Elastic actuator and key comprising same

Abstract

The utility model provides an elastic actuator and a button comprising the elastic actuator, the elastic actuator comprises an elastic body, an actuating column and N pressing members, the elastic body comprises a top and a side wall connected with and surrounding the top, and the side wall forms an opening and is provided with at least one notch formed on the periphery of the opening; the actuating column is formed on the bottom surface of the top and located at the center of the bottom surface. The N abutting components are formed on the bottom surface of the top and surround the actuating column, N is a natural number, when the opening of the elastic body is arranged on a plane and the top moves towards the plane under the action of external force until the actuating column abuts against the plane, the side wall bends inwards and downwards from the waist part of the side wall, and the N is a natural number. The N abutting components abut against the bent waist portion so that the bent waist portion can be provided with N abutting portions abutting against the plane, and gaps exist between the two sides of each abutting portion of the bent waist portion and the plane.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the field of keys, in particular to an elastic actuator and a key comprising the elastic actuator. Background Art

[0002] See also Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the drawings schematically illustrate the elastic actuator 1 used in a key according to the prior art. Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the appearance of an elastic actuator 1 in the prior art. Figure 2 for Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a prior art elastic actuator 1 after sectioning along section line AA.

[0003] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the elastic actuator 1 of the prior art includes an elastic body 10 and an actuating column 12. The elastic body 10 includes a top 100 and a side wall 102. The side wall 102 of the elastic body 10 is connected to and surrounds the top 100 of the elastic body 10. The side wall 102 of the elastic body 10 forms an opening 104. The actuating column 12 is formed on the bottom surface 1002 of the top 100 of the elastic body 10. The actuating column 12 is located at the center of the bottom surface 1002 of the top 100.

[0004] The side wall 102 of the elastic body 10 has at least one notch 106, and the at least one notch 106 is formed on the periphery 1040 of the opening 104 of the elastic body 10. The at least one notch 106 allows the inside of the elastic body 10 to communicate with the outside. The at least one notch 106 is designed to allow the elastic actuator 1 of the prior art to maintain communication between the inside and the outside of the elastic body 10 during operation, so as to avoid the elastic actuator 1 from making vacuum noise or even failing to return to its original shape after being pressed.

[0005] See also Figure 3 , Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the overall strain distribution result of the top 100 of the elastic actuator 1 in the prior art after being subjected to an external force F by finite element analysis. Figure 3 The strain distribution of a half cross section of the elastic actuator 1 according to the prior art is shown. Figure 3The strain distribution results of the overall finite element analysis shown in the figure confirm that in addition to the high strain values ​​of the top 100 and the actuating column 12, the side wall 102 is bent inward and downward from its waist 1020, and the strain value of the curved waist 1020 against the plane (in the key, the plane refers to the surface of the membrane switch circuit board) is also high. It should be emphasized that the part where the curved waist 1020 abuts against the plane forms an annular belt part, and the strain values ​​of this annular part are roughly consistent. In other words, the curved waist 1020 in the annular belt part is tightly against the plane, making the space inside the curved waist 1020 a closed space, resulting in the air in the space inside the curved waist 1020 being unable to be discharged through at least one notch 106 on the periphery 1040. Therefore, the elastic actuator 1 of the prior art still has the situation of vacuum absorption abnormal sound, and even after pressing, it is similar to the suction cup effect and cannot be restored to the original shape. Utility Model Content

[0006] The utility model provides an elastic actuator and a key comprising the elastic actuator. The key can avoid abnormal vacuum noise and the elastic actuator cannot return to its original shape after being pressed during operation.

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the utility model proposes an elastic actuator suitable for use in a key, the elastic actuator comprising an elastic body, an actuating column and N pressing members, the elastic body comprising a top and a side wall, the side wall being connected to and surrounding the top, the side wall forming an opening, the side wall having at least one notch, the at least one notch being formed on the periphery of the opening; the actuating column being formed on the bottom surface of the top, and the actuating column being located at the center of the bottom surface; the N pressing members being formed on the bottom surface of the top, N being a natural number, And the N pressing members surround the actuating column, wherein, when the opening of the elastomer is placed on a plane and the top is subjected to an external force to move toward the plane until the actuating column abuts against the plane, the side wall bends inward and downward from its own waist, and the N pressing members press the bent waist so that the bent waist has N pressing parts abutting against the plane, and there are gaps between the two sides of each pressing part of the bent waist and the plane, and the interior of the elastomer is connected to the outside of the elastomer through the gaps and the at least one notch.

[0008] As an optional technical solution, the N pressing members surround the actuating column at equal intervals.

[0009] As an optional technical solution, the elastic body, the actuating column and the N pressing members are an integrally formed structure.

[0010] As an optional technical solution, the top has a recess, which is formed on the top surface of the top.

[0011] As an optional technical solution, each pressing member includes a strip structure formed on the bottom surface and a column structure formed on the strip structure.

[0012] As an optional technical solution, the long side of each strip structure is perpendicular to the circumferential surface of the actuating column.

[0013] As an optional technical solution, each strip structure extends from the bottom surface and is connected to the side wall.

[0014] As an optional technical solution, the number of the N pressing members is greater than the number of the at least one notch.

[0015] In addition, the utility model also proposes a key, which includes an elastic actuator, a base plate, a membrane switch circuit board, a keycap and a supporting device as described above, wherein the membrane switch circuit board is arranged on the base plate; the supporting device is arranged between the base plate and the keycap, and the supporting device limits the keycap from moving between an unpressed position and a pressed position; wherein the elastic actuator is arranged on the membrane switch circuit board, and the elastic actuator abuts against the keycap.

[0016] As an optional technical solution, a positioning column is provided on the lower surface of the key cap, and the positioning column is inserted into the recess of the top.

[0017] The utility model provides an elastic actuator and a key including the elastic actuator. The inside of the elastic body of the elastic actuator of the utility model is connected to the outside of the elastic body through the gap of the curved waist of the elastic body and at least one notch. Thereby, when the external force is released, the elastic actuator of the utility model will return to its original shape, avoiding the situation that the elastic actuator of the utility model makes a vacuum sound and cannot return to its original shape after being pressed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The specific implementation of the utility model is further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0019] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the appearance of an elastic actuator in the prior art;

[0020] Figure 2 The elastic actuator of the prior art Figure 1 Schematic cross-section diagram of the AA section line;

[0021] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the overall strain distribution result of the top of the elastic actuator in the prior art after being subjected to external force by finite element analysis;

[0022] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the appearance of an elastic actuator according to an embodiment of the utility model;

[0023] Figure 5 The elastic actuator according to one embodiment of the utility model is Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the BB section line at one viewing angle;

[0024] Figure 6 The elastic actuator according to one embodiment of the utility model is Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the BB section line at another viewing angle;

[0025] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram of the strain distribution result of the cross section of the elastic actuator after the top of the elastic actuator according to one embodiment of the utility model is subjected to an external force by using finite element analysis;

[0026] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram of the strain distribution result of the bottom surface of the cross section of the elastic actuator according to one embodiment of the present invention after the top is subjected to external force by finite element analysis;

[0027] Fig. 9 It is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of a key according to an embodiment of the utility model. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] In order to more clearly illustrate the utility model, the utility model is further described below in conjunction with preferred embodiments and drawings. Similar components in the drawings are represented by the same reference numerals. Those skilled in the art should understand that the content described below is illustrative rather than restrictive, and should not be used to limit the scope of protection of the utility model.

[0029] See also Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the drawings schematically illustrate an elastic actuator 2 used in a key according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the appearance of an elastic actuator 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 The elastic actuator 2 according to one embodiment of the utility model is Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the BB section line at one viewing angle. Figure 6 The elastic actuator 2 according to one embodiment of the utility model is Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the BB section line at another viewing angle.

[0030] like Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the elastic actuator 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises an elastic body 20 , an actuating column 22 and N pressing members 24 , wherein N is a natural number.

[0031] The elastic body 20 includes a top 200 and a side wall 202. The side wall 202 of the elastic body 20 is connected to and surrounds the top 200 of the elastic body 20. The side wall 202 of the elastic body 20 forms an opening 204. The side wall 202 has at least one notch 206. The at least one notch 206 of the side wall 202 is formed on the periphery 2040 of the opening 204. In one embodiment, the at least one notch 206 is evenly distributed on the periphery 2040 of the opening 204.

[0032] The actuating column 22 is formed on the bottom surface 2002 of the top 200 of the elastic body 20. The actuating column 22 is located at the center of the bottom surface 2002 of the top 200 of the elastic body 20. N pressing members 24 are formed on the bottom surface 2002 of the top 200 of the elastic body 20 and surround the actuating column 22.

[0033] See also Figure 7 and Figure 8 , Figure 7 FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of strain distribution results of a cross section of an elastic actuator 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing strain distribution results of the bottom surface of a cross section of an elastic actuator 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] like Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown, the strain distribution results of the whole finite element analysis confirm that when the opening 204 of the elastic body 20 is placed on a plane (inside the key, the plane refers to the surface of the membrane switch circuit board) and the top 200 of the elastic body 20 is subjected to external force to move the top 200 of the elastic body 20 toward the plane until the actuating column 22 abuts on the plane, in addition to the high strain values ​​of the top 200 and the actuating column 22, the side wall 202 of the elastic body 20 bends inward and downward from its waist 2020, and the N pressing members 24 press the bent waist 2020 of the elastic body 20 so that the bent waist 2020 has N pressing parts 2022 abutting on the plane. The N pressing parts 2022 and the pressing points 242 on the N pressing parts 2022 pressed by the N pressing members 24 also have high strains. Other parts of the bent waist 2020 that are not pressed by the N pressing members 24 have low strains. This results in gaps 2024 between the curved waist 2020 of the elastic body 20 and the plane on both sides of each pressing portion 2022, that is, there are gaps 2024 between the two sides of each pressing portion 2022 and the plane. In this way, the interior of the elastic body 20, especially the interior of the space surrounded by the curved waist 2020, can be connected to the outside of the elastic body 20 through the gaps 2024 of the curved waist 2020 of the elastic body 20 and at least one notch 206. Therefore, when the external force F is released, the elastic actuator 2 according to an embodiment of the utility model will return to its original shape, avoiding the situation that the elastic actuator according to an embodiment of the utility model makes a vacuum sound and cannot return to its original shape after being pressed.

[0035] In a specific embodiment, if Figure 6 As shown, N pressing members 24 surround the actuating column 22 at equal intervals, that is, the N pressing members 24 are evenly distributed on the bottom surface 2002 and surround the actuating column 22. In one embodiment, the N pressing members 24 are symmetrically arranged and surround the actuating column 22. In one embodiment, the number of the pressing members is greater than the number of the at least one notch 206.

[0036] In a specific embodiment, the elastic body 20 , the actuating column 22 and the N pressing members 24 are integrally formed.

[0037] In a specific embodiment, the top 200 of the elastic body 20 has a recess 2006. The recess 2006 of the top 200 of the elastic body 20 is formed on the top surface 2004 of the top 200 of the elastic body 20. The recess 2006 of the top 200 of the elastic body 20 is used for the positioning column formed on the lower surface of the keycap to be inserted.

[0038] In a specific embodiment, each pressing member 24 includes a strip structure 244 formed on the bottom surface 2002 of the top 200 of the elastic body 20 and a columnar structure 246 formed on the strip structure 244. In one embodiment, each strip structure 244 extends from the bottom surface 2002 to the side wall 202. Further, the bottom surface 2002 has two annular surfaces connected and at an angle (that is, the two annular surfaces are not in the same plane), one of which is connected to the actuating column 22 and partially corresponds to the aforementioned recess 2006, and the other annular surface is connected to the side wall 202. The bottom of each strip structure 244 is connected to the two annular surfaces and the inner surface of the side wall 202. In one embodiment, the bottom of the columnar structure 246 is connected to the corresponding strip structure 244, and the top of the columnar structure 246 has a plane and a curved surface surrounding the plane.

[0039] In one specific embodiment, the long side L of each strip structure 244 is perpendicular to the circumferential surface of the actuating post 22 .

[0040] See also Fig. 9 , Fig. 9 It is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of a key 3 according to an embodiment of the utility model.

[0041] like Fig. 9 As shown, the key 3 according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises the elastic actuator 2 according to the present invention, a base plate 30, a membrane switch circuit board 32, a key cap 34 and a supporting device 36. The membrane switch circuit board 32 is disposed on the base plate 30. The key cap 34 has a lower surface 340.

[0042] The support device 36 is disposed between the base plate 30 and the key cap 34, and is movably connected to the lower surface 340 of the key cap 34 and the base plate 30, respectively. The support device 36 restricts the key cap 34 from moving between the unpressed position and the pressed position. Fig. 9 As shown, the support structure 36 may be a scissor-type structure, but is not limited thereto.

[0043] The elastic actuator 2 according to the utility model is arranged on the membrane switch circuit board 32 and abuts against the keycap 34. The lower surface of the keycap 34 may be provided with a positioning column, which is inserted into the aforementioned recess 2006. When the keycap 34 is not pressed, the elastic actuator 2 according to the utility model supports the keycap 34 in the unpressed position. When the keycap 34 is pressed by an external force and causes the elastic actuator 2 according to the utility model to deform, the keycap 34 moves to the pressing position, so that the actuating column 22 actuates the switch 322 corresponding to the membrane switch circuit board 32 to trigger. In addition, the inside of the elastic body 20 of the elastic actuator 2 according to the utility model is connected to the outside of the elastic body 20 through the gap 2024 of the curved waist 2020 of the elastic body 20 and at least one notch 206. Therefore, the elastic actuator 2 according to the utility model can avoid the occurrence of vacuum suction abnormal sound and the situation that the original shape cannot be restored after pressing. Fig. 9 With Figures 4 to 6 The components marked with the same numbers have the same or similar structures and functions, and will not be described in detail here.

[0044] In summary, the utility model provides an elastic actuator and a key including the elastic actuator. The inside of the elastic body of the elastic actuator of the utility model is connected to the outside of the elastic body through the gap of the curved waist of the elastic body and at least one notch. Thereby, when the external force is released, the elastic actuator of the utility model will return to its original shape, avoiding the situation that the elastic actuator of the utility model makes a vacuum sound and cannot return to its original shape after being pressed.

[0045] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not limitations on the implementation methods of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in the relevant field, other different forms of changes or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is impossible to list all the implementation methods here. All obvious changes or modifications derived from the technical solution of the present invention are still within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An elastic actuator, suitable for use in a key, characterized in that: The elastic actuator comprises: An elastic body, comprising a top and a side wall, the side wall being connected to and surrounding the top, the side wall forming an opening, the side wall having at least one notch, and the at least one notch being formed on the periphery of the opening; an actuating post formed on the bottom surface of the top portion, and the actuating post is located at the center of the bottom surface; and N pressing members are formed on the bottom surface of the top, N is a natural number, and the N pressing members surround the actuating column, Among them, when the opening of the elastomer is placed on a plane and the top is subjected to external force to move toward the plane until the actuating column abuts against the plane, the side wall bends inward and downward from its own waist, and the N pressing members press the bent waist so that the bent waist has N pressing parts abutting against the plane. There are gaps between the two sides of each pressing part of the bent waist and the plane, and the interior of the elastomer is connected to the outside of the elastomer through the gaps and the at least one notch.

2. The elastic actuator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The N pressing components surround the actuating column at equal intervals.

3. The elastic actuator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The elastic body, the actuating column and the N pressing components are an integrally formed structure.

4. The elastic actuator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top portion has a recess formed on a top surface of the top portion.

5. The elastic actuator according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each pressing member includes a strip structure formed on the bottom surface and a column structure formed on the strip structure.

6. The elastic actuator according to claim 5, characterized in that: The long side of each strip structure is perpendicular to the circumferential surface of the actuating column.

7. The elastic actuator according to claim 5, characterized in that: Each strip structure extends from the bottom surface and is connected to the side wall.

8. The elastic actuator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The number of the N pressing members is greater than the number of the at least one notch.

9. A key, characterized in that: The button contains: The elastic actuator according to any one of claims 1 to 8; Base plate; A membrane switch circuit board is arranged on the bottom plate; keycap; as well as A supporting device is disposed between the base plate and the key cap, and the supporting device limits the key cap from moving between an unpressed position and a pressed position; Wherein, the elastic actuator is arranged on the membrane switch circuit board, and the elastic actuator abuts against the key cap.

10. The key according to claim 9, characterized in that: The lower surface of the key cap is provided with a positioning column, and the positioning column is inserted into the recess of the top.

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