Key structure

Abstract

The utility model relates to a key structure, which comprises a bottom plate, a connecting assembly and a key cap assembly, the connecting assembly comprises a first frame and a second frame. The first frame comprises a first moving side and a first pivoting side which are opposite to each other. The first pivot side is connected to the bottom plate. The second frame comprises a second moving side and a second pivoting side which are opposite to each other. The second moving side is connected to the bottom plate. The key cap assembly comprises an outer key cap and an inner key cap. The outer key cap comprises a first connecting part. The inner keycap is connected to the first moving side and the second pivoting side. The inner key cap comprises an accommodating space and a second connecting part. The accommodating space corresponds to the connecting assembly. The second connecting part is detachably connected to the first connecting part.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to a key structure, in particular to a key structure with a detachable key cap. Background Art

[0002] In terms of current computer usage habits, the keyboard is one of the indispensable input devices. The keyboard is composed of multiple key structures. Generally speaking, the key structure is connected to a key cap and a base plate through a scissor-type connector, so that the key cap can be raised and lowered relative to the base plate.

[0003] In order to facilitate users to replace keycaps, a key structure with double-layer keycaps has appeared on the market. The double-layer keycap includes an inner keycap and an outer keycap, the inner keycap is connected to a scissor-type connector, and the inner keycap and the outer keycap are usually connected to each other in a snap-fit ​​manner, so that users can remove and replace the outer keycap.

[0004] However, the inner keycap and the outer keycap are the same as ordinary keycaps, and the cross-section is an inverted U-shaped cover structure, so that the inner keycap and the outer keycap have a certain thickness. Therefore, the double-layer keycap structure will also increase the overall thickness of the key structure, and it is difficult to apply to thin keyboards, and there is a need for improvement. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of the above problems, the main purpose of the present invention is to provide a key structure, which includes a connecting component and a keycap component, through which an inner keycap of the keycap component includes a accommodating space corresponding to the connecting component, so as to solve the problem that the overall thickness of the conventional key structure with a double-layer keycap is too thick and difficult to be used in a thin keyboard.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the utility model provides a key structure, which includes a base plate, a connecting assembly, and a keycap assembly. The connecting assembly includes a first frame and a second frame. The first frame includes a first movable side and a first pivot side opposite to each other. The first pivot side is connected to the base plate. The second frame includes a second movable side and a second pivot side opposite to each other. The second movable side is connected to the base plate. The keycap assembly includes an outer keycap and an inner keycap. The outer keycap includes a first connecting portion. The inner keycap is connected to the first movable side and the second pivot side. The inner keycap includes a accommodating space and a second connecting portion. The accommodating space corresponds to the connecting assembly. The second connecting portion is detachably connected to the first connecting portion.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the utility model, the first frame and the second frame are pivotally connected to each other. The inner key cap further includes a slide groove and a first pivoting portion. The slide groove is connected to the first moving side, and the first pivoting portion is connected to the second pivoting side.

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the inner keycap includes four side walls surrounding the accommodating space. The slide slot and the first pivot portion are respectively located between two adjacent side walls.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the utility model, the first movable side has a recessed portion for making way for the slide slot. The first pivoting side and the second pivoting side are arranged alternately to make way for the first pivoting portion. When the key cap assembly is pressed, the connecting assembly is accommodated in the accommodating space.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first frame includes a first rod portion, which is located at the first moving side. The first rod portion is movably disposed in the sliding groove.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the utility model, the first pivoting portion is a water drop hole structure. The second frame includes a first pivot shaft, which is located at the second pivoting side. The first pivot shaft is accommodated in the first pivoting portion.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the outer key cap includes a second pivoting portion, and the inner key cap includes a through hole. The second pivoting portion passes through the through hole.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the inner keycap includes a second pivot, and the second pivoting portion of the outer keycap is connected to the second pivot.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second pivoting portion is a water drop hole structure. The second pivot is located in the through hole, and the second pivot passes through the through hole and is sleeved on the outside of the second pivot.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second pivoting portion of the outer keycap is connected to the second pivoting side of the second frame.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the utility model, the second pivoting portion is a water drop hole structure. The second frame includes a third pivot located on the second pivoting side. The third pivot is accommodated in the second pivoting portion.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the present invention, one of the first connection portion and the second connection portion is a slot, and the other is a protrusion.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first connecting portion is close to the sliding slot or close to the first pivoting portion.

[0019] As described above, according to the key structure of the utility model, it includes a base plate, a connecting component, and a keycap component. The connecting component includes a first frame and a second frame pivotally connected to each other. The keycap component includes an outer keycap and an inner keycap. The inner keycap includes a receiving space and corresponds to the connecting component. When the keycap component is pressed, the connecting component can be received in the receiving space of the inner keycap, thereby reducing the overall thickness of the key structure, so that the key structure can be applied to a thin keyboard. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the key structure of the first embodiment of the utility model;

[0021] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A partially exploded schematic diagram of the key structure shown;

[0022] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a keycap assembly is shown;

[0023] Figure 4 for Figure 3 An exploded schematic diagram of a key cap assembly is shown;

[0024] Figure 5 for Figure 1 A bottom view of the key structure shown with the bottom plate removed;

[0025] Fig. 6A for Figure 1 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the key structure shown;

[0026] Figure 6B for Fig. 6A A schematic diagram of the keycap assembly shown after being pressed;

[0027] Figure 7 It is a partially exploded schematic diagram of the key structure of the second embodiment of the utility model;

[0028] Figure 8 for Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a keycap assembly is shown;

[0029] Fig. 9 for Figure 8 An exploded schematic diagram of a key cap assembly is shown;

[0030] Fig.10 for Figure 7 The key structure is shown as a bottom view after being assembled and with the bottom plate removed.

[0031]

Explanation of symbols

[0032] Key structure 1, 1a

[0033] Bottom plate 10

[0034] Hook 11

[0035] Connecting components 20, 20a

[0036] First frames 21, 21a

[0037] First moving side 211, 211a

[0038] The first pivot side 212, 212a

[0039] First rod parts 213, 213a

[0040] Recessed portions 214, 214a

[0041] Second frame 22, 22a

[0042] Second moving side 221, 221a

[0043] The second pivoting sides 222, 222a

[0044] First pivot 223, 223a

[0045] The third pivot 224a

[0046] Key cap assembly 30, 30a

[0047] External key cap 31, 31a

[0048] First connection parts 311, 311a

[0049] The second pivoting parts 312, 312a

[0050] Inner key cap 32, 32a

[0051] Side walls 320, 320a

[0052] Accommodating space 321, 321a

[0053] Second connection parts 322, 322a

[0054] Slide groove 323, 323a

[0055] The first pivoting portion 324, 324a

[0056] Perforations 325, 325a

[0057] Second pivot 326

[0058] Reset 40 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] In order to better understand the technical content of the present invention, preferred specific embodiments are described below.

[0060] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the key structure of the first embodiment of the utility model, Figure 2 for Figure 1 A partial exploded schematic diagram of the key structure shown, Figure 3 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a key cap assembly is shown, Figure 4 for Figure 3 Please refer to the exploded diagram of the keycap assembly shown in Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown. In the present embodiment, the key structure 1 includes a base plate 10, a connecting component 20, and a keycap component 30. It should be noted that the base plate 10 drawn in the accompanying drawings of the key structure 1 corresponds to one of the key structures 1. In actual application, multiple key structures 1 correspond to one base plate 10. The connecting component 20 of the present embodiment includes a first frame 21 and a second frame 22, and the second frame 22 is pivotally connected to the first frame 21 to form a scissor-type connecting component 20. In the present embodiment, the first frame 21 can be an outer frame, and the second frame 22 corresponds to an inner frame, so that the second frame 22 is located inside the first frame 21.

[0061] like Figure 2 As shown, the first frame 21 includes a first movable side 211 and a first pivot side 212 opposite to each other. The first movable side 211 is connected to the keycap assembly 30, and the first pivot side 212 is connected to the bottom plate 10. In this embodiment, the bottom plate 10 has a plurality of hooks 11, and the first pivot side 212 of the first frame 21 has a pivot for the hooks 11 to engage, so that the first pivot side 212 of the first frame 21 is connected to the bottom plate 10. It should be noted that Figure 2 Only one of the hooks 11 is indicated, and the hook 11 and the pivot located at the first pivot side 212 are not numbered because they are shielded. In addition, the second frame 22 includes a second movable side 221 and a second pivot side 222 opposite to each other. The second movable side 221 is connected to the bottom plate 10, and the second pivot side 222 is connected to the keycap assembly 30. Similarly, the second movable side 221 also has a pivot to connect with the hook of the bottom plate 10. The pivot located at the second movable side 221 and the hook connected thereto are shielded and not numbered.

[0062] Please refer to Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the keycap assembly 30 includes an outer keycap 31 and an inner keycap 32. The inner keycap 32 and the outer keycap 31 are assembled with each other so that the inner keycap 32 is located on the inner side of the outer keycap 31. In the present embodiment, the outer keycap 31 includes a first connecting portion 311. The inner keycap 32 includes a receiving space 321, a second connecting portion 322, a slide groove 323 and a first pivoting portion 324. The receiving space 321 corresponds to the connecting assembly 20. Specifically, the configuration of the receiving space 321 of the inner keycap 32 corresponds to the configuration of the connecting assembly 20. When the inner keycap 32 is assembled to the outer keycap 31 and the keycap assembly 30 is pressed, the connecting assembly 20 can be located in the receiving space 321. In the present embodiment, the inner keycap 32 of the present embodiment includes four side walls 320. The four side walls 320 are arranged to form a quadrilateral frame structure, and a central area surrounded by the four side walls 320 is an accommodating space 321 .

[0063] Furthermore, the second connection portion 322 of the inner keycap 32 is detachably connected to the first connection portion 311 of the outer keycap 31. In the present embodiment, the first connection portion 311 and the second connection portion 322 are connected to each other in a snap-fit ​​manner. Among them, one of the first connection portion 311 and the second connection portion 322 is a slot, and the other is a convex portion. In the present embodiment, the first connection portion 311 is a convex portion, and the second connection portion 322 is a slot. The first connection portion 311 (convex portion) is disposed on the second connection portion 322 (slot), thereby assembling the outer keycap 31 to the outer side of the inner keycap 32. In other embodiments, the first connection portion 311 and the second connection portion 322 may also be configured in the opposite manner, or connected in other ways, such as magnetically connected, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0064] Figure 5 for Figure 1 The bottom view of the button structure with the bottom plate removed is shown in the figure. Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown. The slide groove 323 and the first pivoting portion 324 are located on two opposite sides of the inner keycap 32, and the slide groove 323 and the first pivoting portion 324 are both close to the side wall 320. The slide groove 323 and the first pivoting portion 324 are located between two adjacent side walls 320, that is, the slide groove 323 and the first pivoting portion 324 are respectively located at the four corners (corners) of the inner keycap 32. The slide groove 323 and the first pivoting portion 324 of this embodiment are located at the corners of the inner keycap 32, so that the accommodating space 321 forms a square space with four concave corners. Correspondingly, the connecting component 20 has a corresponding yielding structure. Specifically, the opposite ends of the first movable side 211 of the first frame 21 respectively have a yielding recess 214, and the first rod portion 213 is located in the yielding recess 214. Among them, the yielding recess 214 cooperates with the protruding slide groove 323 to yield to the slide groove 323. Furthermore, the first pivot side 212 of the first frame 21 and the second pivot side 222 of the second frame 22 are arranged alternately to make room for the first pivot portion 324. That is, the first pivot side 212 and the second pivot side 222 are not on the same straight line, so that a space for making room is formed between the first pivot side 212 and the outer wall of the second frame 22. In short, the orthographic projection of the inner key cap 32 of this embodiment does not overlap with the first frame 21 except the first rod portion 213, and does not overlap with the second frame 22 except the first pivot axis 223.

[0065] Fig. 6A for Figure 1 The schematic cross-sectional view of the key structure shown in FIG. Figure 6B for Fig. 6A For a schematic diagram of the keycap assembly being pressed, please refer to Figure 2 , Figure 5 , Fig. 6A and Figure 6B The slide slot 323 is connected to the first moving side 211 of the first frame 21, and the first pivoting portion 324 is connected to the second pivoting side 222 of the second frame 22. Figure 2 As shown, the first frame 21 of this embodiment includes a first rod portion 213, which is located at the first moving side 211. The first rod portion 213 is movably disposed in the slide groove 323. That is, the first rod portion 213 is accommodated in the slide groove 323 and can move in the slide groove 323. As mentioned above, the first pivot side 212 of the first frame 21 is connected to the hook 11 of the bottom plate 10 through a pivot.

[0066] In addition, the first pivoting portion 324 of the present embodiment is a water drop hole structure. Correspondingly, the second frame 22 includes a first pivot 223, which is located at the second pivot side 222. The first pivot 223 is accommodated in the first pivoting portion 324 (water drop hole structure), so that the second pivot side 222 is pivotally connected to the inner key cap 32. As mentioned above, the second movable side 221 also has a pivot and is connected to the hook of the bottom plate 10 (not numbered due to obstruction in the drawing). Figure 2As shown, the key structure 1 of this embodiment further includes a reset member 40, which is disposed on the second frame 22. The top of the reset member 40 can pass through the accommodating space 321 and contact the bottom surface of the outer key cap 31 to provide elastic force for the key cap assembly 30 to return to its original position. It should be noted that in order to clearly show the relative position of the connecting assembly 20 and the inner key cap 32, Figure 5 , Fig. 6A and Figure 6B When the key cap assembly 30 is pressed or reset, the first rod 213 at the first moving side 211 moves in the slide slot 323, and the pivot at the second moving side 221 moves under the hook 11, thereby driving the key cap assembly 30 to move up and down.

[0067] Furthermore, when the key cap assembly 30 is pressed, the second frame 22 is retracted into the first frame 21, and the connecting assembly 20 is formed into a plate body, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6B As mentioned above, Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, the slide groove 323 and the first pivoting portion 324 of the present embodiment are located at the corners of the inner keycap 32. Correspondingly, the first frame 21 has a recessed portion 214, which can accommodate the slide groove 323 of the inner keycap 32. Moreover, the first movable side 211 of the first frame 21 and the second pivoting side 222 of the second frame 22 are staggered to form a space for accommodating the first pivoting portion 324. In other words, since the accommodating space 321 of the inner keycap 32 corresponds to the connecting component 20, the connecting component 20 formed into a plate body by being pressed down can be accommodated in the accommodating space 321, thereby reducing the overall thickness of the key structure 1, so that the key structure 1 can be applied to a thin keyboard.

[0068] In the present embodiment, the outer key cap 31 and the inner key cap 32 are assembled with each other through the first connecting portion 311 and the second connecting portion 322. Preferably, the outer key cap 31 of the present embodiment also includes a second pivoting portion 312. Among them, the second pivoting portion 312 is also a water drop hole structure. Correspondingly, the inner key cap 32 includes a through hole 325 and a second pivot 326, and the second pivot 326 is located in the through hole 325. When the second pivoting portion 312 passes through the through hole 325, it can be simultaneously sleeved on the outside of the second pivot 326. That is, the second pivot 326 is accommodated in the water drop hole structure of the second pivoting portion 312, thereby fixing the outer key cap 31 and the inner key cap 32.

[0069] In other words, the outer key cap 31 and the inner key cap 32 of the present embodiment are assembled with each other through the first connection portion 311 and the second connection portion 322, the second pivot portion 312 and the second pivot 326. Preferably, the first connection portion 311 and the second pivot portion 312 of the present embodiment are located on two opposite sides of the outer key cap 31. Among them, the first connection portion 311 may be close to the slide groove 323 or close to the first pivot portion 324. The first connection portion 311 of the present embodiment is close to the slide groove 323, and the through hole 325 is arranged adjacent to the first pivot portion 324. Through the above configuration, the outer key cap 31 and the inner key cap 32 have mutually fixed structures on the opposite sides, which can enhance the connection strength between the outer key cap 31 and the inner key cap 32, and can also avoid the situation where the outer key cap 31 may fall off due to contact.

[0070] In other embodiments, the positions of the first connection portion 311 and the second connection portion 322, and the positions of the second pivoting portion 312 and the second pivot 326 can also be oppositely arranged. That is, the first connection portion 311 can be close to the first pivoting portion 324, and the through hole 325 and the slide slot 323 are arranged adjacent to each other, and the utility model is not limited thereto.

[0071] Figure 7 This is a partially exploded schematic diagram of the key structure of the second embodiment of the utility model. Figure 8 for Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a key cap assembly is shown, Fig. 9 for Figure 8 The exploded schematic diagram of the key cap assembly shown in FIG. Fig.10 for Figure 7 Please refer to the bottom view of the button structure after assembly and removal of the bottom plate. Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Fig. 9 and Fig.10 The key structure 1a of this embodiment also includes a base plate 10, a connecting component 20a, and a key cap component 30a. The main difference from the previous embodiment is the connection method of the connecting component 20a and the key cap component 30a, while the structure of the base plate 10 is the same as that of the previous embodiment, and the component symbols are used.

[0072] The connecting assembly 20a also includes a first frame 21a and a second frame 22a pivotally connected to each other. The keycap assembly 30a includes an outer keycap 31a and an inner keycap 32a, which are also connected to each other through a first connecting portion 311a and a second connecting portion 322a. The first moving side 211a of the first frame 21a is connected to the slide groove 323a of the keycap assembly 30a, and the first pivoting side 212a is connected to the base plate 10. The second moving side 221a of the second frame 22a is connected to the base plate 10, and the second pivoting side 222a is connected to the first pivoting portion 324a of the keycap assembly 30a. The configuration of the accommodating space 321a of the inner keycap 32a corresponds to the configuration of the connecting assembly 20a. As in the aforementioned embodiment, the slide groove 323a and the first pivoting portion 324a of this embodiment are respectively located between two adjacent side walls 320a, so that the accommodating space 321a forms a square space with four concave corners. Correspondingly, the two opposite ends of the first pivot side 212a of the first frame 21a respectively have a recessed portion 214a to make way for the slide groove 323a. The first movable side 211a of the first frame 21a and the second pivot side 222a of the second frame 22a are arranged alternately to make way for the first pivot portion 324a. In short, the orthographic projection of the inner keycap 32a of the present embodiment does not overlap with the portion of the first frame 21a except the first rod portion 213a, and does not overlap with the portion of the second frame 22a except the first pivot 223a and the third pivot 224a. Therefore, when the keycap assembly 30a is pressed, the connecting assembly 20a can be accommodated in the accommodating space 321a to achieve the effect of reducing the overall thickness of the key structure 1a.

[0073] Preferably, the outer key cap 31a of the present embodiment also has a second pivoting portion 312a, and is also a water drop hole structure. Correspondingly, the inner key cap 32a also includes a through hole 325a. The difference from the previous embodiment is that the second pivoting portion 312a of the present embodiment can be connected to the second pivoting side 222a of the second frame 22a. Specifically, the second pivoting portion 312a of the outer key cap 31a passes through the through hole 325a and is connected to the second pivoting side 222a of the second frame 22a. In the present embodiment, the second frame 22a also includes a third pivot 224a, such as Figure 7 and Fig.10 As shown. The third pivot 224a is located at the second pivot side 222a and is adjacent to the first pivot 223a. After the second pivot portion 312a passes through the through hole 325a, it is sleeved on the outer side of the third pivot 224a, so that the third pivot 224a is accommodated in the second pivot portion 312a (water drop hole structure). In other embodiments, the third pivot 224a can also be located at other positions on the second pivot side 222a, and the through hole 325a can be adjusted to its position on the inner keycap 32a accordingly.

[0074] In summary, according to the key structure of the utility model, it includes a base plate, a connecting component, and a keycap component. The connecting component includes a first frame and a second frame pivotally connected to each other. The keycap component includes an outer keycap and an inner keycap. The inner keycap includes a accommodating space and corresponds to the connecting component. When the keycap assembly is pressed, the connecting component can be accommodated in the accommodating space of the inner keycap, thereby reducing the overall thickness of the key structure, so that the key structure can be applied to a thin keyboard. It should be noted that the above-mentioned many embodiments are exemplified for the sake of convenience of explanation, and the scope of rights claimed by the utility model should be based on the claims, and is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments.

Claims

1. A key structure, characterized in that: include: a bottom plate; A connection assembly comprising: A first frame including a first moving side and a first pivoting side opposite to each other, wherein the first pivoting side is connected to the bottom plate; and a second frame, the second frame comprising a second movable side and a second pivoting side opposite to each other, the second movable side being connected to the bottom plate; and A key cap assembly, comprising: an outer key cap, comprising a first connecting portion; and An inner keycap is connected to the first movable side and the second pivot side, and the inner keycap includes: a receiving space corresponding to the connecting component; and A second connecting portion is detachably connected to the first connecting portion.

2. The key structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first frame and the second frame are pivotally connected to each other. The inner key cap further comprises a slide slot and a first pivoting portion. The slide slot is connected to the first moving side, and the first pivoting portion is connected to the second pivoting side.

3. The key structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The inner key cap includes four side walls surrounding the accommodating space, and the slide slot and the first pivoting portion are respectively located between two adjacent side walls.

4. The key structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first movable side has a recessed portion for making way for the slide slot. The first pivoting side and the second pivoting side are arranged alternately to make way for the first pivoting portion. When the key cap assembly is pressed, the connecting assembly is accommodated in the accommodating space.

5. The key structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first frame includes a first rod portion located at the first moving side, and the first rod portion is movably disposed in the sliding groove.

6. The key structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first pivoting portion is a water drop hole structure. The second frame includes a first pivot located at the second pivoting side. The first pivot is accommodated in the first pivoting portion.

7. The key structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer key cap includes a second pivoting portion, the inner key cap includes a through hole, and the second pivoting portion passes through the through hole.

8. The key structure according to claim 7, characterized in that: The inner key cap includes a second pivot shaft, and the second pivoting portion of the outer key cap is connected to the second pivot shaft.

9. The key structure according to claim 8, characterized in that: The second pivoting portion is a water drop hole structure, the second pivot is located in the through hole, and the second pivoting portion passes through the through hole and is sleeved on the outer side of the second pivot.

10. The key structure according to claim 7, characterized in that: The second pivoting portion of the outer key cap is connected to the second pivoting side of the second frame.

11. The key structure according to claim 7, characterized in that: The second pivoting portion is a water drop hole structure. The second frame includes a third pivot located at the second pivoting side. The third pivot is accommodated in the second pivoting portion.

12. The key structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: One of the first connection portion and the second connection portion is a slot, and the other is a protrusion.

13. The key structure according to claim 12, characterized in that: The first connecting portion is close to the sliding slot or close to the first pivoting portion.

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