Key device

Abstract

A key device comprises a main body unit and at least one key unit, the main body unit comprises a key base and a key top cover connected with the key base, and the key unit comprises a key structure connected with the key top cover and an elastic body connected with the key structure. The key structure is movably arranged in the key top cover, the key structure is different from a traditional key switch module, a switch bottom cover and a switch top cover do not need to be arranged, and therefore the manufacturing cost of the key device is reduced.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a key device, in particular, a key device capable of reducing assembly parts and lowering cost. BACKGROUND

[0002] In today's society, the use of electronic products has become an integral part of life, food, clothing, shelter, transportation, education, and entertainment, everything is related to electronic products. Generally speaking, electronic products are equipped with a keyboard device to provide users with input information.

[0003] Referring to Figure 1 , and Figure 2 , a key switch module 2 is provided on the keyboard, which includes a switch bottom cover 21, a switch top cover 22, a moving part 23, and a spring part 24. The moving part 23 is arranged between the switch bottom cover 21 and the switch top cover 22, and the moving part 23 can move relative to the switch top cover 22. The spring part 24 supports the moving part 23 upward.

[0004] Because the number of key switch modules 2 arranged on the keyboard is large, and each key switch module 2 is provided with a switch bottom cover 21 and a switch top cover 22, the manufacturing cost of the existing keyboard is high. In addition, the key switch module 2 needs to be arranged one by one when assembling the keyboard, and the assembly process is more complicated.

[0005] From the above description, the existing keyboard has the following disadvantages: I. Too many assembly parts: The existing key switch module 2 includes the switch bottom cover 21, the switch top cover 22, the moving part 23, and the spring part 24. The switch bottom cover 21 and the switch top cover 22 can limit the moving position of the moving part 23, but each key switch module 2 is provided with a switch bottom cover 21 and a switch top cover 22, resulting in too many parts arranged on the keyboard.

[0006] II. Complicated assembly process: The key switch module 2 needs to be manufactured using a separate production line. After the key switch module 2 is completed, it will enter the keyboard production line for assembly. In addition, each key switch module 2 needs to be arranged on the upper cover of the keyboard, resulting in a too complicated keyboard assembly process.

[0007] III. Unable to reduce cost: Continuing the above description, each key switch module 2 is provided with the switch bottom cover 21, the switch top cover 22, the moving piece 23, and the spring piece 24, and generally the spring piece 24 is a metal spring, and the number of key switch modules 2 provided on the keyboard is large, the switch bottom cover 21, the switch top cover 22, and the spring piece 24 all need to be purchased, which causes the manufacturing cost of the keyboard to be unable to be reduced.

[0008] Therefore, how to redesign the structure of the keyboard to reduce the number of parts assembled in the keyboard, and on this basis to simplify the manufacturing process and effectively reduce the manufacturing cost, is the goal that the relevant technical personnel need to strive for. SUMMARY

[0009] Therefore, the purpose of the present application is to provide a key device that can reduce the number of parts assembled in the keyboard, the key device comprising a main unit, and at least one key unit.

[0010] The main unit comprises a key base, and a key top cover connected with the key base.

[0011] The key unit comprises a key structure connected with the key top cover, and an elastic body connected with the key structure, the key structure is movably arranged in the key top cover.

[0012] Another technical means of the present application is that the main unit described above further comprises at least one stop structure formed on the key top cover, the stop structure is a structure that extends upward from the key top cover and is integrally formed with the key top cover, and the key structure is arranged in the stop structure.

[0013] Another technical means of the present application is that the main unit described above further comprises at least one upper stop body arranged on the key top cover, and the key structure abuts against the bottom of the upper stop body.

[0014] Still another technical means of the present application is that the key structure described above has a stand arranged on the key top cover, and a key cap that is detachably arranged on the stand.

[0015] Still another technical means of the present application is that the key structure described above further has a receiving groove arranged at the bottom of the stand, and a sensing piece arranged in the receiving groove, the sensing piece is selected from one or a combination of a magnetic sensing circuit, an inductive sensing circuit, a capacitive sensing circuit, a force change sensing circuit, a wireless radio frequency identification sensing circuit, and a friction nano power generation sensing circuit.

[0016] Another technical means of the present application is that the key structure described above has a key cap arranged on the key top cover, and a protrusion formed at the bottom of the key cap, and the key cap and the protrusion are integrally formed.

[0017] Another technical aspect of the present invention is that the aforementioned button structure further includes a receiving groove disposed at the bottom of the protrusion and a sensing element disposed in the receiving groove. The sensing element is selected from one or a combination of magnetic sensing circuit, inductive sensing circuit, capacitive sensing circuit, force change sensing circuit, radio frequency identification sensing circuit, and triboelectric nanogenerator sensing circuit.

[0018] Another technical aspect of the present invention is that the aforementioned elastic body is a metal spring, and the button structure is sleeved within the elastic body.

[0019] Another technical aspect of the present invention is that the aforementioned elastomer is a rubber dome, which supports the bottom of the button structure.

[0020] Another technical aspect of the present invention is that the aforementioned main body unit further includes a circuit module connected to the button base. The circuit module is disposed between the button base and the button top cover, and the button structure and the elastic body are fixed between the button top cover and the circuit module.

[0021] The beneficial effects of the present invention are that the top cover of the button and the stop structure are integrally formed, the button structure does not require a separate bottom cover and top cover, which can reduce costs, and when the button structure and the elastomer are set on the top cover of the button, they can be combined with the button base, which simplifies the manufacturing process. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a 3D schematic diagram illustrating a push-button switch module; Figure 2 It is a three-dimensional schematic diagram illustrating the three-dimensional exploded view of the push-button switch module; Figure 3 This is a top view schematic diagram, which is a first preferred embodiment of a button device of the present invention, illustrating the top view structure of the button device; Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram illustrating the first preferred embodiment. Figure 3 The cross-sectional pattern of the midtangent line aa; Figure 5 It is a three-dimensional schematic diagram illustrating the three-dimensional exploded view of a button unit in the first preferred embodiment; Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram illustrating the first preferred embodiment. Figure 3 The cross-sectional shape of the mid-tangent bb; Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram illustrating a second preferred embodiment of a button device according to the present invention, showing the cross-sectional structure of the button device in the first preferred embodiment; and Figure 8 is a cross-sectional exploded view illustrating the cross-sectional exploded structure of the key device in the second preferred embodiment.

[0023] In the drawings: 2 key switch module 21 switch bottom cover 22 switch top cover 23 moving part 24 spring part a-a tangent line b-b tangent line 3 main unit 31 key base 32 key top cover 33 stop structure 34 upper stop body 35 circuit module 36 sensing module 37 lens structure 4 key unit 41 key structure 411 vertical rod 412 key cap 413 accommodating groove 414 sensing part 415 protruding block 42 elastic body DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The present application will be further described below in conjunction with the drawings and specific embodiments so that those skilled in the art can better understand the present application and implement it, but the embodiments are not intended to limit the present application.

[0025] Please refer to Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 , which are a first preferred embodiment of a key device of the present application. The key device comprises a main unit 3 and at least one key unit 4. Preferably, a plurality of key units 4 are arranged on the main unit 3 to form a keyboard and provide computer input function. In actual implementation, the number of key units 4 can also be set to one, which should not be limited.

[0026] The main unit 3 comprises a key base 31, a key top cover 32 connected with the key base 31, at least one stop structure 33 formed on the key top cover 32, at least one upper stop body 34 arranged on the key top cover 32, a circuit module 35 connected with the key base 31, and at least one sensing module 36 arranged on the circuit module 35.

[0027] Each button unit 4 includes a button structure 41 connected to the button top cover 32, and an elastic body 42 connected to the button structure 41. Each button structure 41 has a stand 411 disposed on the button top cover 32, a keycap 412 detachably disposed on the stand 411, a receiving groove 413 disposed at the bottom of the stand 411, and a sensor 414 disposed in the receiving groove 413.

[0028] In the first preferred embodiment, the number of the stop structure 33, the upper stop body 34, and the sensing module 36 is multiple, which are used to cooperate with the multiple button units 4 respectively. In actual implementation, the number of the stop structure 33, the upper stop body 34, and the sensing module 36 can also be one, and should not be limited thereto.

[0029] review Figure 5 The button top cover 32 and the plurality of stop structures 33 are integrally formed. The stop structures 33 extend upward from the button top cover 32 and form a surrounding wall. The stop structures 33 enable the button device to be water-resistant. The integrally formed structure also prevents liquid splashed onto the button device from flowing into the interior of the main body unit 3. The button structure 41 is movably disposed in the stop structure 33. Preferably, the button top cover 32 and the plurality of stop structures 33 are made of plastic material and manufactured by plastic injection molding process. The button top cover 32 and the plurality of stop structures 33 can be manufactured in one process. In actual implementation, the main body unit 3 may not have the plurality of stop structures 33 disposed in the button top cover 32, and the plurality of button structures 41 may be directly and movably disposed in the button top cover 32. Furthermore, the button top cover 32 and the stop structures 33 may also be made of metal or other materials and manufactured by metal stamping or other molding techniques, and should not be limited thereto.

[0030] Please see Figure 4 , Figure 5 ,and Figure 6 , Figure 4 for Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the midtangent line aa. Figure 6 for Figure 3A cross-sectional view of the tangent bb. In this first preferred embodiment, the structure of the plurality of stop structures 33 is similar to the top cover of the existing push button switch module 2. The plurality of stop structures 33 protrude upward from the upper surface of the push button top cover 32 and has an opening in the middle for the plurality of uprights 411 to pass through. The plurality of upper stops 34 are respectively disposed on the top of the plurality of stop structures 33. The plurality of uprights 411 of the plurality of push button structures 41 abut against the bottom of the plurality of upper stops 34 to prevent the plurality of uprights 411 from falling outward and to limit the movable position of the plurality of uprights 411. In actual implementation, the main body unit 3 may not be provided with the plurality of stop structures 33, and it is only necessary to restrict the plurality of uprights 411 inside the push button top cover 32. This should not be the limitation. Preferably, the main body unit 3 further includes at least one lens structure 37 detachably disposed on the button top cover 32. The lens structure 37 can be formed in various styles, such as: plain lens, magnifying lens, Fresnellen lens, light-pipe lens, etc. Different styles of lens structures 37 can be installed on the button top cover 32 in an interchangeable manner to change the effect of different light transmission. In actual implementation, the number of lens structures 37 is multiple. The lens structure 37 can also be detachably disposed in the stop structure 33. In addition, the lens structure 37, the stop structure 33, and the button top cover 32 can also be integrally formed, and should not be limited thereto.

[0031] Please see Figure 4 , Figure 5 ,and Figure 6 The plurality of elastic bodies 42 are metal springs. The plurality of uprights 411 of the plurality of button structures 41 are respectively sleeved in the plurality of elastic bodies 42. The top of the plurality of elastic bodies 42 abuts against the plurality of uprights 411 of the plurality of button structures 41, and the bottom of the plurality of elastic bodies 42 abuts against the circuit module 35. The plurality of elastic bodies 42 support the plurality of button structures 41 upward and provide elastic force so that the user can press down the plurality of button structures 41.

[0032] Please see Figure 4 , Figure 5 ,and Figure 6In this first preferred embodiment, the circuit module 35 is a circuit board (PCBA) disposed in the main body unit 3. The circuit module 35 is disposed between the button base 31 and the button top cover 32. The plurality of button structures 41 and the plurality of elastic bodies 42 are fixed between the button top cover 32 and the circuit module 35. The plurality of sensors 414 are magnets, and the plurality of sensing modules 36 are Hall effect detection circuits. The plurality of sensing modules 36 are disposed below the plurality of uprights 411. When the user presses down on the plurality of button structures 41, the distance between the plurality of sensors 414 and the plurality of sensing modules 36 changes. The plurality of sensing modules 36 can obtain the distance between themselves and the plurality of sensors 414 and output the detection result. In actual implementation, the plurality of button structures 41 can use other detection technologies and should not be limited thereto.

[0033] Since the plurality of uprights 411 and the plurality of elastic bodies 42 can be fixed between the circuit module 35 (PCBA) and the button top cover 32, the button device does not require additional parts for fixing and does not require the use of the button switch module 2 (see...). Figure 1 ,and Figure 2 This eliminates the need to purchase a separate button switch module 2 from the manufacturer, effectively reducing the manufacturing cost of the button device.

[0034] Please see Figure 4 , Figure 5 ,and Figure 6 The main unit 3 only needs to be equipped with the plurality of uprights 411 and the plurality of elastic bodies 42 to form a keypad device for user data input. This invention eliminates the need for a key switch module 2 and avoids the need to purchase it separately from a manufacturer, effectively reducing the manufacturing cost of the keypad device. Furthermore, in previous keyboards using the key switch module 2, a metal plate was required on the top plate to secure it. The keypad top cover 32 and the plurality of stop structures 33 are made of plastic, a cheaper material, and can be molded in a single injection molding process, resulting in a simple and low-cost manufacturing process. Calculations show that this invention's keypad device can save approximately $10 in manufacturing costs compared to a conventional keyboard.

[0035] In the first preferred embodiment, the assembly process of the button device is as follows: the button top cover 32 with multiple stop structures 33 is inverted; the multiple uprights 411 are placed on the multiple stop structures 33; the multiple elastic bodies 42 are sleeved on the multiple uprights 411; finally, the button base 31 with the circuit module 35 is combined with the button top cover 32; and the multiple keycaps 412 are combined on the multiple uprights 411 to complete the assembly of the button device.

[0036] See also Figure 7 ,and Figure 8 This is a second preferred embodiment of a button device according to the present invention. The second preferred embodiment is substantially the same as the first preferred embodiment, and the similarities will not be described in detail here. The difference is that each button structure 41 has a keycap 412 disposed on the top cover 32 of the button, a protrusion 415 formed on the bottom of the keycap 412, a receiving groove 413 disposed on the bottom of the protrusion 415, and a sensing element 414 disposed in the receiving groove 413.

[0037] In the second preferred embodiment, each keycap 412 and each bump 415 are integrally formed. Compared with the first preferred embodiment, although the bottom of the plurality of keycaps 412 has additional bumps 415, a keycap 412 with bumps 415 can be obtained in one plastic injection. This not only eliminates the parts of the stand 411, but also eliminates the process of manufacturing the stand 411, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the key device.

[0038] Each elastic body 42 is a rubber dome. The plurality of elastic bodies 42 support the bottom of the plurality of button structures 41 and provide an upward elastic force to the plurality of button structures 41 so that the user can press down on the plurality of button structures 41.

[0039] In this second preferred embodiment, the multiple rubber domes 42 are formed on a rubber film, and the rubber film of the multiple elastomers 42 can be obtained in a single plastic injection process. Since multiple elastomers 42 can be manufactured in a single process, the manufacturing cost of the button device can be reduced. In actual implementation, the multiple elastomers 42 can also be set separately and do not need to be connected together, and this should not be a limitation.

[0040] In the second preferred embodiment, the assembly process of the key device is as follows: a rubber film with the plurality of elastomers 42 is laid on the key base 31 on which the circuit module 35 is provided; after the key base 31 is combined with the key top cover 32, the keycap 412 with protrusions 415 is inserted into the key top cover 32 to complete the assembly of the key device. The assembly process of the second preferred embodiment is simpler than that of a general keyboard or the key device of the first preferred embodiment, and can further reduce the manufacturing cost of the key device.

[0041] The key mechanism in this case does not always need to be a complete keyboard. It can be used as an independent key mechanism or as part of a complete keyboard, and can even be used in combination with the key structure of a traditional keyboard. It should not be limited to this. The keycaps 412 in this case can be made of light-transmitting or opaque materials, and can be designed with different lens structures 37 to refract light to achieve the effects of diffused light, parallel light, or concentrated light. The keycaps 412 themselves are designed to be detachably assembled, and can be applied to key bases with light-emitting functions (such as RGB backlit keyboards) to achieve different visual design effects of light dispersion. Since RGB backlighting technology is not the focus of this case, and different technology companies have their own different technologies, it will not be described in detail here.

[0042] The button device in this case can employ various non-contact sensing and switching technologies, such as magnetic sensing circuits, inductive sensing circuits, capacitive sensing circuits, force change sensing circuits, radio frequency identification (RFID) sensing circuits, and triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) sensing circuits. In actual implementation, the button device can employ all non-contact sensing and switching technologies and should not be limited to this. It should be noted that this case can also combine different non-contact technologies and does not require the use of only one type of non-contact sensing and switching technology.

[0043] As can be seen from the above description, the button device of the present invention does indeed have the following effects: 1. Reduce the number of parts to be assembled: In the first preferred embodiment, the key device does not require a top cover and bottom cover for the key switch module 2, unlike a typical keyboard. In the second preferred embodiment, not only is the key device reduced in number, but the stand 411 is also reduced, and the plurality of elastic bodies 42 are integrated into a single rubber membrane, effectively reducing the number of assembled parts.

[0044] II. Simplified assembly procedure: In this second preferred embodiment, it is not necessary to set up the general button switch module 2 one by one. Furthermore, the plurality of elastomers 42 are integrated into a single rubber membrane. Laying the rubber membrane completes the setting of the plurality of elastomers 42, effectively simplifying the assembly process.

[0045] III. Reduce manufacturing costs: Since the button device of the present invention does not require the setting of a button switch module 2, it is not only unnecessary to purchase the button switch module 2 separately from the manufacturer, but the button top cover 32 and the plurality of stop structures 33 can also be made of plastic material, without the need to use metal material. The button device of the present invention can also use a keycap 412 with a protrusion 415, which not only eliminates the part of the upright 411, but also eliminates the process of manufacturing the upright 411. In addition, the elastic body 42 can be a rubber dome, eliminating the need to use a metal spring, which can effectively reduce the manufacturing cost.

[0046] In summary, since the button top cover 32 and the plurality of stop structures 33 are integrally formed, not only is there no need to set up a button switch module 2, but also plastic material can be used. The keycap 412 and the protrusion 415 are integrally formed, which eliminates the need for the stand 411. The elastic body 42 uses a rubber dome structure design, which can integrate the plurality of elastic bodies 42 into a single rubber film. This not only reduces the number of parts to be assembled, but also simplifies the assembly process and reduces the manufacturing cost. Therefore, the purpose of this invention can indeed be achieved.

[0047] The above-described embodiments are merely preferred embodiments provided to fully illustrate the present invention, and the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art based on the present invention are all within the scope of protection of the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A button device, characterized in that, Include: A main unit includes a button base and a button top cover connected to the button base; and At least one button unit includes a button structure connected to the button top cover and an elastic body connected to the button structure, wherein the button structure is movably disposed in the button top cover.

2. The button device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The main body unit further includes at least one stop structure formed on the top cover of the button. The stop structure extends upward from the top cover of the button and is integrally formed with the top cover of the button. The button structure is disposed in the stop structure.

3. The button device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The main body unit further includes at least one upper stop disposed on the top cover of the button, and the button structure abuts against the bottom of the upper stop.

4. The button device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The button structure has a stand on the top cover of the button and a keycap that can be detachably mounted on the stand.

5. The button device as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The button structure further includes a receiving groove disposed at the bottom of the upright, and a sensing element disposed in the receiving groove. The sensing element is selected from one or a combination of magnetic sensing circuit, inductive sensing circuit, capacitive sensing circuit, force change sensing circuit, radio frequency identification sensing circuit, and triboelectric nanogenerator sensing circuit.

6. The button device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The key structure has a keycap that can be detachably disposed on the top cover of the key, and a protrusion formed on the bottom of the keycap, wherein the keycap and the protrusion are integrally formed.

7. The button device as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The button structure further includes a receiving groove disposed at the bottom of the protrusion and a sensing element disposed in the receiving groove. The sensing element is selected from one or a combination of magnetic sensing circuit, inductive sensing circuit, capacitive sensing circuit, force change sensing circuit, radio frequency identification sensing circuit, and triboelectric nanogenerator sensing circuit.

8. The button device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic body is a metal spring, and the button structure is fitted inside the elastic body.

9. The button device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The elastomer is a rubber dome that supports the bottom of the button structure.

10. The button device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The main unit further includes a circuit module connected to the button base. The circuit module is disposed between the button base and the button top cover. The button structure and the elastic body are fixed between the button top cover and the circuit module.

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