Keyboard, electronic equipment and electronic equipment assembly

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a keyboard, electronic equipment and an electronic equipment assembly, and belongs to the technical field of keyboards. The keyboard comprises keys and a flexible circuit board. The key comprises a key cap, a connecting piece and a surface application element, and the surface application element is arranged on the side, opposite to the flexible circuit board, of the key cap. The flexible circuit board comprises a connecting part and a contact part. The key cap is used for reciprocating between a pressed position and an unpressed position relative to the flexible circuit board, and the contact part is extruded when the key cap is located at the pressed position, so that the flexible circuit board outputs a signal matched with the key. The first end of the connecting piece is used for being electrically connected with the surface application element, the second end of the connecting piece abuts against the connecting part, and the flexible circuit board is electrically connected with the surface application element through the connecting piece. According to the keyboard, the electronic equipment and the electronic equipment assembly provided by the embodiment of the invention, the electric connection reliability of the surface application element can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of the present application relate to the technical field of keyboards, and in particular to a keyboard, an electronic device, and an electronic device component. Background Art

[0002] Currently, in order to enrich the functionality and aesthetics of keyboard keycaps, electronic devices such as light-emitting devices, display devices, and near field communication (NFC) chips need to be provided on the keycaps of the keyboard. At this time, the electronic devices on the keycaps need to be connected to a power source and / or other electronic modules (for example, a controller) to ensure the normal use of the electronic devices on the keycaps.

[0003] In the related art, a flexible cable is used to electrically connect the electronic module and the electronic device to ensure the normal use of the electronic device. Among them, the flexible cable is provided with a redundant length, which can prevent the flexible cable from being pulled by the keycap during the movement of the keycap and prevent the connection at both ends of the flexible cable from breaking. However, the redundant flexible cable needs to occupy more space inside the keyboard, resulting in the redundant flexible cable being easily caught by the moving parts in the keyboard during the key movement, making the key pressed with hindrance and affecting the pressing feel of the key. In addition, the flexible cable is easily rubbed against the structural parts inside the keyboard during the key movement, causing the outer surface of the flexible cable to wear and leak electricity or break, resulting in the flexible cable being difficult to maintain a normal electrical connection and / or communication connection with the electronic device on the keycap.

[0004] Therefore, when the related art keyboard supplies power and / or makes a communication connection to the electronic device on the keycap, the electrical connection reliability of the electronic device is poor. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The embodiments of the present application provide a keyboard, an electronic device, and an electronic device component, which can improve the electrical connection reliability of surface application components.

[0006] The first aspect of the present application provides a keyboard, which includes a key and a flexible circuit board. Among them, the key includes a keycap, a connecting member, and a surface application component, and the surface application component is arranged on the keycap. The flexible circuit board includes a connection part and a contact part. The keycap is used to reciprocate between a pressed position and an unpressed position relative to the flexible circuit board. When the keycap is in the pressed position, the contact part is squeezed, so that the flexible circuit board outputs a signal matching the key. The first end of the connecting member is used to be electrically connected to the surface application component, the second end of the connecting member abuts against the connection part, and the flexible circuit board is electrically connected to the surface application component through the connecting member.

[0007] By pressing the keycap, the keycap can be transformed from an unpressed position to a pressed position. At this time, the contact part is squeezed, so that the flexible circuit board outputs a signal matching the key. For example, when the key corresponds to "C", the flexible circuit board can output a signal matching "C" to achieve the input of the "C" character. In addition, the flexible circuit board can transmit signals, currents, etc. to be transmitted to the surface application components through the connecting piece to control the use of the surface application components.

[0008] Since the second end of the connecting piece abuts against the connecting part, during the movement of the keycap relative to the flexible circuit board, the second end of the connecting piece and the connecting part always remain in contact, thereby improving the connection stability between the connecting piece and the flexible circuit board, and further improving the electrical connection reliability of the surface application components. In addition, by using a flexible circuit board with a contact part and a connecting part in cooperation with the key, the number of parts of the keyboard can be reduced, and the structure of the keyboard can be simplified.

[0009] In a possible implementation, the keyboard further includes a bottom plate, and the flexible circuit board is arranged on the side of the bottom plate close to the keycap. The bottom plate is provided with an abutting part, and the second end of the connecting piece is arranged inside the abutting part and abuts against the abutting part. The second end of the connecting piece abuts against the connecting part through the abutting part.

[0010] In this way, during the process of pressing the keycap, the second end of the connecting piece can always abut against the connecting part, so that the second end of the connecting piece and the connecting part always remain in contact, improving the electrical connection reliability of the surface application components.

[0011] In a possible implementation, the bottom plate is provided with an avoidance part for avoiding the flexible circuit board.

[0012] In this way, during the movement of the keycap relative to the flexible circuit board, the flexible circuit board can produce an effect similar to that of a spring pad, avoiding the flexible circuit board from hindering the movement of the keycap through the connecting piece under the action of the bottom plate, ensuring the pressing feel. In addition, damage to the flexible circuit board can also be avoided.

[0013] In a possible implementation, the abutting part is in line contact with the second end of the connecting piece.

[0014] In this way, the contact area between the abutting part and the second end of the connecting piece can be reduced, the friction between the abutting part and the second end of the connecting piece can be reduced, and it helps to improve the pressing feel.

[0015] In a possible implementation, the keyboard further includes a magnetic attracting part, and the magnetic attracting part is arranged on the abutting part and magnetically connected to the second end of the connecting piece, so that the abutting part abuts against the second end of the connecting piece.

[0016] In this way, on the premise that the abutting portion abuts against the second end of the connecting member, the magnetic attracting member magnetically connects with the second end of the connecting member, so that the abutting portion is always magnetically connected with the second end of the connecting member, ensuring that the second end of the connecting member always abuts against the abutting portion, which helps to further improve the electrical connection reliability of the surface application component.

[0017] In a possible implementation manner, the keycap includes an electrical connection portion, and the first end of the connecting member is electrically connected to the surface application component through the electrical connection portion.

[0018] In this way, the first end of the connecting member can be electrically connected to the surface application component to transmit current, signals to be transmitted, etc. to the surface application component.

[0019] In a possible implementation manner, the electrical connection portion in the keycap is also used as a hook portion, and the hook portion is used for movably connecting with the balance bar or the connecting member.

[0020] In this way, using the electrical connection portion as the hook portion can not only realize the electrical connection between the surface application component and the first end of the connecting member, but also reduce the number of parts of the key to simplify the structure of the key.

[0021] In a possible implementation manner, the keycap is provided with a connection through hole, and one of the surface application component and the connecting member has an electrical connection portion passing through the connection through hole, and the connecting member is electrically connected to the surface application component through the electrical connection portion.

[0022] In this way, the first end of the connecting member can be electrically connected to the surface application component to transmit current, signals to be transmitted, etc. to the surface application component.

[0023] In a possible implementation manner, the keycap is a conductive keycap, and the first end of the connecting member is electrically connected to the surface application component through the conductive keycap.

[0024] In this way, the first end of the connecting member can be electrically connected to the surface application component to transmit current, signals to be transmitted, etc. to the surface application component. In addition, the structure of the keycap can be simplified.

[0025] In a possible implementation manner, the connecting member is a scissor foot, a balance bar or an elastic member.

[0026] In this way, using the existing parts of the key as the connecting member can reduce the number of parts of the key, simplify the structure of the key. In addition, the design difficulty of the key can be reduced.

[0027] In a possible implementation manner, the connecting member is a balance bar, the first end of the balance bar is movably connected to the keycap and is used for electrically connecting with the surface application component, and the second end of the balance bar abuts against the connecting portion.

[0028] In this way, while ensuring a stable electrical connection between the surface application component and the connection part, it is possible to ensure that the keycap reciprocates smoothly between the pressed position and the unpressed position, improving the feel when pressing the keycap.

[0029] In a possible implementation, the flexible circuit board includes a first circuit layer with a connection part, a second circuit layer with a contact part, an insulating layer, and an exposed part. The first circuit layer is disposed between the keycap and the insulating layer, the insulating layer is disposed between at least part of the first circuit layer and the second circuit layer, and a part of the exposed part is disposed on the first circuit layer and another part is disposed on the insulating layer. The exposed part is used to expose the contact part.

[0030] In this way, the first circuit layer and the second circuit layer are separated by the insulating layer, and the second circuit layer will not be damaged even if the first circuit layer is damaged, ensuring the normal use of the input function of the keyboard.

[0031] In a possible implementation, the surface application component includes at least one of the following components: a light-emitting component, a display component, a near-field communication chip, a fingerprint component, and an antenna.

[0032] In a possible implementation, the key further includes a protective layer disposed on the side of the surface application component facing away from the keycap and covering the surface application component.

[0033] In this way, damage to the surface application component can be avoided, improving the reliability and service life of the surface application component.

[0034] The second aspect of the present application provides an electronic device including a keyboard according to any one of the first aspect.

[0035] In this way, a surface application component is provided on the keycap of the keyboard in the electronic device, thus enriching the aesthetics and functionality of the keycap of the keyboard in the electronic device. And the surface application component can maintain a stable electrical connection with the connection part of the flexible circuit board through the connection member, thereby improving the electrical connection reliability of the surface application component.

[0036] The third aspect of the present application provides an electronic device assembly including an electronic device and a keyboard according to any one of the first aspect, and the keyboard is communicatively connected to the electronic device.

[0037] In this way, a surface application component is provided on the keycap of the keyboard in the electronic device assembly, thus enriching the aesthetics and functionality of the keycap of the keyboard in the electronic device assembly. And the surface application component can maintain a stable electrical connection with the connection part of the flexible circuit board through the connection member, thereby improving the electrical connection reliability of the surface application component. Description of the Drawings

[0038] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of a keyboard in the related art;

[0039] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of an electronic device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0040] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device component provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0041] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the structure of a keyboard provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0042] Figure 5 Schematic cross-sectional view of the cooperation between a single key of the first structure and a flexible circuit board provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0043] Figure 6 is Figure 5 Schematic cross-sectional view of a kind of flexible circuit board in

[0044] Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the surface application element provided on the multiple keys of the keyboard provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0045] Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the application of the surface application element as a light-emitting element to the keycap provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0046] Figure 9 Schematic diagram of the principle of the surface application element realizing the multimedia function provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0047] Figure 10 Schematic diagram of the application of the surface application element as a display element to the keycap provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0048] Figure 11 Schematic diagram of the application of the surface application element as an antenna to the keycap provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0049] Figure 12 Schematic diagram of the principle when the surface application element is used as an antenna provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0050] Figure 13 is Figure 5 Enlarged schematic diagram within the dashed box in

[0051] Figure 14 Schematic cross-sectional view of the cooperation between the key of the second structure and the flexible circuit board provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0052] Figure 15 is Figure 14 Enlarged schematic diagram within the dashed box in

[0053] Figure 16Schematic cross-section view of the cooperation between the key of the third structure provided by the embodiment of the present application and the flexible circuit board;

[0054] Figure 17 For Figure 16 The enlarged schematic view within the dashed box in;

[0055] Figure 18 Schematic cross-section view of the cooperation between the key and the flexible circuit board of the fourth type provided by the embodiment of the present application.

[0056] Explanation of the reference numerals in the drawings:

[0057] 100, Keyboard;

[0058] 10, Key;

[0059] 11, Keycap; 111, Hook portion; 112, Electrical connection portion;

[0060] 12, Connector; 121, Rod main body; 122, Bending portion; 1221, First bending section; 1222, Second bending section;

[0061] 13, Surface application element; 14, Protective layer; 15, Elastic member; 16, Scissor feet;

[0062] 20, Flexible circuit board; 21, Connection portion; 22, Contact portion; 23, First circuit layer; 24, Insulating layer; 25, Second circuit layer; 26, Exposed portion;

[0063] 30, Base plate; 31, Abutting portion; 32, Avoidance portion; 33, Main board portion; 34, Forming portion; 35, Contact portion;

[0064] 40, Magnetic attraction member;

[0065] 50, Housing;

[0066] 200, Electronic device; 300, Display screen; 400, Host computer; 500, Electronic device assembly. Detailed implementation manners

[0067] The keyboard is the most commonly used and main input device. The keyboard includes at least one key. When the user presses one of the keys, the keyboard can output specific signals to an electronic device (such as a desktop computer, a tablet computer, etc.), such as characters, switch commands, direction control commands, etc. Therefore, through the keyboard, English letters, Chinese characters, numbers, punctuation marks, control commands, etc. can be input into the electronic device, so as to realize operations such as issuing commands to the electronic device and inputting data.

[0068] Figure 1 Schematic structural view of the keyboard in the related art.

[0069] In the related art, refer to Figure 1 As shown, the keyboard 210 includes keycaps 211, electronic devices 212, a circuit board 213, a metal substrate 214, a flexible cable 215, and an elastic component 216. Among them, the electronic devices 212, keycaps 211, and elastic component 216 are disposed on one side of the metal substrate 214, and the circuit board 213 is disposed on the other side of the metal substrate 214. The elastic component 216 is disposed between the metal substrate 214 and the keycaps 211. The elastic component 216 is configured to make the keycaps 211 tend to move away from the metal substrate 214. After the pressing force on the keycaps 211 disappears, the elastic component 216 drives the keycaps 211 to move away from the metal substrate 214, so that the keycaps 211 return to the initial position. The electronic devices 212 are disposed on the surface of the keycaps 211 facing away from the metal substrate 214 and are electrically connected to the circuit board 213 on the circuit board 213 through the flexible cable 215. The circuit board 213 is configured to transmit current or a control signal to the electronic devices 212 through the flexible cable 215 to ensure the normal use of the electronic devices 212. The flexible cable 215 is provided with a redundant length, which can prevent the flexible cable 215 from being pulled by the keycaps 211 during the movement of the keycaps 211 and prevent the connections at both ends of the flexible cable 215 from breaking.

[0070] However, the redundant flexible cable 215 needs to occupy a relatively large amount of space inside the keyboard 210, resulting in the redundant flexible cable 215 being easily stuck to the moving parts in the keyboard 210 during the key movement, causing obstacles during the key pressing process and affecting the key pressing feel. In addition, the flexible cable 215 is easily rubbed against the structural parts inside the keyboard 210 during the key movement, causing phenomena such as wear and leakage or breakage of the outer surface of the flexible cable 215, resulting in the flexible cable 215 being difficult to maintain a normal electrical connection and / or communication connection with the electronic devices on the keycaps 211. Therefore, when the related art keyboard 210 supplies power and / or performs a communication connection to the electronic devices 212 on the keycaps 211, the electrical connection reliability of the electronic devices 212 is relatively poor.

[0071] In view of this, embodiments of the present application provide a keyboard 100, an electronic device 200, and an electronic device assembly 500. The surface application components 13 such as light-emitting elements, display elements, and NFC chips are electrically connected to the flexible circuit board 20 through the connecting member 12 to ensure the normal use of the surface application components 13. The flexible circuit board 20 is provided with a connecting portion 21 that abuts against the connecting member 12, which can not only achieve the electrical connection between the flexible circuit board 20 and the connecting member 12, but also keep the connecting member 12 and the flexible circuit board 20 electrically connected all the time to improve the electrical connection reliability of the surface application components 13.

[0072] The keyboard 100 provided by the embodiments of the present application can be applicable to foldable electronic devices 200, such as folding mobile phones, laptop computers, etc. Or it can also be applicable to electronic devices 200 such as wearable electronic products, tablet computers, desktop computers, smart home terminals, etc. The embodiments of the present application do not make specific limitations.

[0073] Figure 2 It is a schematic three-dimensional structure diagram of an electronic device provided by the embodiments of the present application.

[0074] See Figure 2 As shown, the electronic device 200 provided by the embodiments of the present application includes a keyboard 100. Through the keyboard 100, English letters, Chinese characters, numbers, punctuation marks, control instructions, etc. can be input into the electronic device 200.

[0075] Among them, the electronic device 200 provided by the embodiments of the present application can be a folding mobile phone, laptop computer, wearable electronic product, tablet computer, game controller, calculator, or personal digital assistant (PDA), etc. In the embodiments of the present application, a laptop computer is taken as an example of the above-mentioned electronic device 200 for illustration, as Figure 2 shown.

[0076] See Figure 2 As shown, in addition to the keyboard 100, the laptop computer may further include a display screen 300. The display screen 300 is signal-connected to the keyboard 100 and can be used to display the input operations of the keyboard 100.

[0077] Figure 3 It is a schematic structural diagram of an electronic device component provided by the embodiments of the present application.

[0078] See Figure 3 As shown, the electronic device component 500 provided by the embodiments of the present application includes an electronic device 200 and a keyboard 100. Among them, the keyboard 100 is communicatively connected to the electronic device 200. Through the keyboard 100, English letters, Chinese characters, numbers, punctuation marks, control instructions, etc. can be input into the electronic device 200.

[0079] Among them, the electronic device 200 provided by the embodiments of the present application can be a desktop computer, a tablet computer, or a display device, etc. As Figure 3 shown, the electronic device 200 in the electronic device component 500 is exemplified by a desktop computer. The electronic device 200 includes a display screen 300, a host 400, etc. The host 400 is communicatively connected to the display screen 300.

[0080] The keyboard 100 provided by this application can be used as an accessory for a desktop computer. The keyboard 100 can be connected to a desktop computer (such as the host 400 of the desktop computer) through a communication interface to control the desktop computer by pressing the keyboard 100.

[0081] In the embodiments of this application, "communication connection" may refer to the transmission of electrical signals, including wireless communication connection and wired communication connection. Among them, wireless communication connection does not require a physical medium and does not belong to the connection relationship that limits the product structure.

[0082] In some implementation manners, the keyboard 100 can be wirelessly communicatively connected to the electronic device 200 through wireless communication manners such as Bluetooth. In other implementation manners, the keyboard 100 can also be communicatively connected to the electronic device 200 in a wired manner through wires, data lines, etc.

[0083] The following describes the implementation manners of the keyboard 100 provided by the embodiments of this application with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0084] Figure 4 It is a schematic structural diagram of a keyboard provided by an embodiment of this application.

[0085] See Figure 4 As shown, the keyboard 100 provided by the embodiments of this application includes keys 10, a flexible circuit board 20, and a housing 50. Among them, the flexible circuit board 20 is fixedly arranged inside the housing 50. A part of the keys 10 is arranged inside the housing 50, and another part is arranged outside the housing 50.

[0086] The number of keys 10 can be one or more. In some implementation manners, as Figure 4 shown, the number of keys 10 can be multiple. In other implementation manners, the keyboard 100 can also be provided with only a single key 10 (not shown in the figure). For example, when the keyboard 100 is only used for switching, the keyboard 100 can be provided with only one switch key.

[0087] The keys 10 have a pressed position and an unpressed position, and the keys 10 can reciprocate between the pressed position and the unpressed position. In other words, the keys 10 can move up and down between the pressed position and the unpressed position. Among them, when the keys 10 are in the pressed position, the flexible circuit board 20 can output a signal matching the pressed keys 10 according to the pressed keys 10. In some implementation manners, when the number of keys 10 is multiple, each of the multiple keys 10 can reciprocate between the pressed position and the unpressed position.

[0088] The key 10 can be a multiple key (i.e., a long key) with a large aspect ratio of length to width or a function key. For example, the shift key, space bar, enter key, and keys such as "0" and "+" on the numeric keypad 100, or it can also be an ordinary key with a small aspect ratio of length to width, such as the numeric keys from 1 to 9, the 26 letter keys 10, etc. It can also be a special key with a special shape, such as the enter key set in an "L" shape.

[0089] In some implementation manners, multiple keys 10 can simultaneously include a multiple key (i.e., a long key) with a large aspect ratio of length to width, a special key, and an ordinary key with a small aspect ratio of length to width.

[0090] In some other implementation manners, multiple keys 10 can also only include ordinary keys, multiple keys, or special keys.

[0091] In one embodiment, the keyboard 100 provided by the embodiments of the present application can be independent of the electronic device 200 and can be communicatively connected to the electronic device 200 independent of the keyboard 100 and used as an input device of the connected electronic device 200. For example, an external keyboard of a desktop computer.

[0092] In some other implementation manners, the keyboard 100 provided by the embodiments of the present application can also be used as a structural component of the electronic device 200 and used as an input device of the electronic device 200. For example, the keyboard 100 of a laptop computer, the keyboard 100 of a mobile phone, etc.

[0093] Figure 5 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of a single key of the first structure provided by the embodiments of the present application in cooperation with a flexible circuit board. Figure 6 is Figure 5 a schematic cross-sectional view of a kind of flexible circuit board in

[0094] As Figure 6 shown, the flexible circuit board 20 includes a connection part 21 and a contact part 22. Among them, the connection part 21 is used for electrically connecting with the connecting member 12 (as Figure 5 shown), to realize the electrical connection between the flexible circuit board 20 and the connecting member 12. The contact part 22 can be functionally similar to a switch. When the key 10 presses the contact part 22, the flexible circuit board 20 can output a signal corresponding to the key 10, realizing the signal input function of the keyboard 100.

[0095] Among them, the connection part 21 can be understood as the position (or part) of the flexible circuit board 20 for electrically connecting with the connecting member 12. In addition, the number of the connection parts 21 can be one or more. For example, Figure 5 shown, the flexible circuit board 20 is provided with two connection parts 21.

[0096] The flexible circuit board 20 with the contact portion 22 and the connection portion 21 cooperates with the key 10, enabling the flexible circuit board 20 to simultaneously implement the signal input function of the keyboard 100 and the application of the surface application component 13, reducing the number of parts of the keyboard 100, and thus simplifying the structure of the keyboard 100.

[0097] In some implementation manners, the flexible circuit board 20 may further include a plurality of circuits. Each circuit is provided with a contact portion 22, and each circuit corresponds to a key 10. When the key 10 is pressed, the key 10 can move toward the contact portion 22 to squeeze the contact portion 22, and the circuit corresponding to the contact portion 22 is turned on. Thus, the flexible circuit board 20 can output a signal matching the turned-on circuit according to the turned-on circuit, and the signal corresponds to the corresponding key 10, enabling the plurality of keys 10 to output multiple signals, and further implementing the signal input function of the keyboard 100.

[0098] As Figure 5 shown, the key 10 includes a keycap 11, a connecting member 12, and a surface application component 13. Among them, the surface application component 13 is disposed on the keycap 11. The keycap 11 is used for reciprocating movement between a pressed position and an unpressed position relative to the flexible circuit board 20. When the keycap 11 is in the pressed position, the contact portion 22 is squeezed, causing the flexible circuit board 20 to output a signal matching the key 10. The first end of the connecting member 12 is used for electrically connecting to the surface application component 13, and the second end of the connecting member 12 abuts against the connection portion 21 (as Figure 6 shown), and the flexible circuit board 20 is electrically connected to the surface application component 13 through the connecting member 12.

[0099] By implementing the electrical connection between the flexible circuit board 20 and the surface application component 13 through the connecting member 12, the flexible circuit board 20 can transmit the received current or signal to the surface application component 13 through the connecting member 12, or the flexible circuit board 20 can also transmit the signal received or generated by the surface application component 13 to the electronic device 200, enabling the surface application component 13 to work properly or adjusting the surface application component 13.

[0100] When the keycap 11 is in the pressed position or the unpressed position, the second end of the connecting member 12 always abuts against the connection portion 21 of the flexible circuit board 20 (as Figure 6 shown). During the movement of the keycap 11 relative to the flexible circuit board 20, the second end of the connecting member 12 is always electrically connected to the flexible circuit board 20, thereby improving the connection stability of the connecting member 12 and further improving the electrical connection reliability of the surface application component 13.

[0101] In some implementation manners, the surface application component 13 may be disposed on the side of the keycap 11 facing away from the flexible circuit board 20. Specifically, as Figure 5As shown, the surface application element 13 is disposed on the surface of the keycap 11 facing away from the flexible circuit board 20 and in contact with the keycap 11. Alternatively, in some examples, the surface application element 13 may also be disposed on the surface side of the keycap 11 facing away from the flexible circuit board 20 and not in contact with the keycap 11 (not shown in the figure).

[0102] In some other implementation manners, the surface application element 13 may also be disposed on the other side of the keycap 11 facing the flexible circuit board 20, and the surface application element 13 may be in contact with or not in contact with the surface of the keycap 11 facing the flexible circuit board 20.

[0103] In still some other implementation manners, the keycap 11 may also be provided with a receiving hole (not shown in the figure). The receiving hole (not shown in the figure) penetrates through the keycap 11 and the axis of the receiving hole (not shown in the figure) is parallel to the thickness direction of the flexible circuit board 20. At least a part of the surface application element 13 is disposed inside the receiving hole (not shown in the figure).

[0104] Figure 7 Schematic diagram of a multiple key of the keyboard provided by the embodiment of the present application with a surface application element.

[0105] There is no specific limitation on which keys 10 are provided with the surface application element 13. In some implementation manners, as Figure 7 shown, the surface application element 13 may be disposed in a multiple key (such as Figure 7 shown as A). In some other implementation manners, the surface application element 13 may also be disposed in both multiple keys and ordinary keys.

[0106] In Figure 7 , c refers to a schematic diagram of the keyboard 100, and d refers to a schematic diagram of the signal or current flow direction in the multiple key.

[0107] There is no specific limitation on the specific type of the surface application element 13. Among them, the surface application element 13 may include, but is not limited to, a light-emitting element, a display element, a near-field communication (NFC) chip, a fingerprint element, or an antenna, etc.

[0108] Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the application of the surface application element as a light-emitting element to the keycap provided by the embodiment of the present application, Figure 9 Schematic diagram of the principle of the surface application element of the embodiment of the present application realizing multimedia functions.

[0109] In some implementation manners, as Figure 8As shown, the surface application element 13 can be set as a light-emitting element. When power is supplied to this light-emitting element, the keycap 11 provided with the light-emitting element can actively and independently emit light. When the surface application element 13 is electrically connected to the flexible circuit board 20 through the connecting member 12, the flexible circuit board 20 can control the light-emitting color, light-emitting mode, light-emitting time, whether to emit light, etc. of the light-emitting element on the keycap 11, so that the keycap 11 provided with the surface application element 13 on the keyboard 100 can be personalized, thereby enhancing the aesthetics and flexibility of the light emission of the keycap 11.

[0110] In Figure 9 , the main board refers to the main board of the electronic device 200. The connector of the main board can be communicatively connected to the keyboard through wireless communication or wired connection, etc. The keyboard function refers to the signal input function of the keyboard 100. When the surface application element 13 is used as a light-emitting element, Figure 9 the multimedia function in Figure 9 can include a light-emitting function. Of course, when the keyboard 100 has multiple different types of surface application elements 13,

[0111] Figure 10 FIG. is a schematic diagram of the application of the surface application element provided in the embodiment of the present application as a display element to the keycap.

[0112] In some other implementation manners, the surface application element 13 can also be set as a display element. When power is supplied to this display element, the keycap 11 provided with the display element can display information such as date, battery level, weather, etc. Exemplarily, as Figure 10 shown, the display element can display characters of different sizes.

[0113] It should be noted that when the surface application element 13 is used as a display element, the electronic device 200 can also control the use of the surface application element 13 through the architecture as Figure 9 shown.

[0114] In still some other implementation manners, the surface application element 13 can also be set as an NFC chip. When the NFC chip is provided on the keycap 11, the NFC chip of the keycap 11 can be communicatively connected to an external smart phone, and the information of the smart phone can be input into the flexible circuit board 20 of the keyboard 100 through the NFC chip, and then the flexible circuit board 20 of the keyboard 100 inputs this information into the electronic device 200. This enables the keycap 11 to not only have the function of being pressable, but also realize the functions of display and NFC communication connection with the outside, enriching the functionality of the keycap 11, and at the same time increasing the interactivity between the keycap 11 and the user, and enhancing the usage pleasure of the keycap 11.

[0115] It should be noted that when the surface application component 13 is an NFC chip, the electronic device 200 can also control the use of the surface application component 13 through an architecture such as Figure 9 as shown.

[0116] Figure 11 The figure is a schematic diagram of the surface application component provided in the embodiment of the present application as an antenna applied to the keycap. Figure 12 The figure is a schematic diagram of the surface application component provided in the embodiment of the present application as an antenna.

[0117] In some other implementation manners, as Figure 11 shown, the surface application component 13 can also be set as an antenna, and functions such as Wi-Fi, 5G, 2.4G or BT can be implemented to receive and send signals.

[0118] Among them, for the specific structure of the antenna, it can include but is not limited to Figure 10 the structure shown.

[0119] In Figure 12 , the main board can be the main board of the electronic device 200. The connector of the main board can be communicatively connected to the keyboard through wireless communication or wired connection. The keyboard function refers to the signal input function of the keyboard 100. When the surface application component 13 is an antenna, functions such as Wi-Fi, 5G, 2.4G or BT can be implemented. In some implementation manners, the main board can also be the main board of the keyboard 100.

[0120] It should be noted that when the number of antennas is multiple, at least one of the functions of Wi-Fi, 5G, 2.4G and BT can be implemented.

[0121] In some implementation manners, the same key 10 can have one surface application component 13. In some other implementation manners, the same key 10 can have multiple surface application components 13. For example, the same key 10 can simultaneously have a display component and an NFC chip, or can also simultaneously have a light-emitting component and an NFC chip, etc.

[0122] As Figure 4 shown, when the number of keys 10 is multiple, at least one of the multiple keys 10 can have a surface application component 13 and a connecting member 12. In some implementation manners, each of the multiple keys 10 can include a surface application component 13 and a connecting member 12. In some other implementation manners, a part of the multiple keys 10 can include a surface application component 13 and a connecting member 12, and another part can not include a connecting member 12 and a surface application component 13. Therefore, when the number of keys 10 is multiple, at least some of the multiple keys 10 can be provided with a surface application component 13 and a connecting member 12.

[0123] It should be noted that when there are multiple keys 10 with surface application elements 13, the types and quantities of the surface application elements 13 of different keys 10 can be the same, or they can be different, or the types and quantities of the surface application elements 13 of a part of the multiple keys 10 with surface application elements 13 can be the same, and the types and quantities of the surface application elements 13 of the other part can be different.

[0124] In some possible implementation manners, as Figure 5 shown, the key 10 may further include a protective layer 14, and the protective layer 14 is disposed on the side of the surface application element 13 facing away from the keycap 11 and covers the surface application element 13. In this way, damage to the surface application element 13 can be avoided, so as to improve the use reliability and service life of the surface application element 13.

[0125] Among them, when the number of keys 10 is multiple, in some implementation manners, each of the multiple keys 10 may include a protective layer 14, or in some other implementation manners, a part of the multiple keys 10 may include a protective layer 14, and the other part may not include a protective layer 14.

[0126] In some possible implementation manners, as Figure 5 shown, the key 10 may further include an elastic member 15, and the elastic member 15 is disposed between the keycap 11 and the flexible circuit board 20. When the keycap 11 is pressed, the keycap 11 moves towards the flexible circuit board 20, and at the same time, the keycap 11 presses the elastic member 15, causing the elastic member 15 to undergo elastic deformation until the elastic member 15 presses the contact portion 22 of the flexible circuit board 20, so that the circuit corresponding to the contact portion 22 of the flexible circuit board 20 is turned on. At this time, the flexible circuit board 20 can output a signal matching the corresponding key 10 according to the different turned-on circuits to realize the signal input function of the keyboard 100.

[0127] At the same time, the elastic member 15 can store elastic potential energy during the process of being pressed. When the keycap 11 of the key 10 is released, the elastic member 15 can release the elastic potential energy and push the keycap 11 to move from the pressed position to the unpressed position, and the elastic member 15 can rely on its own elasticity to rebound to the state before being pressed, so that the circuit corresponding to the contact portion 22 is disconnected, and at this time the flexible circuit board 20 stops outputting signals outward.

[0128] The specific structure of the elastic member 15 is not limited here. In some implementations, the elastic member 15 may be a silicone cap, and the silicone cap may have a protrusion (not shown in the figure) arranged toward the contact portion 22 of the flexible circuit board 20. When the keycap 11 is pressed, the keycap 11 moves toward the flexible circuit board 20, so that the keycap 11 squeezes the silicone cap, so the silicone cap protrusion (not shown in the figure) moves toward the flexible circuit board 20 and squeezes the contact portion 22 of the flexible circuit board 20, so that the circuit corresponding to the contact portion 22 of the flexible circuit board 20 is turned on. In other implementations, the elastic member 15 may also be a spring.

[0129] In some possible implementations, such as Figure 5 As shown, the key 10 may also include a scissor foot 16, which is arranged between the base plate 30 and the keycap 11. A through hole is provided at a position of the flexible circuit board 20 corresponding to the scissor foot 16, so that the scissor foot 16 can pass through the flexible circuit board 20 and support the keycap 11. The scissor foot 16 includes a first support frame and a second support frame arranged crosswise, and forms an "X"-shaped support structure, so that when the keycap 11 moves up and down, the scissor foot 16 can support the keycap 11 to maintain a translational motion state, and improve the stability of the keycap 11 movement, and avoid the keycap 11 from tilting up, pressing failure and other problems during the pressing process. At the same time, the scissor foot 16 can provide an opposite supporting force during the pressing process of the keycap 11, forming an obvious force feedback, and improving the pressing feel of the keycap 11 during the pressing process.

[0130] In some possible implementations, the key 10 may further include a balance bar, a first end of the balance bar being movably connected to the keycap 11, and a second end of the balance bar being rotatably connected to the bottom plate 30. By providing the balance bar, the motion state of the keycap 11 can be balanced. When one end of the keycap 11 is pressed, the balance bar can transfer the force exerted on one end of the keycap 11 to the other end of the keycap 11, thereby ensuring that the keycap 11 maintains a translational state during the up and down movement, avoiding the keycap 11 from tilting up, unbalanced force, and the like, and improving the problems of failure to press the key 10, unbalanced force feedback, and the like that affect the user experience of the key 10.

[0131] In some implementations, the connector 12 may exist together with at least one of the scissor leg 16, the balance bar, and the elastic member 15. The connector 12 is a separately provided part. In this case, the connector 12 is made of a conductive material to ensure that the connector 12 is electrically connected to the connection portion 21 of the flexible circuit board 20 and the surface application element 13, respectively. The specific structure of the connector 12 is not limited here.

[0132] In some other implementation manners, the connecting member 12 can also be the scissor feet 16, the balance bar, the elastic member 15, etc. Any one of the scissor feet 16, the balance bar, and the elastic member 15 is made of a conductive material. When the scissor feet 16, the balance bar, or the elastic member 15 made of a conductive material is used as the connecting member 12, on the premise of realizing the electrical connection between the flexible circuit board 20 and the surface application component 13, by using the existing parts of the key 10 as the connecting member 12, the number of parts of the key 10 can be reduced, and the structure of the key 10 can be simplified. In addition, the design difficulty of the key 10 can be reduced.

[0133] Among them, in the embodiment of the present application, the balance bar is taken as an example of the connecting member 12 for illustration. Specifically, when the connecting member 12 is the balance bar, the first end of the balance bar is movably connected to the keycap 11 and is used for electrically connecting with the surface application component 13, and the second end of the balance bar abuts against the connecting portion 21. At this time, one function of the connecting member 12 is to realize the electrical connection between the flexible circuit board 20 and the surface application component 13 to ensure the normal use of the surface application component 13. Another function of the connecting member 12 is to balance the movement state of the keycap 11. When one end of the keycap 11 is pressed, the connecting member 12 can transmit the force received by one end of the keycap 11 to the other end of the keycap 11, so as to ensure that the keycap 11 maintains a translational state during the up and down movement, and avoid phenomena such as the keycap 11 tilting and uneven force, and improve problems such as the key 10 pressing failure and uneven force feedback that affect the use experience of the key 10.

[0134] In some implementation manners, such as Figure 5 shown, the connecting member 12 can be a rod-shaped structure, and the rod-shaped structure can include a rod main body 121 and two bending portions 122. Among them, one end of the rod main body 121 is connected to one bending portion 122, the other end of the rod main body 121 is connected to the other bending portion 122, the rod main body 121 is movably connected to the keycap 11 and is used for electrically connecting with the surface application component 13. Each bending portion 122 corresponds to a connecting portion 21, and each bending portion 122 abuts against the corresponding connecting portion 21. When the electrical connection between the flexible circuit board 20 and one of the bending portions 122 fails, the flexible circuit board 20 can also be electrically connected to the connecting member 12 through the other bending portion 122, which can improve the electrical connection reliability between the flexible circuit board 20 and the connecting member 12.

[0135] In some other implementation manners, the rod-shaped structure can also include a rod main body 121 and one bending portion 122. At this time, one end of the rod main body 121 is connected to the bending portion 122, the other end of the rod main body 121 is movably connected to the keycap 11 and is used for electrically connecting with the surface application component 13. In still some other implementation manners, the rod-shaped structure can also include a rod main body 121 and at least three bending portions 122. At this time, the first end of the rod main body 121 is fixedly connected to the keycap 11, and each bending portion 122 is connected to the rod main body 121.

[0136] As shown Figure 5 , two bending portions 122 are respectively disposed at opposite ends of the rod main body 121, and the two bending portions 122 are symmetrically disposed with respect to the center line of the rod main body 121. Among them, the center line of the rod main body 121 is perpendicular to the extending direction of the rod main body 121 (such as the X direction in Figure 5 ) and passes through the center of the rod main body 121, so that the connecting member 12 has a symmetric structure.

[0137] Figure 13 For Figure 5 the enlarged schematic view within the dashed box in

[0138] In some implementation manners, as shown in Figure 13 , the bending portion 122 may include a first bending segment 1221 and a second bending segment 1222. The first end of the first bending segment 1221 is connected to the rod main body 121, and the second end of the first bending segment 1221 is connected to the first end of the second bending segment 1222. The extending direction of the first bending segment 1221 (such as the Z direction in Figure 13 ) is perpendicular to the extending direction of the rod main body 121 (such as the X direction in Figure 13 ). The second end of the second bending segment 1222 is a free end, and the second bending segment 1222 is used to abut against the connecting portion 21. The extending direction of the second bending segment 1222 (such as the X direction in Figure 13 ) is parallel to the extending direction of the rod main body 121 (such as the X direction in Figure 13 ). The first bending segment 1221 and the second bending segment 1222 make the bending portion 122 have an L-shaped structure, so that the bending portion 122 can be electrically connected to the connecting portion 21, and further the rod main body 121 can be used to be electrically connected to the surface application element 13.

[0139] Among them, the rod main body 121 can be understood as the first end of the connecting member 12, and the second bending segment 1222 can be understood as the second end of the connecting member 12.

[0140] As shown in Figure 5 , the structures of the two bending portions 122 of the connecting member 12 are the same, and both bending portions 122 are formed by the first bending segment 1221 and the second bending segment 1222. In some implementation manners, when the connecting member 12 has multiple bending portions 122, the structures of the multiple bending portions 122 of the connecting member 12 may also be different.

[0141] In some implementation manners, along the thickness direction of the flexible circuit board 20 (such as the Z direction in Figure 13 ), the projection of the second bending segment 1222 covers the connecting portion 21, which can increase the contact area between the second bending segment 1222 and the connecting portion 21, and helps to further improve the electrical connection stability between the flexible circuit board 20 and the connecting member 12.

[0142] Among them, along the thickness direction of the flexible circuit board 20 (such as Figure 13 the Z direction in

[0143] ), the area of the projection of the second bending section 1222 can be greater than or equal to the area of the connecting portion 21. Figure 5 In some possible implementation manners, in order to achieve the abutment of the second end of the connecting member 12 and the connecting portion 21, as Figure 5 shown, the keyboard 100 may further include a bottom plate 30, and the flexible circuit board 20 is disposed on one side of the bottom plate 30 close to the keycap 11. Among them, the bottom plate 30 is provided with an abutting portion 31 (such as Figure 13 shown), the second end of the connecting member 12 is disposed inside the abutting portion 31 and abuts against the abutting portion 31, and the second end of the connecting member 12 abuts against the connecting portion 21 through the abutting portion 31. By abutting the abutting portion 31 against the second end of the connecting member 12, the second end of the connecting member 12 is always abutted against the connecting portion 21, so that the connecting member 12 and the flexible circuit board 20 are always kept in electrical connection, and further the electrical connection reliability of the surface application component 13 can be improved.

[0144] In some implementation manners, the bottom plate 30 may be made of a metal material, for example, it may be a hard metal plate such as a steel plate or an aluminum plate, and is used to support the key 10 and make the second end of the connecting member 12 abut against the connecting portion 21. In some other implementation manners, the bottom plate 30 may also be made of a rigid non-metal material such as a polymer or plastic to play a role in supporting the key 10 and making the second end of the connecting member 12 abut against the connecting portion 21.

[0145] There is no limitation on the specific structure of the abutting portion 31 here. In some implementation manners, the abutting portion 31 may be an abutting notch, and the second end of the connecting member 12 is disposed inside the abutting notch and abuts against the inner wall of the abutting notch, so that the second end of the connecting member 12 abuts against the connecting portion 21. In some other implementation manners, as Figure 13 shown, the abutting portion 31 may also be an abutting through hole, and the second end of the connecting member 12 is disposed inside the abutting through hole and abuts against the inner wall of the abutting through hole, so that the second end of the connecting member 12 abuts against the connecting portion 21. In still some other implementation manners, the abutting portion 31 may also be an abutting groove, and the second end of the connecting member 12 is disposed inside the abutting groove and abuts against the inner wall of the abutting groove, so that the second end of the connecting member 12 abuts against the connecting portion 21.

[0146] As Figure 13 shown, the second bending section 1222 of the connecting member 12 is disposed inside the abutting portion 31, along the thickness direction of the flexible circuit board 20 (such as Figure 13In the Z direction, the opposite ends of the second bending section 1222 are respectively in contact with the abutting portion 31 and the connecting portion 21, so that the second bending section 1222 maintains stable contact with the connecting portion 21, ensuring the electrical connection stability between the flexible circuit board 20 and the connecting member 12.

[0147] The second bending section 1222 of the connecting member 12 is disposed inside the abutting portion 31 and is rotatably connected to the inner wall of the abutting portion 31, so that the keycap 11 can move up and down between the pressed position and the unpressed position.

[0148] Since the second bending section 1222 of the connecting member 12 can rotate relative to the inner wall of the abutting portion 31, the bending portion 122 is in contact with the abutting portion 31 and is rotatably connected to the bottom plate 30 at the same time, and further the rod main body 121 can rotate relative to the bottom plate 30.

[0149] When the keycap 11 is pressed so that the keycap 11 moves toward the flexible circuit board 20, the keycap 11 pushes the rod main body 121 of the connecting member 12 toward the flexible circuit board 20, so that the connecting member 12 rotates toward the flexible circuit board 20 with the center line of the abutting portion 31 parallel to the extending direction of the rod main body 121 as the rotation axis under the push of the keycap 11. At this time, the rod main body 121 moves along an arc-shaped trajectory, so as to slide relative to the keycap 11.

[0150] When the keycap 11 is released so that the keycap 11 moves away from the flexible circuit board 20, the keycap 11 drives the rod main body 121 of the connecting member 12 to move away from the flexible circuit board 20, so that the connecting member 12 rotates away from the flexible circuit board 20 with the center line of the abutting portion 31 parallel to the extending direction of the rod main body 121 as the rotation axis under the drive of the keycap 11. At this time, the rod main body 121 also moves along an arc-shaped trajectory, so as to slide relative to the keycap 11.

[0151] Therefore, during the movement of the keycap 11, the connecting member 12 can rotate following the keycap 11 and maintain electrical connection with the surface application component 13 during the relative sliding with the keycap 11. And, during the relative rotation with the flexible circuit board 20, the connecting member 12 can maintain stable contact connection with the connecting portion 21 of the flexible circuit board 20, so that the connecting member 12 maintains stable electrical connection with the surface application component 13 and the flexible circuit board 20 respectively during the movement of the keycap 11, so that the flexible circuit board 20 and the surface application component 13 can maintain stable electrical connection, and further it can ensure the normal operation of the surface application component 13 during the movement of the keycap 11.

[0152] In some implementation manners, such as Figure 5As shown, the bottom plate 30 may include a main board portion 33 and a forming portion 34. Among them, the forming portion 34 is connected to the main board portion 33, and the forming portion 34 and the main board portion 33 enclose an abutting portion 31 that can accommodate the second end of the connecting member 12. The flexible circuit board 20 and the forming portion 34 are disposed on the same side of the main board portion 33. The flexible circuit board 20 is provided with a first avoidance hole for the forming portion 34 to pass through, so that the second end of the connecting member 12 can be disposed inside the abutting portion 31. In this way, the connecting member 12 can abut against the connecting portion 21 of the flexible circuit board 20 through the bottom plate 30, so that the second end of the connecting member 12 maintains a stable electrical connection with the connecting portion 21.

[0153] In some other implementation manners, the bottom plate 30 may also include a main board portion 33 and a forming portion 34. Among them, the forming portion 34 is connected to the main board portion 33, and the forming portion 34 may also form the abutting portion 31. The flexible circuit board 20 and the forming portion 34 are disposed on the same side of the main board portion 33. The flexible circuit board 20 is provided with a first avoidance hole for the forming portion 34 to pass through. In this way, the connecting member 12 can also abut against the connecting portion 21 of the flexible circuit board 20 through the bottom plate 30, so that the second end of the connecting member 12 maintains a stable electrical connection with the connecting portion 21.

[0154] There is no limitation on the specific structure of the forming portion 34 here. In some implementation manners, the forming portion 34 may be an L-shaped plate structure, so that the forming portion 34 and the main board portion 33 can enclose an abutting notch. In some other implementation manners, the forming portion 34 and the main board portion 33 may also enclose an abutting groove. In still some other implementation manners, the forming portion 34 may also be a U-shaped plate structure, so that the forming portion 34 and the main board portion 33 can also enclose an abutting notch. In some implementation manners, the forming portion 34 may also be a block structure, and the block structure is provided with one of an abutting notch, an abutting through hole, and an abutting groove.

[0155] As Figure 5 shown, the connecting member 12 corresponds to two forming portions 34, and the structures of the two forming portions 34 are the same. In some implementation manners, when the same connecting member 12 corresponds to multiple forming portions 34, the structures of the multiple forming portions 34 corresponding to the same connecting member 12 may also be different.

[0156] In some implementation manners, the forming portion 34 and the main board portion 33 are an integral structure, which can improve the connection strength between the forming portion 34 and the main board portion 33 and help improve the service life of the forming portion 34. In some other implementation manners, the forming portion 34 may also be detachably connected to the main board portion 33, and the second end of the bottom plate 30 and the connecting member 12 can also be connected.

[0157] As Figure 13 shown, along the thickness direction of the flexible circuit board 20 (such as Figure 13In the Z direction, the size of the abutting portion 31 is larger than that of the second bent section 1222. In this way, the keycap 11 can push the connecting member 12 to move, preventing the connecting member 12 from obstructing the movement of the keycap 11 towards the flexible circuit board 20.

[0158] In some possible implementation manners, such as Figure 13 As shown, the bottom plate 30 may further be provided with an avoidance portion 32 for avoiding the flexible circuit board 20. In this way, during the movement of the keycap 11 relative to the flexible circuit board 20, the flexible circuit board 20 can produce an effect similar to that of a spring pad, which can prevent the flexible circuit board 20 from obstructing the movement of the keycap 11 towards the flexible circuit board 20 under the action of the bottom plate 30 through the connecting member 12, and can ensure the feel. In addition, damage to the flexible circuit board 20 can be avoided.

[0159] Such as Figure 13 As shown, the second bent section 1222 of the connecting member 12 is disposed inside the abutting portion 31, and opposite ends of the second bent section 1222 are respectively abutted against the inner wall of the abutting portion 31 and the connecting portion 21 of the flexible circuit board 20. The second bent section 1222 enables a part of the flexible circuit board 20 to be disposed inside the avoidance portion 32, which can avoid damage to a part of the flexible circuit board 20 between the second bent section 1222 and the main board portion 33 of the bottom plate 30, and / or affect the feel.

[0160] There is no specific limitation on the specific structure of the avoidance portion 32 here. In some implementation manners, such as Figure 13 As shown, the avoidance portion 32 is a second avoidance hole penetrating through the main board portion 33 of the bottom plate 30, and the second avoidance hole is used to accommodate a part of the flexible circuit board 20 to avoid the flexible circuit board 20. In other implementation manners, the avoidance portion 32 may also be an avoidance groove provided on the main board portion 33 of the bottom plate 30, and the avoidance groove is used to accommodate a part of the flexible circuit board 20 to avoid the flexible circuit board 20.

[0161] The number of the avoidance portions 32 may be one or more. Among them, when the number of the avoidance portions 32 is multiple, each avoidance portion 32 corresponds to one abutting portion 31. For example Figure 5 As shown, the number of the avoidance portions 32 is two, and the number of the abutting portions 31 is also two.

[0162] Such as Figure 13 As shown, the second end of the connecting member 12 is disposed inside the abutting portion 31 and is in surface contact with the abutting portion 31. Specifically, as Figure 13 As shown, a part of the second bent section 1222 of the connecting member 12 is disposed inside the abutting portion 31 and is in surface contact with the abutting portion 31.

[0163] However, in some implementations, the abutting portion 31 and the second end of the connecting member 12 can also be in line contact, which can reduce the contact area between the abutting portion 31 and the second end of the connecting member 12, reduce the frictional force between the abutting portion 31 and the second end of the connecting member 12, and help improve the feel.

[0164] Figure 14 FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the cooperation between the key of the second structure provided by the embodiment of the present application and the flexible circuit board. Figure 15 is Figure 14 the enlarged schematic view within the dashed box in FIG.

[0165] Figure 14 and Figure 5 The difference is that the abutting portion 31 and the second end of the connecting member 12 are in line contact. Specifically, as Figure 15 shown, a contact portion 35 is provided inside the abutting portion 31. The contact portion 35 is fixedly connected to the abutting portion 31. The contact portion 35 is in line contact with and abuts against the second end of the connecting member 12, so that the contact area between the connecting member 12 and the abutting portion 31 becomes smaller to reduce the frictional force.

[0166] In some implementations, the contact portion 35 can also be provided on the second end of the connecting member 12. At this time, the contact portion 35 is in line contact with the inner wall of the abutting portion 31 and abuts against the abutting portion 31, and can also reduce the contact area between the connecting member 12 and the abutting portion 31 to reduce the frictional force.

[0167] There is no limitation on the specific structure of the contact portion 35 here. In some implementations, as Figure 15 shown, the cross-section of the contact portion 35 can be semi-circular, and the cross-section of the contact portion 35 is in the thickness direction of the flexible circuit board 20 (such as Figure 15 the Z direction in FIG. Figure 15 and the extending direction of the rod main body 121 (such as

[0168] Figure 16 FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the cooperation between the key of the third structure provided by the embodiment of the present application and the flexible circuit board. Figure 17 is Figure 16 the enlarged schematic view within the dashed box in FIG.

[0169] Figure 16 and Figure 5 The difference is that the keyboard 100 can further include a magnetic attraction member 40. Among them, as Figure 17As shown, the magnetic attraction member 40 is disposed on the abutting portion 31 and magnetically connected to the second end of the connecting member 12, so that the abutting portion 31 abuts against the second end of the connecting member 12. On the premise that the abutting portion 31 abuts against the second end of the connecting member 12, by magnetically connecting the magnetic attraction member 40 to the second end of the connecting member 12, the abutting portion 31 can always be magnetically connected to the second end of the connecting member 12, which helps to further improve the electrical connection reliability of the surface application component 13.

[0170] There is no limitation on the specific material of the magnetic attraction member 40 here. In some implementation manners, the magnetic attraction member 40 can be a magnet. At this time, the connecting member 12 can be made of a magnetic material or a material that can be adsorbed by the magnet.

[0171] As Figure 17 shown, the second end of the connecting member 12 is disposed between the magnetic attraction member 40 and the flexible circuit board 20, and the magnetic attraction member 40 is disposed outside the abutting portion 31. In some implementation manners, the magnetic attraction member 40 can also be disposed inside the abutting portion 31.

[0172] The number of the magnetic attraction members 40 can be one or more. When the number of the magnetic attraction members 40 is multiple, each magnetic attraction member 40 corresponds to one abutting portion 31. For example Figure 16 shown, the number of the abutting portions 31 is two, then the number of the magnetic attraction members 40 is also two.

[0173] Next, it will be described how the connecting member 12 is electrically connected to the surface application component 13.

[0174] In some possible implementation manners, as Figure 5 shown, the keycap 11 can include an electrical connection portion 112. The first end of the electrical connection portion 112 is electrically connected to the surface application component 13, and the second end of the electrical connection portion 112 is electrically connected to the first end of the connecting member 12, so that the first end of the connecting member 12 is electrically connected to the surface application component 13 through the electrical connection portion 112. In this way, the first end of the connecting member 12 can be electrically connected to the surface application component 13, and current, signals to be transmitted, etc. can be transmitted to the surface application component 13.

[0175] There is no specific limitation on how the electrical connection portion 112 is electrically connected to the surface application component 13 here. Exemplarily, the first end of the electrical connection portion 112 can be in electrical contact with the surface application component 13.

[0176] There is no specific limitation on how the electrical connection portion 112 is electrically connected to the first end of the connecting member 12 here. Exemplarily, the second end of the electrical connection portion 112 is in electrical contact with the first end of the connecting member 12.

[0177] As Figure 5As shown, the connector 12 is electrically connected to the surface application element 13 through two electrical connection parts 112. When one of the electrical connection parts 112 fails, the connector 12 can also be electrically connected to the surface application element 13 through the other electrical connection part 112, which can improve the electrical connection reliability between the connector 12 and the surface application element 13.

[0178] As Figure 5 shown, in addition to being electrically connected to the surface application element 13 through two electrical connection parts 112, in some implementation manners, the connector 12 can also be electrically connected to the surface application element 13 through one electrical connection part 112 or at least three electrical connection parts 112.

[0179] In some implementation manners, the electrical connection part 112 in the keycap 11 can also be used as a hook part 111, and the hook part 111 is used for movably connecting with the balance bar or the connector 12.

[0180] As Figure 5 shown, since the connector 12 serves as the balance bar, when the electrical connection part 112 serves as the hook part 111, the hook part 111 is movably connected to the connector 12. Using the electrical connection part 112 as the hook part 111 can not only realize the electrical connection between the surface application element 13 and the first end of the connector 12, but also reduce the number of parts of the key 10 to simplify the structure of the key 10.

[0181] As Figure 5 shown, the number of the electrical connection parts 112 is two, and each electrical connection part 112 is used as the hook part 111. In some implementation manners, the number of the electrical connection parts 112 serving as the hook part 111 can also be one. In other implementation manners, when the number of the electrical connection parts 112 is at least three, the number of the electrical connection parts 112 serving as the hook part 111 can also be more than two.

[0182] In other implementation manners, the keycap 11 can also include a hook part 111, and the hook part 111 is used for movably connecting with the balance bar or the connector 12. The hook part 111 is not used as the electrical connection part 112. At this time, the keycap 11 is provided with the electrical connection part 112. In other words, the electrical connection part 112 and the hook part 111 exist simultaneously and the electrical connection part 112 is not used as the hook part 111.

[0183] Figure 18 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the cooperation between the key and the flexible circuit board provided by the embodiment of the present application.

[0184] In still other implementation manners, as Figure 18As shown, the keycap 11 includes a hook portion 111 and an electrical connection portion 112. At this time, the connecting member 12 can be electrically connected to the surface application element 13 through the hook portion 111 and the electrical connection portion 112. In other words, when the hook portion 111 and the electrical connection portion 112 exist simultaneously, the hook portion 111 can also serve as the electrical connection portion 112, and the structure of the hook portion 111 and the structure of the electrical connection portion 112 can be the same or different.

[0185] In addition to being provided on the keycap 11, in some possible implementation manners, the keycap 11 may be provided with a connection through-hole, and one of the surface application element 13 and the connecting member 12 has an electrical connection portion 112 passing through the connection through-hole, and the connecting member 12 is electrically connected to the surface application element 13 through the electrical connection portion 112. In this way, the first end of the connecting member 12 can also be electrically connected to the surface application element 13, and current, signals to be transmitted, etc. can be transmitted to the surface application element 13.

[0186] In some implementation manners, the surface application element 13 may have an electrical connection portion 112 passing through the connection through-hole, and the free end of the electrical connection portion 112 is electrically connected to the first end of the connecting member 12, so that the surface application element 13 is electrically connected to the connecting member 12. In other implementation manners, the connecting member 12 may also have an electrical connection portion 112 passing through the connection through-hole, and the free end of the electrical connection portion 112 is electrically connected to the first end of the surface application element 13, so that the surface application element 13 is electrically connected to the connecting member 12.

[0187] In addition to providing the electrical connection portion 112 on any one of the surface application element 13 and the connecting member 12, in still other implementation manners, both the surface application element 13 and the connecting member 12 may have an electrical connection portion 112. The electrical connection portion 112 of the surface application element 13 and the electrical connection portion 112 of the connecting member 12 are both disposed inside the connection through-hole, and the electrical connection portion 112 of the surface application element 13 is in electrical contact with the electrical connection portion 112 of the connecting member 12, so that the surface application element 13 is electrically connected to the connecting member 12.

[0188] In addition to realizing the electrical connection between the connecting member 12 and the surface application element 13 through the electrical connection portion 112, in some possible implementation manners, the keycap 11 may also be a conductive keycap 11, and the first end of the connecting member 12 is electrically connected to the surface application element 13 through the conductive keycap 11. In this way, the first end of the connecting member 12 can be electrically connected to the surface application element 13 to transmit current, signals to be transmitted, etc. to the surface application element 13. In addition, the structure of the keycap 11 can be simplified.

[0189] Among them, the conductive keycap 11 means that the keycap 11 is made of a conductive material, such as copper, silver, conductive plastic, conductive ceramic, etc.

[0190] In some possible implementation manners, such asFigure 6 As shown, the flexible circuit board 20 may include a first circuit layer 23 having a connection portion 21, an insulating layer 24, a second circuit layer 25 having a contact portion 22, and an exposed portion 26. Among them, the first circuit layer 23 is disposed between the keycap 11 and the insulating layer 24, and the first circuit layer 23 is connected to the second circuit layer 25 through the insulating layer 24. The insulating layer 24 is disposed between at least a part of the first circuit layer 23 and the second circuit layer 25. A part of the exposed portion 26 is disposed on the first circuit layer 23, and another part is disposed on the insulating layer 24. The exposed portion 26 is used to expose the contact portion 22 so that the contact portion 22 can be squeezed.

[0191] Correspondingly, the first circuit layer 23 and the second circuit layer 25 are separated by the insulating layer 24, and the second circuit layer 25 will not be damaged when the first circuit layer 23 is damaged, which can ensure the normal use of the input function of the keyboard 100.

[0192] There is no limitation on the specific structure of the first circuit layer 23 here. Among them, it can be determined according to the specific type of the surface application element 13. In some implementation manners, when the surface application element 13 is an antenna, the first circuit layer 23 can be functionally similar to a feeding line, and can transmit signals to the connecting member 12, and then transmit them to the antenna to realize signal transmission or reception. In other implementation manners, when the surface application element 13 is a display element, the first circuit layer 23 can be functionally similar to a multimedia circuit layer, and can display current or signals through the connecting member 12 to the display element to control the display of the display element.

[0193] The second circuit layer 25 is used to output signals corresponding to the keys 10 to realize the signal input function of the keyboard 100. In some implementation manners, the second circuit layer 25 is provided with a plurality of circuits, and the plurality of circuits correspond to the plurality of keys 10 one by one, and each circuit is provided with a contact portion 22 that cooperates with the corresponding key 10.

[0194] As Figure 6 shown, the insulating layer 24 is disposed between a part of the second circuit layer 25 and the first circuit layer 23. In some implementation manners, the insulating layer 24 can also be disposed between the first circuit layer 23 and the second circuit layer 25.

[0195] There is no specific limitation on the specific structure of the exposed portion 26 here. In some implementation manners, as Figure 6 shown, the exposed portion 26 can be an exposed through hole penetrating the first circuit layer 23 and the insulating layer 24. In still other implementation manners, the exposed portion 26 can include an exposed through hole and an exposed notch. The exposed through hole penetrates the insulating layer 24 and communicates with the exposed notch, and the exposed notch penetrates the first circuit layer 23.

[0196] As Figure 6As shown, the contact portion 22 extends out of the exposed portion 26. In other words, there is a gap between the top surface of the contact portion 22 and the first circuit layer 23. In some implementation manners, the top surface of the contact portion 22 may also be disposed inside the exposed portion 26. In other implementation manners, the contact portion 22 may not be disposed inside the exposed portion 26 and does not extend out of the exposed portion 26.

[0197] When the button 10 is pressed, the button 10 can move towards the contact portion 22 and squeeze the contact portion 22, so that the corresponding circuit of the contact portion 22 is turned on. As a result, the flexible circuit board 20 can output a signal matching the turned-on circuit according to the turned-on circuit, and further, the signal input function of the keyboard 100 can be realized.

[0198] Certainly, in addition to the flexible circuit board 20 composed of the first circuit layer 23, the second circuit layer 25 and the insulating layer 24, in some possible implementation manners, the flexible circuit board 20 may also include the first circuit layer 23 and the second circuit layer 25 arranged in a common layer. At this time, the insulating layer 24 is removed, and the signal input function of the keyboard 100 and the use of controlling the surface application element 13 can also be realized.

[0199] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, it should be noted that unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "mounted", "connected" and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it may be a fixed connection, or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, or the communication inside two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the embodiments of the present application can be understood according to specific situations.

[0200] The device or element referred to in the embodiments of the present application or implied must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation to the embodiments of the present application. In the description of the embodiments of the present application, the meaning of "a plurality of" is two or more, unless otherwise precisely and specifically defined.

[0201] The terms "first", "second", "third", "fourth", etc. (if any) in the description of the specification, claims and the above drawings of the embodiments of the present application are used to distinguish similar objects, and do not have to be used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such used data can be interchanged under appropriate circumstances, so that the embodiments of the present application described herein can be implemented in an order other than those illustrated or described herein. In addition, the terms "comprising" and "having" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product or device including a series of steps or units does not have to be limited to those clearly listed steps or units, but may include other steps or units not clearly listed or inherent to these process, method, product or device.

[0202] The term "a plurality of" in this document refers to two or more. The term "and / or" in this document is merely a description of the relationship between associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the associated objects before and after are in an "or" relationship; in a formula, the character " / " indicates that the associated objects before and after are in a "division" relationship.

[0203] It can be understood that the various numerical numbers involved in the embodiments of this application are only for the convenience of description and are not used to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application.

[0204] It can be understood that in the embodiments of this application, the magnitudes of the sequence numbers of the above processes do not mean the order of execution, and the order of execution of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation to the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A keyboard, characterized in that, It includes a key and a flexible circuit board; The key includes a keycap, a connecting member, and a surface application element. The surface application element is disposed on the keycap, where: The flexible circuit board includes a connecting portion and a contact portion; The keycap is configured to reciprocate between a pressed position and an unpressed position relative to the flexible circuit board. When the keycap is in the pressed position, the contact portion is squeezed, so that the flexible circuit board outputs a signal matching the key; The first end of the connecting member is used for electrically connecting with the surface application element, the second end of the connecting member abuts against the connecting portion, and the flexible circuit board is electrically connected with the surface application element through the connecting member.

2. The keyboard according to claim 1, characterized in that, The keyboard further includes a bottom plate, and the flexible circuit board is disposed on a side of the bottom plate close to the keycap; The bottom plate is provided with an abutting portion, the second end of the connecting member is disposed inside the abutting portion and abuts against the abutting portion, and the second end of the connecting member abuts against the connecting portion through the abutting portion.

3. The keyboard according to claim 2, wherein, The bottom plate is provided with an avoidance portion for avoiding the flexible circuit board.

4. The keyboard according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that The abutting portion is in line contact with the second end of the connecting member.

5. The keyboard according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that The keyboard further includes a magnetic member, and the magnetic member is disposed on the abutting portion and magnetically connected with the second end of the connecting member, so that the abutting portion abuts against the second end of the connecting member.

6. The keyboard according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The keycap includes an electrical connection portion, and the first end of the connecting member is electrically connected with the surface application element through the electrical connection portion; or, The keycap is provided with a connection through hole, and one of the surface application element and the connecting member has an electrical connection portion passing through the connection through hole, and the connecting member is electrically connected with the surface application element through the electrical connection portion; or, The keycap is a conductive keycap, and the first end of the connecting member is electrically connected with the surface application element through the conductive keycap.

7. The keyboard according to claim 6, characterized in that The electrical connection portion in the keycap is further configured to be a hook portion for movably connecting with a balance bar or the connecting member.

8. The keyboard according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The connecting member is a scissor foot, a balance bar, or an elastic member.

9. The keyboard according to claim 8, wherein, The connecting member is the balance bar. The first end of the balance bar is movably connected with the keycap and is used for electrically connecting with the surface application element, and the second end of the balance bar abuts against the connecting portion.

10. The keyboard according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The flexible circuit board includes a first circuit layer having the connecting portion, a second circuit layer having the contact portion, an insulating layer, and an exposed portion. The first circuit layer is disposed between the keycap and the insulating layer, the insulating layer is disposed between at least a part of the first circuit layer and the second circuit layer, and a part of the exposed portion is disposed on the first circuit layer and another part is disposed on the insulating layer. The exposed portion is used for exposing the contact portion.

11. The keyboard according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The surface application element includes at least one of the following elements: a light-emitting element, a display element, a near-field communication chip, a fingerprint element, and an antenna.

12. The keyboard according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The key further includes a protective layer disposed on a side of the surface application element facing away from the keycap and covering the surface application element.

13. An electronic device, characterized in that, It includes the keyboard according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. An electronic device component, characterized in that, Comprising an electronic device and a keyboard as described in any one of claims 1 to 12, the keyboard being communicatively connected to the electronic device.

Images