 11 as the first direction B, it is not difficult to understand that the middle portion 141a of the top plate 141 mentioned above may also have a distance from both edges of the top plate 141 in the first direction B, as Figure 10 shown. Similarly, the middle portion 171 of the framework 17 may have a distance from both edges of the framework 17 in the first direction B, as Figure 11 shown. It should be noted that the center line of the middle portion 141a of the top plate 141 may coincide with the center line of the top plate 141, or may not coincide with the center line of the top plate 141; the center line of the middle portion 171 of the framework 17 may coincide with the center line of the framework 17, or may not coincide with the center line of the framework 17; in addition, any direction parallel to the surface of the base plate 11 can be understood as the first direction B mentioned in this embodiment. For example, the first direction B may also be a direction parallel to the surface of the base plate 11 and perpendicular to the direction Figure 10 shown.

[0048] Please continue to refer to Figure 10 and Figure 11, in some other embodiments, both the top plate 141 and the framework 17 include a first part, a middle part, and a second part arranged in sequence along the first direction B, and both the first part and the second part are fixedly connected to the middle part. Further, the middle part 171 of the framework 17 and the middle part 141a of the top plate 141 may be fixedly connected, the first part 173 of the framework 17 and the first part 141c of the top plate 141 may be independent of each other, and the second part 174 of the framework 17 and the second part 141d of the top plate 141 may be independent of each other. When the side wall 142 is in a state of abutting against the base plate 11, that is, when the keycap assembly 16 is in the maximum stroke position, along the direction from the center of the top plate 141 to the first part 141c of the top plate 141, the distance between the first part 141c of the top plate 141 and the first part 173 of the framework 17 gradually increases, and along the direction from the center of the top plate 141 to the second part 141d of the top plate 141, the distance between the second part 141d of the top plate 141 and the second part 174 of the framework 17 gradually increases; or, along the direction from the center of the top plate 141 to the first part 141c of the top plate 141, the distance between the first part 141c of the top plate 141 and the first part 173 of the framework 17 first gradually increases and then gradually decreases, and along the direction from the center of the top plate 141 to the second part 141d of the top plate 141, the distance between the second part 141d of the top plate 141 and the second part 174 of the framework 17 first gradually increases and then gradually decreases. In addition, when the side wall 142 is in a state of being separated from the base plate 11, the minimum distance between the top plate 141 and the base plate 11 is greater than the minimum distance between the top plate 141 and the base plate 11 when the side wall 142 is in a state of abutting against the base plate 11. Herein, the minimum distance between the top plate 141 and the base plate 11 is also the distance between the part on the top plate 141 that is closest to the base plate 11 and the base plate 11. In this solution, when the side wall 142 is in a state of abutting against the base plate 11, the part of the top plate 141 in contact with the user's finger is in a groove shape. While improving the problems of light leakage and scratching, the wrapping feeling for the user's finger is also better, and it can also make the user's use experience better. It should be understood that when specifically implementing the connection between the middle part 171 of the framework 17 and the middle part 141a of the top plate 141, the connection method is not limited. For example: the middle part 171 of the framework 17 and the middle part 141a of the top plate 141 can be bonded, snapped, or ultrasonically welded, etc.

[0049] Figure 12 Fig. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the base plate 11 in a key module 1 provided by the present application. As Figure 12As shown, on the basis of the above embodiments, a recess 111 is provided on one side of the substrate 11 facing the keycap assembly 16. When the keycap assembly 16 is in the maximum stroke position, the side wall 142 abuts against the recess 111. That is, when the keycap assembly 16 is in the maximum stroke position, the end of the side wall 142 facing the substrate 11 sinks into the recess 111 and can abut against the recess 111. On the one hand, with the same key travel and the same key slot depth, when the keyboard adopts the key module provided by this solution, when the keycap assembly 16 is in the raised position, the distance between the side wall of the keycap and the substrate can be smaller than that in the previous embodiments, which is more conducive to avoiding the problem of light leakage. On the other hand, for the sake of easy understanding, the direction in which the keycap 14 points to the substrate 11 is defined as the second direction C. When the key travel is the same and the distance between the top plate 141 of the keycap 14 and the top surface of the keyboard housing is the same when the keycap 14 is in the raised position, when the keyboard adopts the key module provided by this solution, due to the setting of the recess 111, the size of the keycap 14 in the second direction C is larger, that is, when the keycap assembly 16 is in the raised position, the size of the overlapping area between the side wall 142 of the keycap 14 and the orthographic projection of the keyboard housing 100 in the first direction B is larger. Therefore, on the premise of ensuring no light leakage, the size of the keyboard housing 100 in the second direction C can be reduced, which is conducive to avoiding the problem of scratching hands. In addition, the setting of the recess on the substrate can make the deformation amount of the keycap top plate in one key travel smaller, enabling the user to press the key module more labor-saving, and thus being conducive to improving the finger fatigue of the user when using the keyboard.

[0050] Next, please refer to Figure 13 the structural schematic diagram of a substrate 11 shown in. As Figure 13 shown, when specifically setting the above substrate 11, in some embodiments, there are multiple recesses 111, and the multiple recesses 111 are distributed along an annular track, and the shape of the annular track matches the shape of the side wall. When the keycap assembly 16 is in the maximum stroke position, the bottom end of the side wall 142 abuts against the multiple recesses 111.

[0051] In other embodiments, as Figure 14 shown, the recess 111 is an annular recess, and the shape of the annular recess matches the shape of the side wall 142; when the keycap assembly 16 is in the maximum stroke position, the bottom end of the side wall 142 abuts against the annular recess. When adopting this solution, when manufacturing the substrate 11, only the position of one recess needs to be determined on the substrate 11 and the recess is manufactured on the substrate 11, which can reduce the manufacturing process of the substrate 11 and is conducive to improving the manufacturing efficiency of the key module 1.

[0052] Further, please refer to Figure 15, in a specific embodiment, the key module 1 includes a circuit board 18. The circuit board 18 is fixedly connected to the surface of the substrate 11 opposite to the keycap assembly 16, and an avoidance hole 181 corresponding to the recess 111 is provided on the surface of the circuit board 18 facing the keycap assembly 16, and the recess 111 is located in the avoidance hole 181. It should be noted that when there are multiple recesses 111, there are intervals between the avoidance holes 181 on the circuit board 18. This interval can be used for the arrangement of traces in the circuit board 18, which is beneficial to reducing the thickness of the circuit board 18. In addition, it should be noted that in Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the circuit board 18 can also be located on the side of the substrate 11 facing the keycap assembly 16. It is not difficult to understand that in this case, the support assembly 15 can be indirectly connected to the substrate 11, that is, the support assembly 15 is connected between the circuit board 18 and the skeleton 17 of the keycap assembly 16. According to specific settings, the support assembly 15 can also be connected between the substrate 11 and the keycap assembly 16.

[0053] Figure 16 shows a schematic structural diagram of another key module 1 provided by the present application, in which the keycap 14 is in the lifted position, Figure 17 shows Figure 16 a schematic structural diagram of the key module 1 shown in Figure 18 when the keycap 14 is in the maximum stroke position, Figure 17 a partial cross-sectional view of the key module 1 shown in Figure 19 shows Figure 18 an exploded view of the key module 1 shown in Figures 16 - 19As shown in the figure, another key module 1 provided by the present application includes a substrate 11, a support assembly 15 and a keycap 14. Among them, the keycap 14 includes a top plate 141 and a side enclosure 142, and the side enclosure 142 is fixedly connected to one side of the top plate 141 facing the substrate 11. The support assembly 15 is connected between the substrate 11 and the keycap 14. The support assembly 15 is used to support the keycap 14 during the movement of the keycap 14, and the support assembly 15 can be telescoped during the movement of the keycap 14. Further, a recess 111 is provided on the side of the substrate 11 facing the keycap 14. When the keycap 14 is in the maximum stroke position, the side enclosure 142 abuts against the recess 111. In this way, on the one hand, with the same key travel and the same depth of the key slot, when the keyboard adopts the key module provided by this solution, when the keycap 14 is in the lifted position, the distance between the side enclosure 141 of the keycap 14 and the substrate 11 can be smaller, which is more conducive to avoiding the problem of light leakage. On the other hand, when the key travel is the same and the distance between the top plate 141 of the keycap 14 and the top surface of the keyboard housing is the same when the keycap 14 is in the lifted position, when the keyboard adopts the key module provided by this solution, the size of the keycap 14 in the second direction C is larger, and when the keycap 14 is in the lifted position, the size of the overlapping area between the side enclosure 142 of the keycap 14 and the orthographic projection of the keyboard housing 100 in the first direction B is larger. Therefore, without light leakage, the size of the keyboard housing 100 in the second direction C can be reduced, which is conducive to avoiding the problem of scratching hands.

[0054] Next, please continue to refer to Figure 18 and Figure 19 When specifically setting the above-mentioned substrate 11, in some embodiments, there are a plurality of recesses 111, and the plurality of recesses 111 are distributed along an annular track, and the shape of the annular track matches the shape of the side enclosure 142. When the keycap 14 is in the maximum stroke position, the side enclosure 142 abuts against the plurality of recesses 111.

[0055] In other embodiments, the recess 111 is an annular recess, and the shape of the annular recess matches the shape of the side enclosure 142; when the keycap 14 is in the maximum stroke position, the side enclosure 142 abuts against the annular recess. When adopting this solution, when manufacturing the substrate 11, only the position of one recess needs to be determined on the substrate and the recess is manufactured on the substrate 11, which can reduce the manufacturing process of the substrate 11 and is conducive to improving the manufacturing efficiency of the key module 1.

[0056] Further, please continue to refer to Figure 18 and Figure 19, in a specific implementation, the key module 1 includes a circuit board 18. The circuit board 18 is fixedly connected to the surface of the substrate 11 opposite to the keycap 14, and an avoidance hole 181 corresponding to the recess 111 is provided on the surface of the circuit board 18 facing the keycap 14, and the recess 111 is located in the avoidance hole 181. It should be noted that when there are multiple recesses 111, there are intervals between the avoidance holes 181 on the circuit board 18, and there are no holes dug at these intervals, which can be used for the routing arrangement in the circuit board 18, facilitating the reduction of the thickness of the circuit board 18.

[0057] It should be noted that when specifically setting the above keycap 14, when the keycap 14 is in the lifted position, the top plate 141 can be a flat plate or a plate with an arc-shaped concave surface.

[0058] When specifically setting the above support assembly 15, the structure of the support assembly 15 can refer to the prior art. For example, in a specific implementation, the support assembly 15 can include a scissor structure 12. One end of the scissor structure 12 is connected to the corresponding skeleton 17 or keycap, and the other end is connected to the substrate 11. In another specific implementation, the support assembly 15 can include an elastomer 13. One end of the elastomer 13 is connected to the corresponding skeleton 17 or keycap, and the other end is connected to the substrate 11. In yet another specific implementation, the support assembly 15 can include both the scissor structure 12 and the elastomer 13. Both the scissor structure 12 and the elastomer 13 have one end connected to the corresponding skeleton 17 or keycap, and the other end connected to the substrate 11.

[0059] Figure 20 A keyboard provided by an embodiment of the present application is shown. The keyboard 200 includes a keyboard housing 100 and at least one of the above key modules 1. That is to say, in the keyboard 200, only one key module can be the key module provided in the above embodiment, or there can be two or more key modules that are the key modules provided in the above embodiment. In a specific implementation, each key module in the keyboard 200 is the key module provided in the above embodiment. Specifically, the keyboard housing 100 has a key slot, and the key module 1 is fixed in the key slot. And when the keycap assembly 16 is in the lifted position, the positive projections of the keycap 14 and the keyboard housing 100 in the direction parallel to the substrate 11 (for example: the aforementioned first direction B) are connected to each other without gaps, or the positive projections of the keycap 14 and the keyboard housing 100 in the direction parallel to the substrate 11 partially overlap. When the keyboard includes Figure 3 and Figure 4When referring to the key module shown, during the process that the keycap assembly 16 of the key module 1 moves towards the substrate 11 under the action of a knocking force, one end of the side enclosure plate 142 of the keycap 14 close to the substrate 11 contacts the substrate 11. Since one end of the side enclosure plate 142 close to the substrate 11 extends beyond the framework 17, there is always a gap between the framework 17 and the substrate 11 and they will not contact each other. After one end of the side enclosure plate 142 of the keycap 14 close to the substrate 11 contacts the substrate 11, under the continuous action of the knocking force, the connection part between the keycap 14 and the framework 17 will continue to move towards the substrate 11, and the areas of the keycap 14 and the framework 17 other than the connection part will be separated, that is, the keycap 14 generates elastic deformation. During the process that the keycap assembly 16 bears the knocking force, the displacement of the middle part 141a of the top plate 141 of the keycap 14 is greater than that of other parts of the top plate 141, and the top plate 141 of the keycap 14 undergoes elastic deformation, and the middle part 141a of the top plate 141 protrudes towards the substrate 11. That is, the key travel of the key module 1 is the displacement of the connection part between the top plate 141 and the framework 17 towards the substrate 11, and the distance that the side enclosure plate 142 moves towards the substrate 11 is less than the key travel of the key module 1. In this way, under the conditions of the same key travel and the same key slot depth, when the keycap assembly 16 is at the maximum travel position, the distance between at least part of the edge of the top plate 141 of the keycap 14 and the top of the keyboard housing 100 is smaller. Therefore, the problem of scratching can be improved; in addition, since the displacement of the side enclosure plate 142 is less than the key travel, the distance between the bottom end of the side enclosure plate 142 and the substrate 11 is smaller, which is beneficial to avoiding the problem of light leakage when the keycap assembly 16 is at the lifted position. When the keyboard 200 includes Figures 16 - 19 the key module shown, on the one hand, under the conditions of the same key travel and the same key slot depth, when the keycap 14 is at the lifted position, the distance between the side enclosure plate of the keycap and the substrate can be smaller, which is more beneficial to avoiding the problem of light leakage. On the other hand, under the conditions of the same key travel and the same distance between the top plate 141 of the keycap 14 and the top surface of the keyboard housing when the keycap 14 is at the lifted position, the size of the keycap 14 in the second direction C is larger, and when the keycap 14 is at the lifted position, the size of the overlapping area between the side enclosure plate 142 of the keycap 14 and the orthographic projection of the keyboard housing 100 in the first direction B is larger. Therefore, the size of the keyboard housing 100 in the second direction C can be reduced while ensuring no light leakage, which is beneficial to avoiding the problem of scratching.

[0060] Figure 21 shows a schematic structural diagram of an electronic device provided by an embodiment of the present application, as Figure 21 shown, an electronic device provided by this embodiment includes a host and the above-mentioned keyboard 200, and the keyboard 200 is electrically connected to the host. Since the above-mentioned keyboard 200 is provided in this electronic device, at least the technical effects that the above-mentioned keyboard 200 can achieve can be achieved, that is, the problems of light leakage and scratching of the keyboard 200 are improved.

[0061] It should be understood that the keyboard 200 mentioned in this embodiment can be the keyboard of a laptop or the keyboard of a desktop computer (i.e., an external standalone keyboard), but is not limited to the keyboard of a laptop and the keyboard of a desktop computer. As long as it is an electronic device involving human-computer interaction, the keyboard provided in the embodiments of the present application can be used as an input device. The electronic devices mentioned in this embodiment can be laptops, desktop computers, or other human-computer interaction devices, etc.

[0062] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications to the present application without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application. Thus, if these modifications and variations of the present application fall within the scope of the claims of the present application and their equivalent technologies, the present application also intends to include these changes and modifications.

Claims

1. A key module, characterized in that, It includes a substrate, a support assembly and a keycap assembly. Among them, the keycap assembly is disposed opposite to the substrate. The keycap assembly includes a keycap and a skeleton. The keycap includes a top plate and a side enclosure plate. The side enclosure plate is fixedly provided on the side of the top plate facing the substrate. The top plate and the side enclosure plate jointly enclose a receiving cavity. The skeleton is located in the receiving cavity, and the middle part of the skeleton is fixedly connected to the middle part of the top plate. One end of the side enclosure plate close to the substrate extends beyond the skeleton. The support assembly is connected between the substrate and the skeleton. The support assembly is used to support the skeleton during the movement of the keycap assembly, and the support assembly can be telescopic during the movement of the keycap assembly.

2. The key module according to claim 1, characterized in that Both the top plate and the skeleton include a middle part and a peripheral part. The peripheral part surrounds the outer periphery of the corresponding middle part. The middle part of the skeleton is fixedly connected to the middle part of the top plate, and the peripheral part of the skeleton is independent of the peripheral part of the top plate. When the side enclosure plate is in a state of abutting against the substrate, along the direction from the center of the top plate to the edge of the top plate, the distance between the peripheral part of the top plate and the peripheral part of the skeleton gradually increases or first gradually increases and then gradually decreases. When the side enclosure plate is in a state of separating from the substrate, the minimum distance between the top plate and the substrate is greater than the minimum distance between the top plate and the substrate when the side enclosure plate is in a state of abutting against the substrate.

3. The key module according to claim 1, characterized in that Taking the direction parallel to the substrate as the first direction, both the top plate and the skeleton include a first part, a middle part and a second part arranged in sequence along the first direction. The first part and the second part are both fixedly connected to the corresponding middle part. The middle part of the skeleton is fixedly connected to the middle part of the top plate. The first part of the skeleton is independent of the first part of the top plate, and the second part of the skeleton is independent of the second part of the top plate. When the side enclosure plate is in a state of abutting against the substrate, along the direction from the center of the top plate to the first part of the top plate, the distance between the first part of the top plate and the first part of the skeleton gradually increases or first gradually increases and then gradually decreases, and along the direction from the center of the top plate to the second part of the top plate, the distance between the second part of the top plate and the second part of the skeleton gradually increases or first gradually increases and then gradually decreases. When the side enclosure plate is in a state of separating from the substrate, the minimum distance between the top plate and the substrate is greater than the minimum distance between the top plate and the substrate when the side enclosure plate is in a state of abutting against the substrate.

4. The key module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, When the side enclosure plate is in a state of separating from the substrate, the top plate is a flat plate or the top plate has an arc-shaped concave surface.

5. The key module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that A recessed part is provided on the side of the substrate facing the keycap assembly. When the keycap assembly is at the maximum stroke position, the side enclosure plate abuts against the recessed part.

6. The key module according to claim 5, characterized in that There are multiple recessed parts. The multiple recessed parts are distributed along an annular track. The annular track matches the shape of the side enclosure plate. When the keycap assembly is at the maximum stroke position, the side enclosure plate abuts against the multiple recessed parts. Alternatively, the recessed portion is an annular recessed portion that matches the shape of the side enclosure; when the keycap assembly is in the maximum stroke position, the side enclosure abuts against the annular recessed portion.

7. The key module according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that It includes a circuit board that is fixed to the surface of the substrate opposite to the keycap assembly, and the circuit board is provided with an avoidance hole corresponding to the recessed portion, and the recessed portion is located in the avoidance hole.

8. A key module, characterized in that, It includes a substrate, a support assembly, and a keycap. The keycap includes a top plate and a side enclosure, and the side enclosure is fixedly arranged on one side of the top plate facing the substrate; the support assembly is connected between the substrate and the keycap, and the support assembly is used to support the keycap during the movement of the keycap, and the support assembly can be telescoped during the movement of the keycap; a recessed portion is provided on the side of the substrate facing the keycap, and when the keycap is in the maximum stroke position, the side enclosure abuts against the recessed portion.

9. The key module according to claim 8, wherein The recessed portions are multiple, and the multiple recessed portions are distributed along an annular track that matches the shape of the side enclosure; when the keycap is in the maximum stroke position, the side enclosure abuts against the multiple recessed portions; Alternatively, the recessed portion is an annular recessed portion that matches the shape of the side enclosure; when the keycap is in the maximum stroke position, the side enclosure abuts against the annular recessed portion.

10. The key module according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, It includes a circuit board that is fixed to the surface of the substrate opposite to the keycap, and an avoidance hole corresponding to the recessed portion is provided on the surface of the circuit board facing the keycap, and the recessed portion is located in the avoidance hole.

11. A keyboard, characterized in that, It includes a keyboard housing and at least one key module according to any one of claims 1 to 10. The keyboard housing has a key slot, and the key module is fixed in the key slot. When the keycap assembly is in the lifted position, the positive projections of the keycap and the keyboard housing in the direction parallel to the substrate are connected or partially overlapped.

12. An electronic device, characterized in that, It includes a host and the keyboard according to claim 11, and the keyboard is electrically connected to the host.

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