Key structure
By using a multi-bracket structure and lifting mechanism, the problem of monotonous keyboard key appearance and arrangement has been solved, achieving key diversity and stability while reducing noise.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202520109559.1
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-01-16
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-23
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-01-16
AI Technical Summary
The regular shape of existing keyboard keys limits the arrangement of keys and the appearance design of the keyboard, making it impossible to meet diverse needs.
The keycaps feature a multi-bracket structure design, including keycaps, a first bracket, a second bracket, a third bracket, and supporting components. Different connection methods and support structures enable the keycaps to be designed in various shapes. Furthermore, the combination of a lifting mechanism and an elastomer reduces the complexity of the mechanism design and noise.
It achieves diverse appearance designs for button structures, improves button stability and assemblability, and reduces noise during button operation.
Smart Images

Figure CN223828372U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to a button structure. Background Technology
[0002] In current personal computer usage habits, the keyboard is an indispensable input device for inputting text, symbols, or numbers. Furthermore, consumer electronics used in daily life and large industrial processing equipment all require keypads as input devices to operate these devices. Generally, most keys on a keyboard have square keycaps. A smaller number of keys, such as the space bar, enter key, caps lock, and shift key, have keycaps that are longer than they are wide; these are called multiplier keys. However, these regular key shapes limit the arrangement of keys and the overall appearance of the keyboard. Utility Model Content
[0003] Therefore, this utility model proposes a button structure that can improve the problems existing in the prior art.
[0004] One embodiment of this utility model discloses a button structure. The button structure includes a keycap, a first bracket, a second bracket, and a third bracket. The first bracket is connected to the keycap and has a side surface, a first mounting portion, and a second mounting portion. The first mounting portion and the second mounting portion respectively expose a first opening and a second opening from the side surface. The second bracket is connected to the first bracket and disposed in the first mounting portion, protruding relative to the first opening. The third bracket is connected to the first bracket, disposed in the second mounting portion, and protruding relative to the second opening.
[0005] Another embodiment of this utility model provides a button structure. The button structure includes a keycap, a first bracket, a second bracket, and a support member. The first bracket is connected to the keycap and has a side surface and a mounting portion, with an opening protruding from the side surface of the mounting portion. The second bracket is connected to the first bracket and disposed on the mounting portion, protruding relative to the opening. The support member connects the first bracket and the keycap.
[0006] Another embodiment of this utility model provides a button structure. The button structure includes a keycap, a first bracket, a second bracket, and a support member. The first bracket is connected to the keycap and has a side surface and a mounting portion, with an opening protruding from the side surface of the mounting portion. The second bracket is connected to the first bracket and disposed in the mounting portion, and is recessed relative to the opening. The support member is connected to the second bracket through the opening.
[0007] Another embodiment of this utility model proposes a button structure. The button structure includes a base plate, a keycap, a lifting mechanism, and an elastic body. The keycap is disposed on the base plate. The lifting mechanism connects the keycap and the base plate and has a through hole. The structures on both sides of the through hole of the lifting mechanism are different. The elastic body is disposed between the keycap and the base plate corresponding to the through hole.
[0008] To provide a better understanding of the above and other aspects of this utility model, specific embodiments are described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings: Attached Figure Description
[0009] FIG. 1A and 1B This is a schematic diagram of the button structure according to an embodiment of the present invention from different perspectives.
[0010] FIG. 2 This is an assembly diagram of the key structure shown in Figure 1 (but the keycaps are disassembled).
[0011] FIG. 3A and 3B This is an exploded view of the button structure in Figure 1 from different perspectives.
[0012] FIG. 4A for FIG. 2 A cross-sectional view of the key structure along direction 4A-4A' (including the assembled keycaps).
[0013] FIG. 4B for FIG. 2 A cross-sectional view of the key structure along direction 4B-4B' (including the assembled keycaps).
[0014] FIG. 4C for FIG. 2 A cross-sectional view of the key structure along direction 4C-4C' (including the assembled keycaps).
[0015] FIG. 4D for FIG. 2 A cross-sectional view of the key structure along the direction 4D-4D' (including the assembled keycaps).
[0016] FIG. 4E for FIG. 2 A cross-sectional view of the key structure along direction 4E-4E' (including the assembled keycaps).
[0017] FIG. 4F for FIG. 2 A cross-sectional view of the key structure along direction 4F-4F' (including the assembled keycap 110).
[0018] FIG. 4G for FIG. 2 A cross-sectional view of the key structure along direction 4G-4G' (including the assembled keycaps).
[0019] FIG. 5 This is a cross-sectional view of a button structure according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] FIGS. 6A-6B This is an exploded view of the button structure according to another embodiment of the present invention from different perspectives.
[0021] FIG. 7 for FIG. 6A Assembly diagram of the key structure (but keycaps disassembled).
[0022] FIGS. 8A-8B This is an exploded view of the button structure according to another embodiment of the present invention from different perspectives.
[0023] FIG. 9 for FIG. 8A Assembly diagram of the key structure (but keycaps disassembled).
[0024] FIG. 10A and 10B This is a schematic diagram of the button structure according to an embodiment of the present invention from different perspectives.
[0025] FIG. 11 for FIG. 10A Assembly diagram of the key structure (but keycaps disassembled).
[0026] FIG. 12A for FIG. 11 A cross-sectional view of the key structure along direction 12A-12A' (including the assembled keycap 510).
[0027] FIG. 12B for FIG. 11 A cross-sectional view of the key structure along direction 12B-12B' (including the assembled keycaps).
[0028] FIG. 12C for FIG. 11 A cross-sectional view of the key structure along direction 12C-12C' (including the assembled keycaps).
[0029] FIG. 12D for FIG. 11 A cross-sectional view of the key structure along direction 12D-12D' (including the assembled keycaps).
[0030] FIG. 12E for FIG. 11 A cross-sectional view of the key structure along direction 12E-12E' (including the assembled keycaps).
[0031] FIG. 12F for FIG. 11 A cross-sectional view of the key structure 500 along direction 12F-12F' (including the assembled keycaps).
[0032] FIG. 12G for FIG. 11 A cross-sectional view of the key structure along direction 12G-12G' (including the assembled keycaps).
[0033] FIG. 12H for FIG. 11 A cross-sectional view of the key structure along direction 12H-12H' (including the assembled keycaps).
[0034] FIG. 13 This is a schematic diagram of a button structure according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[0035] FIG. 14A and 14B This is a schematic diagram of the button structure according to another embodiment of the present invention from different perspectives.
[0036] FIG. 15 for FIG. 14A Assembly diagram of the key structure (but keycaps disassembled).
[0037] FIG. 16A and 16B for FIG. 14A The button structure is shown in exploded view from different angles.
[0038] FIG. 17A for FIG. 15 A cross-sectional view of the key structure along direction 17A-17A' (including the assembled keycap 710).
[0039] FIG. 17B for FIG. 15 A cross-sectional view of the key structure along direction 17B-17B' (including the assembled keycaps). Detailed Implementation
[0040] Please refer to FIGS. 1A-4G , FIG. 1A and 1B These are schematic diagrams of the button structure 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention from different viewing angles. FIG. 2 This is a schematic diagram of the key structure 100 in Figure 1 after removing keycap 110. FIG. 3A and 3B The following is an exploded view of the button structure 100 in Figure 1 from different perspectives. FIG. 4A for FIG. 2 A cross-sectional view of the key structure 100 along direction 4A-4A' (including the assembled keycap 110). FIG. 4B for FIG. 2 A cross-sectional view of the key structure 100 along direction 4B-4B' (including the assembled keycap 110). FIG. 4C for FIG. 2 A cross-sectional view of the key structure 100 along direction 4C-4C' (including the assembled keycap 110). FIG. 4Dfor FIG. 2 A cross-sectional view of the key structure 100 along the direction 4D-4D' (including the assembled keycap 110). FIG. 4E for FIG. 2 A cross-sectional view of the key structure 100 along direction 4E-4E' (including the assembled keycap 110). FIG. 4F for FIG. 2 A cross-sectional view of the key structure 100 along direction 4F-4F' (including the assembled keycap 110), and FIG. 4G for FIG. 2 A cross-sectional view of the key structure 100 along the direction 4G-4G' (including the assembled keycap 110).
[0041] like FIGS. 1A-2 As shown, the button structure 100 includes at least one keycap 110, at least one first bracket 120, at least one second bracket 130, at least one third bracket 140, at least one first support member 150, a circuit board 160, at least one elastomer 170, and a base plate 180.
[0042] like FIG. 2 As shown, the first bracket 120, the second bracket 130, and the third bracket 140 can form a lifting mechanism, or the first bracket 120, the second bracket 130, the third bracket 140, and the first support member 150 can form a lifting mechanism. In one embodiment, a lifting mechanism, a keycap 110, and an elastic body 170 can form a key module. The key structure 100 is, for example, a keyboard, which may include at least one key module. The aforementioned keyboard is, for example, a standalone keyboard, or a built-in keyboard of an electronic product, such as a notebook computer, home appliance, or other electronic product requiring input functions. In an embodiment, the lifting mechanism is, for example, a scissor mechanism. The second bracket 130 and the third bracket 140 are partially surrounded by the first bracket 120; therefore, the second bracket 130 and the third bracket 140 can be referred to as "inner scissor brackets," and the first bracket 120 can be referred to as "outer scissor brackets." In an embodiment, the second bracket 130 is partially surrounded by the first support member 150; therefore, the first support member 150 can also be referred to as "outer scissor brackets." The first support 150 and the first bracket 120 can be collectively referred to as the "external scissor bracket".
[0043] like FIG. 2 , 3AAs shown in Figure 3B, a first support 120 is connected to the keycap 110 and has a side 120s, a first mounting portion 120a1, and a second mounting portion 120a2. The first mounting portion 120a1 and the second mounting portion 120a2 respectively expose a first opening 120a11 and a second opening 120a21 from the side 120s. A second support 130 is connected to the first support 120 and disposed in the first mounting portion 120a1, protruding relative to the first opening 120a11. A third support 140 is connected to the first support 120 and disposed in the second mounting portion 120a2, protruding relative to the second opening 120a21. In this embodiment, since the second support 130 protrudes from the first support 120, it can support the corresponding part of the keycap 110. Thus, the keycap 110 can be designed in different shapes (or "irregular keycaps"). For example, keycap 110 includes a protruding area (or protrusion) 111, and second bracket 130 may be configured adjacent to the protruding area 111 of keycap 110 to support keycap 110 adjacent to the protruding area 111. In addition, depending on the different shapes of keycaps (or irregular keycaps), first bracket 120 and second bracket 130 may be designed accordingly to support keycaps of different shapes.
[0044] Furthermore, the term "connection" in this article may include movable connection relationships such as "pivotal connection" and "sliding connection," but is not limited thereto. Accordingly, the term "connecting part" in this article may be a similar term such as "pivotal part" or "sliding part," but is not limited thereto. The mounting part in this article may be, for example, one of a concave hole and a convex part, and the part connected to the mounting hole may be, for example, the other of a concave hole and a convex part.
[0045] like FIG. 3B As shown, the keycap 110 includes first connecting portions 111A and 111B, second connecting portions 112A and 112B, third connecting portions 113A and 113B, fourth connecting portions 114A and 114B, fifth connecting portions 115A and 115B, and a cap body 116. The cap body 116 includes a top plate 1161 and a side plate 1162, wherein the side plate 1162 is connected to the edge of the top plate 1161. The first connecting portions 111A and 111B, the second connecting portions 112A and 112B, the third connecting portions 113A and 113B, and the fourth connecting portions 114A and 114B are connected to the lower surface 1161b of the top plate 1161.
[0046] like FIG. 3B As shown, the first connecting part 111A and the first connecting part 111B are structurally the same or similar, the second connecting part 112A and the second connecting part 112B are structurally the same or similar, the third connecting part 113A and the third connecting part 113B are structurally the same or similar, the fourth connecting part 114A and the fourth connecting part 114B are structurally the same or similar, and the fifth connecting part 115A and the fifth connecting part 115B are structurally the same or similar.
[0047] like FIG. 2 and 3A As shown in ~3B, the keycap 110 can be connected to the first bracket 120, the second bracket 130, the third bracket 140, and the first support member 150. For example, the first connecting parts 111A and 111B can be connected to the second bracket 130, the second connecting parts 112A and 112B can be connected to the third bracket 140, the third connecting parts 113A and 113B and the fourth connecting parts 114A and 114B can be connected to the first bracket 120, and the fifth connecting parts 115A and 115B can be connected to the first support member 150.
[0048] like FIG. 3B As shown, the keycap 110 includes several connecting portions arranged in a straight line, and the second support 130 and the third support 140 are connected to these connecting portions of the keycap 110. For example, the first connecting portions 111A and 111B and the second connecting portions 112A and 112B of the keycap 110 can be arranged in a straight line L5 (e.g., approximately parallel to the X-axis), wherein the second support 130 and the third support 140 can be connected to the first connecting portions 111A and 111B and the second connecting portions 112A and 112B arranged in a straight line. This type of coaxial connection can reduce the complexity of the mechanism design.
[0049] like FIG. 2 , 3B As shown in 4C, the keycap 110 further includes a pressing portion 117, which is connected to and protrudes from the lower surface 1161b of the top plate 1161. The pressing portion 117 overlaps with the elastic body 170 along the direction of movement of the keycap 110 (e.g., the Z-axis). The pressing portion 117 and the elastic body 170 remain in contact, thereby reducing impact noise when the keycap 110 is pressed.
[0050] like FIG. 2 As shown, the keycap 110 further includes a groove 118r, which is formed in the top plate 1161 and recessed relative to the lower surface 1161b. The groove 118r overlaps with the connecting arm (connecting shaft, for example, having first connecting portions 151A and 151B described later) of the first support member 150 along the direction of movement of the keycap 110 (e.g., the Z-axis). When the keycap 110 is in a pressed state, the connecting portion of the first support member 150 may be partially located within the groove 118r, thus avoiding interference with the solid material of the keycap 110.
[0051] like FIG. 2 , 3BAs shown in 4C, the first bracket 120 can connect to the keycap 110, the second bracket 130, the third bracket 140, the first support member 150, and the base plate 180. The first bracket 120 includes first connecting parts 121A and 121B, second connecting parts 122A and 122B, third connecting parts 123A and 123B, fourth connecting parts 124A and 124B, fifth connecting parts 125A and 125B, sixth connecting parts 126A and 126B, seventh connecting parts 127A and 127B, and the first bracket body 128.
[0052] The first connecting part 121A and the first connecting part 121B are structurally identical or similar, the second connecting part 122A and the second connecting part 122B are structurally identical or similar, the third connecting part 123A and the third connecting part 123B are structurally identical or similar, the fourth connecting part 124A and the fourth connecting part 124B are structurally identical or similar, the fifth connecting part 125A and the fifth connecting part 125B are structurally identical or similar, the sixth connecting part 126A and the sixth connecting part 126B are structurally identical or similar, and the seventh connecting part 127A and the seventh connecting part 127B are structurally identical or similar.
[0053] like FIG. 2 , 3A As shown in Figure 3B, the first connecting portions 121A and 121B and the second connecting portions 122A and 122B are, for example, pivot holes disposed in the first support body 128, while the third connecting portions 123A and 123B, the fourth connecting portions 124A and 124B, the fifth connecting portions 125A and 125B, and the sixth connecting portions 126A and 126B are, for example, pivots connected to the first support body 128. The first support body 128 has the aforementioned side surface 120s. In one embodiment, the third connecting portions 123A and 123B, the fourth connecting portions 124A and 124B, the fifth connecting portions 125A and 125B, the sixth connecting portions 126A and 126B, and the first support body 128 are, for example, an integrally formed structure. For example, injection molding technology can be used to form an integral first support 120. In terms of material, the first support 120 is, for example, made of plastic.
[0054] like FIG. 2 , 3AAs shown in Figure 3B, the first connecting portions 121A and 121B of the first bracket 120 can be connected to the second bracket 130. The second connecting portions 122A and 122B of the first bracket 120 can be connected to the third bracket 140. The third connecting portions 123A and 123B and the fourth connecting portions 124A and 124B of the first bracket 120 can be connected to the keycap 110. The fifth connecting portions 125A and 125B of the first bracket 120 are connected to the first support member 150, while the sixth connecting portions 126A and 126B and the seventh connecting portions 127A and 127B can be connected to the base plate 180.
[0055] like FIG. 4C As shown, the first mounting portion 120a1 of the first bracket 120 has opposing first inner surfaces 120a12 and second inner surfaces 120a13, the first connecting portion 121A is recessed relative to the first inner surface 120a12, and the first connecting portion 121B is recessed relative to the second inner surface 120a13. Similarly, the second mounting portion 120a2 of the first bracket 120 has opposing third inner surfaces 120a22 and fourth inner surfaces 120a23, the second connecting portion 122A is recessed relative to the third inner surface 120a22, and the second connecting portion 122B is recessed relative to the fourth inner surface 120a23.
[0056] like FIG. 3A , 3BAs shown in Figures 4B and 4E, the third connecting portions 123A and 123B of the first bracket 120 are respectively connected to the third connecting portions 113A and 113B of the keycap 110, and the fourth connecting portions 124A and 124B of the first bracket 120 are respectively connected to the fourth connecting portions 114A and 114B of the keycap 110. In this embodiment, the third connecting portions 123A and 123B and the fourth connecting portions 124A and 124B of the first bracket 120 can be arranged in a straight line L1 (e.g., approximately parallel to the X-axis), and the third connecting portions 113A and 113B and the fourth connecting portions 114A and 114B of the keycap 110 are correspondingly arranged in a straight line L2 (e.g., approximately parallel to the X-axis). In this embodiment, multiple connecting portions of the keycap 110 (e.g., third connecting portions 113A and 113B and fourth connecting portions 114A and 114B) are coaxially connected to multiple connecting portions of the first support 120 (e.g., third connecting portions 123A and 123B and fourth connecting portions 124A and 124B), which reduces the complexity of the mechanism design. Furthermore, the multiple connecting portions of the keycap 110 (e.g., third connecting portions 113A and 113B and fourth connecting portions 114A and 114B) are positioned adjacent to one side of the keycap 110, providing an edge support effect and increasing the stability of the keycap 110 when pressed. Additionally, the fourth connecting portions 124A and 124B of the first support 120 are located between the third connecting portions 123A and 123B, providing more support points (e.g., four), which increases the stability of the first support 120 in supporting the keycap 110. In another embodiment, the number of fourth connecting parts of the first bracket 120 may be more than two or one, and the number of fourth connecting parts of the keycap 110 may be changed accordingly.
[0057] like FIG. 3B and 4C As shown, the first support 120 has a through hole 120c, which allows the elastomer 170 to pass through and press against the keycap 110.
[0058] like FIG. 2 , 3A As shown in ~3B, the second support 130 and the third support 140 are arranged along a first direction (e.g., the X-axis). The second support 130 and the third support 140 can be completely separated. The second support 130 includes first connecting portions 131A and 131B, second connecting portions 132A and 132B, third connecting portions 133A and 133B, and a second support body 134, wherein the first connecting portions 131A and 131B, the second connecting portions 132A and 132B, and the third connecting portions 133A and 133B are, for example, pivots that can be connected to the second support body 134.
[0059] The first connecting part 131A and the first connecting part 131B are structurally the same or similar, the second connecting part 132A and the second connecting part 132B are structurally the same or similar, and the third connecting part 133A and the third connecting part 133B are structurally the same or similar.
[0060] like FIG. 2 , 3A As shown in Figure 3B, the second bracket body 134 includes a first portion 1341 and a second portion 1342 connected to each other. First connecting portions 131A and 131B and third connecting portions 133A and 133B are disposed in the first portion 1341, while second connecting portions 132A and 132B are disposed in the second portion 1342. The width W1 of the first portion 1341 is smaller than the width W2 of the second portion 1342, where the width W1 is smaller than the width W2. The first portion 1341 is positionally corresponding to the first mounting portion 120a1 of the first bracket 120. For example, the first portion 1341 is at least partially located within the first mounting portion 120a1. The second portion 1342 is located outside the first mounting portion 120a1. When the button structure 100 is in a pressed state, the side 120s of the first bracket 120 can face the second portion 1342.
[0061] like FIG. 2 , 3A As shown in Figures 3B and 4C, the first connecting portions 131A and 131B of the second bracket 130 can be connected to the first bracket 120. For example, the first connecting portions 121A and 121B of the first bracket 120 are, for example, pivot holes, and the first connecting portions 131A and 131B of the second bracket 130 are, for example, pivots, and the first connecting portions 131A and 131B can be connected to the first connecting portions 121A and 121B of the first bracket 120, respectively.
[0062] like FIGS. 3A-3B As shown in 4G, the second connecting portions 132A and 132B (e.g., pivots) of the second bracket 130 can be connected to the first connecting portions 111A and 111B (e.g., having a pivot hole) of the keycap 110, respectively. Taking the first connecting portion 111A as an example, the first connecting portion 111A has a pivot hole 111Aa, and the second connecting portion 132A of the second bracket 130 is connected to the pivot hole 111Aa of the first connecting portion 111A. The inner diameter of the pivot hole 111Aa is approximately equal to the outer diameter of the second connecting portion 132A, therefore the relative movement between the second connecting portion 132A and the pivot hole 111Aa is pure rotation without sliding. The first connecting portion 111A further has an opening 111Aa1, which communicates with the pivot hole 111Aa. The inner diameter of the opening 111Aa1 is smaller than the inner diameter of the pivot hole 111Aa, thus preventing the second connecting portion 132A from easily disengaging from the pivot hole 111Aa.
[0063] The connection method and / or connection structure between the second connecting part 132B of the second bracket 130 and the first connecting part 111B of the keycap 110 are the same as or similar to the connection method and / or connection structure between the second connecting part 132A of the second bracket 130 and the first connecting part 111A of the keycap 110, and will not be described in detail here.
[0064] like FIG. 3B As shown, the third support 140 includes first connecting portions 141A and 141B, second connecting portions 142A and 142B, third connecting portions 143A and 143B, and a third support body 144. The first connecting portions 141A and 141B, the second connecting portions 142A and 142B, and the third connecting portions 143A and 143B are, for example, pivots that can be connected to the third support body 144.
[0065] The first connecting part 141A and the first connecting part 141B are structurally the same or similar, the second connecting part 142A and the second connecting part 142B are structurally the same or similar, and the third connecting part 143A and the third connecting part 143B are structurally the same or similar.
[0066] like FIG. 2 , 3A As shown in ~3B, in this embodiment, the third bracket 140 and the second bracket 130 are structurally similar or identical. For example, the third bracket body 144 includes a first portion 1441 and a second portion 1442 connected together. First connecting portions 141A and 141B and third connecting portions 143A and 143B are disposed in the first portion 1441, while second connecting portions 142A and 142B are disposed in the second portion 1442. The width W3 of the first portion 1441 is smaller than the width W4 of the second portion 1442, wherein the width W3 is smaller than the width W4. The first portion 1441 may correspond in position to the second mounting portion 120a2 of the first bracket 120. For example, the first portion 1441 is at least partially located within the second mounting portion 120a2. The second portion 1442 is located outside the second mounting portion 120a2. When the button structure 100 is in a pressed state, the side 120s of the first bracket 120 may face the second portion 1442.
[0067] like FIG. 2 , 3A As shown in Figures 3B and 4C, the first connecting portions 141A and 141B of the third bracket 140 can be connected to the first bracket 120. For example, the second connecting portions 122A and 122B of the first bracket 120 are, for example, pivot holes, and the first connecting portions 141A and 141B of the third bracket 140 are, for example, pivots, and the first connecting portions 141A and 141B can be connected to the second connecting portions 122A and 122B of the first bracket 120, respectively.
[0068] like FIG. 3Aand 3B As shown, the second connecting portions 142A and 142B (e.g., pivots) of the third bracket 140 can be connected to the second connecting portions 112A and 112B (e.g., having pivot holes) of the keycap 110, respectively. The connection method and / or structure between the second connecting portion 142A of the third bracket 140 and the second connecting portion 112A of the keycap 110 is the same as or similar to the connection method and / or structure between the second connecting portion 132A and the first connecting portion 111A of the keycap 110, and will not be described again here. Furthermore, the connection method and / or structure between the second connecting portion 142B of the third bracket 140 and the second connecting portion 112B of the keycap 110 is the same as or similar to the connection method and / or structure between the second connecting portion 142A of the third bracket 140 and the second connecting portion 112A of the keycap 110, and will not be described again here.
[0069] In this embodiment, the button structure 100 is a multi-key, and its length along the X-axis is greater than its length along the Y-axis. In another embodiment, the corresponding portions of the third support 140 and the first support 120 may be omitted from the button structure 100, thereby shortening the length of the button structure 100 (e.g., along the X-axis), wherein the shortened button structure 100 becomes a single-key.
[0070] like FIG. 2 , 3A As shown in Figure 3B, the first support member 150 can be disposed corresponding to the second bracket 130. The first support member 150 can be connected to the keycap 110 and the first bracket 120. The first support member 150 overlaps with the protruding area 111 of the keycap 110 along the movement direction of the keycap 110 (e.g., along the Z-axis), thus supporting the protruding area 111 of the keycap 110 and increasing the stability of the keycap 110 when pressed (without the support of the first support member 150, the protruding area 111 of the keycap 110 would be suspended). In addition, the keycap 110 has a notch 110a, and the protruding area 111 protrudes relative to the side of the notch 110a. The notch 110a and the first support member 150 do not overlap at all along the direction of movement of the keycap 110 (e.g., the Z-axis), and / or the notch 110a and the brackets (e.g., the first bracket 120, the second bracket 130 and / or the third bracket 140) do not overlap at all along the direction of movement of the keycap 310 (e.g., the Z-axis), that is, the first support member 150, the first bracket 120, the second bracket 130 and / or the third bracket 140 do not protrude from the notch 110a (viewed from the top direction).
[0071] like FIG. 2 , 3AAs shown in Figure 3B, the first support member 150 includes first connecting portions 151A and 151B, second connecting portions 152A and 152B, and a support member body 153. The first connecting portions 151A and 151B and the second connecting portions 152A and 152B are disposed on the support member body 153. The first connecting portions 151A and 151B are structurally similar or identical, while the second connecting portions 152A and 152B are structurally similar or identical.
[0072] Furthermore, the distance (e.g., along the Y-axis) between at least one of the plurality of connecting portions of the keycap 110 (e.g., the first connecting portions 111A and 111B) and the edge 111e of the protrusion 111 is greater than the distance between the second connecting portion 152A of the first support member 150 and the edge 111e of the protrusion 111.
[0073] like FIG. 2 , 3A As shown in Figure 3B, the first connecting portions 151A and 151B are, for example, pivot holes, while the second connecting portions 152A and 152B are, for example, pivots. The support body 153 has a recess 153r, and after the first support 150 is assembled with the first bracket 120, the second bracket 130 may be partially located within the recess 153r. For example, the second portion 1342 of the second bracket 130 may be at least partially located within the recess 153r.
[0074] like FIG. 3A , 3B As shown in Figure 4B, the first connecting portions 151A and 151B of the first support member 150 are connected to the first bracket 120. For example, the first connecting portions 151A and 151B of the first support member 150 can be connected to the fifth connecting portions 125A and 125B of the first bracket 120, respectively. Taking the first connecting portion 151A as an example, the first connecting portion 151AA has a pivot hole 151Aa, and the fifth connecting portion 125A is, for example, a pivot, connected to the pivot hole 151Aa. The inner diameter of the pivot hole 151Aa is approximately equal to the outer diameter of the fifth connecting portion 125A, therefore the relative movement between the fifth connecting portion 125A and the pivot hole 151Aa is pure rotation without sliding. The connection method and / or connection structure of the first connecting portion 151B of the first support member 150 and the fifth connecting portion 125B of the first bracket 120 are the same as or similar to the connection method and / or connection structure of the first connecting portion 151A of the first support member 150 and the fifth connecting portion 125A of the first bracket 120, and will not be described in detail here.
[0075] In this embodiment, the first support 150 is fastened to the first bracket 120, which helps to improve assemblability and can reduce the complexity of the structure and simplify the assembly process.
[0076] like FIG. 3A , 3BAs shown in Figure 4A, the second connecting portion of the first support member 150 is connected to the protruding area 111. For example, the second connecting portions 152A and 152B of the first support member 150 are pivots, which can be connected to the fifth connecting portions 115A and 115B of the keycap 110, respectively. The fifth connecting portions 115A and 115B can be disposed in the protruding area 111, so that the first support member 150 is connected to (or supports) the protruding area 111 of the keycap 110. The second connecting portion 152A is, for example, a pivot, having an outer diameter d1 along the Y-axis. The fifth connecting portion 115A has a pivot hole 115Aa, having an inner diameter d2 along the Y-axis. In an embodiment, the inner diameter d2 is larger than the outer diameter d1, providing a clearance that allows the keycap 110 and the first support member 150 to move relative to each other with minimal effort (if the clearance is omitted, the keycap 110 and the first support member 150 will interfere excessively during relative movement). The fifth connecting part 115A has an opening 115Aa1, which communicates with the pivot hole 115Aa. The inner diameter of the opening 115Aa1 is smaller than the inner diameter d2 of the pivot hole 115Aa, thus preventing the second connecting part 152A from easily disengaging from the pivot hole 115Aa.
[0077] Furthermore, the connection method and / or connection structure between the second connecting portion 152B of the first support member 150 and the fifth connecting portion 115B of the keycap 110 are the same as or similar to the connection method and / or connection structure between the second connecting portion 152A of the first support member 150 and the fifth connecting portion 115A of the keycap 110, and will not be described in detail here.
[0078] like FIG. 3A and 3B As shown, circuit board 160 is, for example, a membrane switch circuit board. Although not shown, circuit board 160 has a multilayer structure, comprising at least one first line and at least one second line, wherein corresponding first and second lines may selectively contact or be spaced apart from each other. The first and second lines, overlapping along the Z-axis on the elastomer 170, form a switch that generates a trigger signal when the switch is triggered. Circuit board 160 has at least one through-hole 160a that exposes a plurality of connection portions of the base plate 180, allowing the connection portions of the base plate 180 to connect to corresponding components. Through-hole 160a provides clearance space. For example, such as FIG. 4A As shown, the fifth connecting portion 115A overlaps with the through hole 160a along the movement direction of the keycap 110 (e.g., the Z-axis). Thus, when the key structure 100 is in a pressed state, the fifth connecting portion 115A can be partially located within the through hole 160a, avoiding interference with the solid material of the circuit board 160, thereby preventing impact noise. Furthermore, the circuit board 160 includes at least one receiving portion 161, which can receive the elastomer 170.
[0079] like FIG. 3A , 3BAs shown in 4C, the elastomer 170 can be disposed on the receiving portion 161 of the circuit board 160. When the elastomer 170 deforms (for example, when the keycap 110 is pressed), the trigger portion 171 of the elastomer 170 (trigger portion 171 is shown in 4C) FIG. 4C The switch (not shown) is pressed against the receiving part 161. When the switch is triggered, the trigger signal (not shown) can be transmitted to a processor (not shown), which executes the corresponding function. In one embodiment, the elastomer 170 may be made of rubber, but it may also be a spring.
[0080] like FIG. 3A and 3B As shown, the base plate 180 includes first connecting portions 181A and 181B, second connecting portions 182A and 182B, third connecting portions 183A and 183B, fourth connecting portions 184A and 184B, and a base plate body 185. The first connecting portions 181A and 181B are structurally similar or identical, the second connecting portions 182A and 182B are structurally similar or identical, the third connecting portions 183A and 183B are structurally similar or identical, and the fourth connecting portions 184A and 184B are structurally similar or identical.
[0081] like FIG. 3A and 3B As shown, the base plate body 185 has a surface 185u, wherein the first connecting portions 181A and 181B, the second connecting portions 182A and 182B, the third connecting portions 183A and 183B, and the fourth connecting portions 184A and 184B may protrude relative to the surface 185u. In one embodiment, the first connecting portions 181A and 181B, the second connecting portions 182A and 182B, the third connecting portions 183A and 183B, and the fourth connecting portions 184A and 184B are integrally formed with the base plate body 185, for example. In terms of manufacturing process, a sheet metal can be stamped and / or bent to form an integral base plate 180. In terms of material, the base plate 180 can be made of metal, but it can also be made of plastic.
[0082] like FIG. 3A and 3B As shown, the first connecting portions 181A and 181B of the base plate 180 can be connected to the third connecting portions 133A and 133B of the second bracket 130, the second connecting portions 182A and 182B can be connected to the third connecting portions 143A and 143B of the third bracket 140, and the third connecting portions 183A and 183B and the fourth connecting portions 184A and 184B can be connected to the first bracket 120.
[0083] like FIG. 3A and 3BAs shown, in this embodiment, the first connecting portions 181A and 181B and the second connecting portions 182A and 182B of the base plate 180 can be arranged in a straight line L3 (e.g., approximately parallel to the X-axis), so that the third connecting portions 133A and 133B of the second bracket 130 and the third connecting portions 143A and 143B of the third bracket 140 can be connected to the base plate 180 along the straight line L3. In other words, the second bracket 130 and the third bracket 140 are connected to the same straight line of the base plate 180. This coaxial connection can reduce the complexity of the mechanism design. Furthermore, the third connecting portions 183A and 183B and the fourth connecting portions 184A and 184B of the base plate 180 can be arranged in a straight line L4 (e.g., approximately parallel to the X-axis), and the sixth connecting portions 126A and 126B and the seventh connecting portions 127A and 127B of the first bracket 120 can be arranged in a straight line (e.g., approximately parallel to the X-axis). The first bracket 120 can be connected to the base plate 180 along a straight line. In other words, the first bracket 120 is connected to the base plate 180 along the same straight line. This type of coaxial connection can reduce the complexity of the mechanism design.
[0084] like FIG. 2 and 3A As shown, the fifth connecting portions 125A and 125B and the sixth connecting portions 126A and 126B of the first bracket 120 can be arranged in a straight line (e.g., approximately parallel to the X-axis). Thus, when the first support member 150, the first bracket 120, and the base plate 180 are assembled, the first connecting portions 151A and 151B of the first support member 150, the fifth connecting portions 125A and 125B of the first bracket 120, and the third connecting portions 183A and 183B of the base plate 180 are connected approximately along a straight line L4. This type of coaxial connection can reduce the complexity of the mechanism design.
[0085] like FIG. 3A and 4A As shown, the base plate body 185 of the base plate 180 further has at least one through hole 185a1. The fifth connecting portion 115A overlaps with the through hole 185a1 along the movement direction of the keycap 110 (e.g., Z-axis). Thus, when the key structure 100 is in the pressed state, the fifth connecting portion 115A can be partially located within the through hole 185a1, avoiding interference with the solid material of the base plate 180, thereby avoiding impact noise. In addition, the base plate body 185 of the base plate 180 further includes a receiving portion 1851. The receiving portion 1851 overlaps with the receiving portion 161 of the circuit board 160 along the movement direction of the keycap 110 (e.g., Z-axis). When the key structure 100 is in the pressed state, the receiving portion 1851 of the base plate 180 can stop the trigger portion 171 of the elastic body 170, so that the switch of the circuit board 160 can be accurately triggered by the trigger portion 171 when the keycap 110 is in the preset downward stroke.
[0086] like FIGS. 3A-3BAs shown in Figure 4F, taking the first connecting portion 181A as an example, the first connecting portion 181A has a notch 181Aa. The third connecting portion 133A of the second bracket 130 is, for example, a pivot that can be connected to the notch 181Aa. The notch 181Aa provides a sliding space S1 extending along the Z-axis, allowing the third connecting portion 133A to slide along the Z-axis within the notch 181Aa, thus avoiding excessive interference between the solid materials of the third connecting portion 133A and the first connecting portion 181A. The connection method and / or connection structure between the first connecting portion 181B of the base plate 180 and the third connecting portion 133B of the second bracket 130 are the same as or similar to the connection method and / or connection structure between the first connecting portion 181A of the base plate 180 and the third connecting portion 133A of the second bracket 130, and will not be described in detail here.
[0087] like FIGS. 3A-3B As shown, the connection method and / or connection structure between the second connecting portion 182A of the base plate 180 and the third connecting portion 143A of the third bracket 140 is the same as or similar to the connection method and / or connection structure between the first connecting portion 181A and the third connecting portion 133A of the second bracket 130, and will not be described again here. Furthermore, the connection method and / or connection structure between the second connecting portion 182B of the base plate 180 and the third connecting portion 143B of the third bracket 140 is the same as or similar to the connection method and / or connection structure between the second connecting portion 182A of the base plate 180 and the third connecting portion 143A of the third bracket 140, and will not be described again here.
[0088] like FIGS. 3A-3B As shown in Figure 4D, taking the third connecting portion 183A as an example, the third connecting portion 183A has a notch 183Aa. The sixth connecting portion 126A of the first bracket 120 is, for example, a pivot, which can be connected to the notch 183Aa. The sixth connecting portion 126A can rotate in the notch 183Aa and can slide up and down. The connection method and / or connection structure between the third connecting portion 183B of the base plate 180 and the sixth connecting portion 126B of the first bracket 120 is the same as or similar to the connection method and / or connection structure between the third connecting portion 183A of the base plate 180 and the sixth connecting portion 126A of the first bracket 120, and will not be described in detail here.
[0089] like FIGS. 3A-3B As shown, the connection method and / or connection structure between the fourth connecting portion 184A of the base plate 180 and the seventh connecting portion 127A of the first bracket 120 is the same as or similar to the connection method and / or connection structure between the third connecting portion 183A and the sixth connecting portion 126A of the first bracket 120, and will not be described in detail here. Furthermore, the connection structure between the fourth connecting portion 184B of the base plate 180 and the seventh connecting portion 127B of the first bracket 120 is the same as or similar to the connection structure between the fourth connecting portion 184A and the seventh connecting portion 127A, and will not be described in detail here.
[0090] Please refer to FIG. 5 This is a cross-sectional view of a button structure 200 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The button structure 200 includes at least one keycap 210, at least one first support 120, at least one second support 130, and at least one third support 140 (not shown). FIG. 5 ), at least one first support member 150, circuit board 160, at least one elastomer 170 (not shown in the figure) FIG. 5 ) and base plate 180.
[0091] like FIG. 5 As shown, the first bracket 120, the second bracket 130, and the third bracket 140 can form a lifting mechanism, or the first bracket 120, the second bracket 130, the third bracket 140, and the first support member 150 can form a lifting mechanism. In one embodiment, a lifting mechanism, a keycap 210, and an elastic body 170 can form a key module. The key structure 200 is, for example, a keyboard, which may include at least one key module. The aforementioned keyboard is, for example, a standalone keyboard, or a built-in keyboard of an electronic product, wherein the electronic product is, for example, a notebook computer, a home appliance, or other electronic product that requires input functions.
[0092] like FIG. 5 As shown, the key structure 200 includes the same or similar technical features as the key structure 100, with at least one difference in that the keycap 210 and keycap 110 have different structures. The keycap 210 includes the same or similar technical features as the keycap 110, with at least one difference in that the fifth connecting portion 215A of the keycap 210 and the fifth connecting portion 115A of the keycap 110 have different structures.
[0093] For example, such as FIG. 5 As shown, the fifth connecting portion 215A has a notch 215Aa, which provides a sliding space S2 extending along the Y-axis. The second connecting portion 152A of the first support member 150 is, for example, a pivot, having an outer diameter d1 along the Y-axis. In this embodiment, the sliding space S2 is larger than the outer diameter d1, providing a clearance that allows the keycap 210 and the first support member 150 to move relative to each other with minimal effort (if this clearance is omitted, the keycap 210 and the first support member 150 will interfere excessively with each other during relative movement).
[0094] Please refer to FIGS. 6A-6B and 7, FIGS. 6A-6B The following are exploded views of the button structure 300 according to another embodiment of the present invention from different perspectives. FIG. 7 for FIG. 6AThe key structure 300 is shown in the assembly diagram (but the keycap 310 is disassembled). The key structure 300 includes at least one keycap 310, at least one first bracket 320, at least one second bracket 130, at least one third bracket 140, at least one first support member 150, at least one second support member 350, a circuit board 160, at least one elastomer 170, and a base plate 180.
[0095] like FIGS. 6A-6B As shown in Figure 7, the first bracket 320, the second bracket 130, and the third bracket 140 can form a lifting mechanism, or the first bracket 320, the second bracket 130, the third bracket 140, the first support member 150, and the second support member 350 can form a lifting mechanism. In one embodiment, a lifting mechanism, a keycap 310, and an elastomer 170 can form a key module. The key structure 300 is, for example, a keyboard, which may include at least one key module disposed on the circuit board 160 and the base plate 180. In an embodiment, the lifting mechanism is, for example, a scissor mechanism. The second bracket 130 and the third bracket 140 are partially surrounded by the first bracket 320; therefore, the second bracket 130 and the third bracket 140 can be referred to as "inner scissor brackets," and the first bracket 320 can be referred to as "outer scissor brackets." In this embodiment, the second bracket 130 is partially surrounded by the first support member 150, so the first support member 150 can also be referred to as an "external scissor bracket," and the third bracket 140 is partially surrounded by the second support member 350, so the second support member 350 can also be referred to as an "external scissor bracket." Furthermore, the aforementioned keyboard is, for example, a standalone keyboard, or a built-in keyboard of an electronic product, such as a notebook computer, home appliance, or other electronic product requiring input functions.
[0096] like FIGS. 6A-6B As shown in Figure 7, the button structure 300 includes the same or similar technical features as the button structure 100. At least one difference is that the button structure 300 further includes a second support member 350, and the first bracket 320 has a different structure from the aforementioned first bracket 120, and the keycap 310 has a different structure from the aforementioned keycap 110.
[0097] like FIGS. 6A-6BAs shown in Figure 7, the keycap 310 includes protruding areas 111 and 312. The first support member 150 overlaps with the protruding area 111 of the keycap 110 along the direction of movement of the keycap 110 (e.g., along the Z-axis), and the second support member 350 overlaps with the protruding area 312 of the keycap 110 along the direction of movement of the keycap 310 (e.g., along the Z-axis). Therefore, the protruding areas 111 and 312 of the keycap 110 can be supported, increasing the stability of the keycap 110 when it is pressed (if there is no support from the first support member 150 and the second support member 350, the protruding areas 111 and 312 of the keycap 110 will be suspended). Furthermore, the keycap 310 has a notch 310a between the protruding areas 111 and 312. The notch 310a corresponds to the gap between the first support member 150 and the second support member 350. Alternatively, the notch 310a and the support member (e.g., the first support member 150 and / or the second support member 350) do not overlap at all along the direction of movement of the keycap 310 (e.g., the Z-axis), and / or the notch 310a and the bracket (e.g., the first bracket 320, the second bracket 130 and / or the third bracket 140) do not overlap at all along the direction of movement of the keycap 310 (e.g., the Z-axis). That is, the first support member 150, the second support member 350, the first bracket 320, the second bracket 130 and / or the third bracket 140 do not protrude from the notch 110a (when viewed from the top).
[0098] like FIGS. 6A-6B As shown in Figure 7, keycap 310 is connected to the second bracket 130, the third bracket 140, the first support member 150, and the second support member 350. The features of keycap 310 connecting to the second bracket 130, the third bracket 140, and the first support member 150 have been described above and will not be repeated here. Compared to the aforementioned keycap 110, keycap 310 further includes sixth connecting portions 326A and 326B, which are connected to the lower surface 1161b of the top plate 1161. Furthermore, the sixth connecting portion 326A and the fifth connecting portion 115A may be structurally similar or identical. The sixth connecting portion 326A and the sixth connecting portion 326B may be structurally similar or identical.
[0099] like FIGS. 6A-6B As shown in Figure 7, the first bracket 320 can connect to the keycap 310, the second bracket 130, the third bracket 140, the first support member 150, the second support member 350, and the base plate 180. The features of the first bracket 320 connecting to the keycap 310, the second bracket 130, the third bracket 140, the first support member 150, and the base plate 180 have been described above and will not be repeated here. Compared to the aforementioned first bracket 120, the first bracket 320 further includes eighth connecting portions 328A and 328B, which are, for example, pivots disposed on the first bracket body 128.
[0100] like FIGS. 6A-6BAs shown in Figure 7, the first support member 150 and the second support member 350 are arranged along a second direction (e.g., the Y-axis). The second support member 350 connects the first bracket 130 and the keycap 310, and is disposed corresponding to the third bracket 140. The second support member 350 includes first connecting portions 351A and 351B, second connecting portions 352A and 352B, and a support member body 353. The first connecting portions 351A and 351B and the second connecting portions 352A and 352B can be disposed in the support member body 353. The first connecting portions 351A and 351B are, for example, pivot holes, while the second connecting portions 352A and 352B are, for example, pivots. The support member body 353 has a recess 353r, in which the third bracket 140 can be partially located after the second support member 350 and the third bracket 140 are assembled. For example, the second portion 1442 of the third bracket 140 can be at least partially located in the recess 353r. The notch 153r of the first support member 150 corresponds in position to a portion of the second bracket 130, while the notch 353r of the second support member 350 corresponds in position to a portion of the third bracket 140. In one embodiment, the second support member 350 and the first support member 150 may be structurally identical or similar.
[0101] Furthermore, the first connecting portion 351A and the first connecting portion 351B are structurally similar or identical, while the second connecting portion 352A and the second connecting portion 352B are structurally similar or identical. Additionally, the first connecting portion 351A of the second support member 350 is structurally similar or identical to the first connecting portion 151A of the first support member 150, and the second connecting portion 352A of the second support member 350 is structurally similar or identical to the second connecting portion 152A of the first support member 150; these details will not be elaborated further here.
[0102] like FIGS. 8A-8B As shown in Figure 7, the fifth connecting portions 125A and 125B and the eighth connecting portions 328A and 328B of the first bracket 320 are arranged in a straight line L6. The first support member 150 and the second support member 350 are connected to the first bracket 320 on the same straight line. This type of coaxial connection can reduce the complexity of the mechanism design.
[0103] Please refer to FIGS. 8A-8B and 9, FIG. 9 The following are exploded views of the button structure 400 according to another embodiment of the present invention from different perspectives. FIG. 8A for FIGS. 8A-8B The key structure 400 is shown in the assembly diagram (but keycap 310 is disassembled). The key structure 400 includes at least one keycap 310, at least one first bracket 320, at least one second bracket 130, at least one third bracket 140, at least one first support member 150, at least one second support member 350, at least one connector 455, circuit board 160, at least one elastomer 170, and base plate 180.
[0104] like FIGS. 8A-8B As shown in Figure 9, the button structure 400 includes the same or similar technical features as the button structure 300, with at least one difference: the button structure 400 further includes a connector 455. The connector 455 connects the first support member 150 and the second support member 350, and the connected connector 455, the first support member 150, and the second support member 350 form an integrated support module 450. Furthermore, a gap g1 exists between the first support member 150 and the second support member 350, corresponding to the connector 455. The support module 450 can be formed, for example, using injection molding technology. In terms of materials, the connector 455, the first support member 150, and the second support member 350 can be made of the same material, such as plastic.
[0105] like FIGS. 10A-12H As shown in Figure 9, the first bracket 320, the second bracket 130, and the third bracket 140 can form a lifting mechanism, or the first bracket 320, the second bracket 130, the third bracket 140, and the support module 450 can form a lifting mechanism. In one embodiment, a lifting mechanism, a keycap 310, and an elastomer 170 can form a key module. The key structure 400 is, for example, a keyboard, which may include at least one key module disposed on the circuit board 160 and the base plate 180. In an embodiment, the lifting mechanism is, for example, a scissor mechanism. The second bracket 130 and the third bracket 140 are partially surrounded by the first bracket 320; therefore, the second bracket 130 and the third bracket 140 can be referred to as "inner scissor brackets," and the first bracket 320 can be referred to as "outer scissor brackets." In an embodiment, the second bracket 130 is partially surrounded by the support module 450; therefore, the support module 450 can also be referred to as "outer scissor brackets." In addition, the aforementioned keyboard may be a standalone keyboard or a built-in keyboard of an electronic product, such as a notebook computer, home appliance, or other electronic product that requires input functions.
[0106] Please refer to FIG. 10A , FIG. 11 and 10B The following are schematic diagrams of the button structure 500 according to an embodiment of the present invention from different viewing angles. FIG. 10A for FIG. 12A The assembly diagram of key structure 500 (but keycap 510 disassembled). FIG. 11 for FIG. 12B A cross-sectional view of the key structure 500 along direction 12A-12A' (including the assembled keycap 510). FIG. 11 for FIG. 12C A cross-sectional view of the key structure 500 along direction 12B-12B' (including the assembled keycap 510). FIG. 11 for FIG. 12DA cross-sectional view of the key structure 500 along direction 12C-12C' (including the assembled keycap 510). FIG. 11 for FIG. 12E A cross-sectional view of the key structure 500 along direction 12D-12D' (including the assembled keycap 510). FIG. 11 for FIG. 12F A cross-sectional view of the key structure 500 along direction 12E-12E' (including the assembled keycap 510). FIG. 11 for FIG. 12G A cross-sectional view of the key structure 500 along direction 12F-12F' (including the assembled keycap 510). FIG. 11 for FIG. 12H A cross-sectional view of the key structure 500 along direction 12G-12G' (including the assembled keycap 510), and FIG. 11 for FIGS. 10A-10B A cross-sectional view of the key structure 500 along the direction 12H-12H' (including the assembled keycap 510).
[0107] like FIGS. 10A-10B As shown in Figure 11, the button structure 500 includes at least one keycap 510, at least one first bracket 520, at least one second bracket 530, at least one third bracket 540, at least one first support member 550, a circuit board 560, at least one elastomer 570, and a base plate 580.
[0108] like FIGS. 10A-10B As shown in Figure 11, the first bracket 520, the second bracket 530, and the third bracket 540 can form a lifting mechanism, or the first bracket 520, the second bracket 530, the third bracket 540, and the first support member 550 can form a lifting mechanism. In one embodiment, a lifting mechanism, a keycap 510, and an elastic body 570 can form a key module. The key structure 500 is, for example, a keyboard, which may include at least one key module. In an embodiment, the lifting mechanism is, for example, a scissor mechanism. The second bracket 530 and the third bracket 540 are partially surrounded by the first bracket 520, therefore the second bracket 530 and the third bracket 540 can be referred to as "inner scissor brackets," and the first bracket 520 can be referred to as "outer scissor brackets." In an embodiment, the second bracket 530 is partially surrounded by the first support member 550, therefore the first support member 550 can also be referred to as "outer scissor brackets." Furthermore, the aforementioned keyboard is, for example, a standalone keyboard, or a built-in keyboard of an electronic product, wherein the electronic product is, for example, a notebook computer, a home appliance, or other electronic product that requires input functions.
[0109] like FIG. 11 As shown in Figure 11, the button structure 500 includes the same or similar technical features as the aforementioned button structure 100, with at least one difference being that the first support member 550 of the button structure 500 in this embodiment of the present invention is connected to the second bracket 530.
[0110] like FIGS. 10A-10B As shown, the first bracket 520, the second bracket 530, and the third bracket 540 can form a lifting mechanism, or the first bracket 520, the second bracket 530, the third bracket 540, and the first support member 550 can form a lifting mechanism. In one embodiment, a lifting mechanism, a keycap 510, and an elastic body 570 can form a key module. The key structure 500 is, for example, a keyboard, which may include at least one key module disposed on a circuit board 560 and a base plate 580. In an embodiment, the lifting mechanism is, for example, a scissor mechanism. The second bracket 530 and the third bracket 540 may be at least partially surrounded by the first bracket 520; therefore, the second bracket 530 and the third bracket 540 may be referred to as "inner scissor brackets," and the first bracket 520 may be referred to as "outer scissor brackets."
[0111] like FIG. 10B As shown in Figure 11, the first bracket 520 is connected to the keycap 510 and has a side 520s, a first mounting portion 520a1, and a second mounting portion 520a2. The first mounting portion 520a1 protrudes from the side 520s through a first opening 520a11. The second bracket 530 is connected to the first bracket 520 and disposed in the first mounting portion 520a1. The third bracket 140 is connected to the first bracket 520 and disposed in the second mounting portion 520a2. In an embodiment, the first support member 550 is connected to the second bracket 530 through the first opening 520a11 and protrudes relative to the side 520s.
[0112] The first support member 550 protrudes from the first bracket 520, thus supporting the corresponding portion of the keycap 110. In this way, the keycap 510 can be designed in different shapes (or "irregular keycaps"). For example, the keycap 510 includes a protruding area 511, and the first support member 550 can be configured adjacent to the protruding area 511 of the keycap 510 to support and accommodate it. Furthermore, the keycap 510 has a notch 510a that does not overlap with the first support member 550 along the direction of movement of the keycap 510 (e.g., the Z-axis).
[0113] Compared to the aforementioned key structure 100, the second bracket 530 of this embodiment is recessed relative to the first opening 520a11; that is, the second bracket 530 of the key structure 500 of this embodiment does not protrude relative to the first opening 520a21. From a top view (looking towards the -Z axis), the third bracket 540 can be entirely located within the second mounting portion 520a2. In another embodiment, depending on the actual situation (e.g., the shape of the keycap 510), the second bracket 530 may protrude relative to the first opening 520a11, similar to the second bracket 130 of the aforementioned key structure 100.
[0114] like FIG. 10BAs shown, the keycap 510 includes first connecting portions 511A and 511B, second connecting portions 512A and 512B, third connecting portions 513A and 513B, fourth connecting portions 514A and 514B, fifth connecting portions 515A and 515B, and a cap body 116. The cap body 116 includes a top plate 1161 and a side plate 1162, wherein the side plate 1162 is connected to the edge of the top plate 1161. The first connecting portions 511A and 511B, the second connecting portions 512A and 512B, the third connecting portions 513A and 513B, and the fourth connecting portions 514A and 514B are connected to the lower surface 1161b of the top plate 1161.
[0115] like FIGS. 10A-10B As shown, the first connecting part 511A and the first connecting part 511B are structurally the same or similar, the second connecting part 512A and the second connecting part 512B are structurally the same or similar, the third connecting part 513A and the third connecting part 513B are structurally the same or similar, the fourth connecting part 514A and the fourth connecting part 514B are structurally the same or similar, and the fifth connecting part 515A and the fifth connecting part 515B are structurally the same or similar.
[0116] like FIGS. 10A-10B As shown in Figure 11, the keycap 510 can be connected to the first bracket 520, the second bracket 530, the third bracket 540, and the first support member 550. For example, the first connecting parts 511A and 511B can be connected to the second bracket 530, the second connecting parts 512A and 512B can be connected to the third bracket 540, the third connecting parts 513A and 513B and the fourth connecting parts 514A and 514B can be connected to the first bracket 520, and the fifth connecting parts 515A and 515B can be connected to the first support member 550.
[0117] like FIG. 10A As shown in Figure 11, the first bracket 520 can connect to the keycap 510, the second bracket 530, the third bracket 540, the first support member 550, and the base plate 580. For example, the first bracket 520 includes first connecting portions 521A and 521B, second connecting portions 522A and 522B, third connecting portions 523A and 523B, fourth connecting portions 524A and 524B, sixth connecting portions 526A and 526B, seventh connecting portions 527A and 527B, and the first bracket body 528.
[0118] like FIGS. 10A-11 and 10BAs shown, the first connecting part 521A and the first connecting part 521B are structurally identical or similar, the second connecting part 522A and the second connecting part 522B are structurally identical or similar, the third connecting part 523A and the third connecting part 523B are structurally identical or similar, the fourth connecting part 524A and the fourth connecting part 524B are structurally identical or similar, the sixth connecting part 526A and the sixth connecting part 526B are structurally identical or similar, and the seventh connecting part 527A and the seventh connecting part 527B are structurally identical or similar.
[0119] like FIGS. 10A-10B As shown in Figure 12D, the first connecting portions 521A and 521B and the second connecting portions 522A and 522B are, for example, pivot holes disposed in the first support body 528, while the third connecting portions 523A and 523B, the fourth connecting portions 524A and 524B, the sixth connecting portions 526A and 526B, and the seventh connecting portions 527A and 527B are, for example, pivots that can be connected to the first support body 528. In one embodiment, the third connecting portions 523A and 523B, the fourth connecting portions 524A and 524B, the sixth connecting portions 526A and 526B, the seventh connecting portions 527A and 527B, and the first support body 528 are, for example, an integrally formed structure. For example, injection molding technology can be used to form an integral first support 520. In terms of material, the first support 520 is, for example, made of plastic.
[0120] like FIG. 12D As shown in Figure 11, the first connecting portions 521A and 521B of the first bracket 520 can be connected to the second bracket 530, the second connecting portions 522A and 522B of the first bracket 520 can be connected to the third bracket 540, the third connecting portions 523A and 523B and the fourth connecting portions 524A and 524B of the first bracket 520 can be connected to the keycap 510, and the sixth connecting portions 526A and 526B and the seventh connecting portions 527A and 527B of the first bracket 520 can be connected to the base plate 580.
[0121] like FIGS. 10A-10B As shown, the first mounting portion 520a1 of the first bracket 520 has opposing first inner surfaces 520a12 and second inner surfaces 520a13, the first connecting portion 521A is recessed relative to the first inner surface 520a12, and the first connecting portion 521B is recessed relative to the second inner surface 520a13. Similarly, the second mounting portion 520a2 of the first bracket 520 has opposing third inner surfaces 520a22 and fourth inner surfaces 520a23, the second connecting portion 522A is recessed relative to the third inner surface 520a22, and the second connecting portion 522B is recessed relative to the fourth inner surface 520a23.
[0122] like FIG. 10BAs shown in Figures 11 and 12A, the third connecting portions 523A and 523B of the first bracket 520 are respectively connected to the third connecting portions 513A and 513B of the keycap 510, and the fourth connecting portions 524A and 524B of the first bracket 520 are respectively connected to the fourth connecting portions 514A and 514B of the keycap 510. Similar to the aforementioned first bracket 120, in this embodiment, the third connecting portions 523A and 523B and the fourth connecting portions 524A and 524B of the first bracket 520 can be arranged in a straight line (e.g., approximately parallel to the X-axis), and the third connecting portions 513A and 513B and the fourth connecting portions 514A and 514B of the keycap 510 are correspondingly also arranged in a straight line (e.g., approximately parallel to the X-axis). In this embodiment, multiple connecting portions of the keycap 510 (e.g., third connecting portions 513A and 513B and fourth connecting portions 514A and 514B) are coaxially connected to multiple connecting portions of the first bracket 520 (e.g., third connecting portions 523A and 523B and fourth connecting portions 524A and 524B), which reduces the complexity of the mechanism design. Furthermore, the multiple connecting portions of the keycap 510 (e.g., third connecting portions 513B and fourth connecting portions 514A and 514B) are positioned adjacent to one side of the keycap 510, providing an edge support effect and increasing the stability of the keycap 510 when pressed. Additionally, the fourth connecting portions 524A and 524B of the first bracket 520 are located between the third connecting portions 523A and 523B, providing more support points (e.g., four), which increases the stability of the first bracket 520 in supporting the keycap 510. In another embodiment, the number of fourth connecting parts of the first bracket 520 may be more than two or one, and the number of fourth connecting parts of the keycap 510 may be changed accordingly.
[0123] like FIGS. 10A-10B and 12D As shown, the first support 520 has a through hole 520c, which allows the elastomer 570 to pass through and press against the keycap 510.
[0124] like FIG. 11 As shown in Figure 11, the second support 530 includes first connecting portions 531A and 531B, second connecting portions 532A and 532B, third connecting portions 533A and 533B, a second support body 134, and fourth connecting portions 534A and 534B. The first connecting portions 531A and 531B, the second connecting portions 532A and 532B, the third connecting portions 533A and 533B, and the fourth connecting portions 534A and 534B are, for example, pivots that can be connected to the second support body 134.
[0125] The first connecting part 531A and the first connecting part 531B are structurally the same or similar, the second connecting part 532A and the second connecting part 532B are structurally the same or similar, the third connecting part 533A and the third connecting part 533B are structurally the same or similar, and the fourth connecting part 534A and the fourth connecting part 534B are structurally the same or similar.
[0126] like FIGS. 10A-10B As shown, from a top view (e.g., looking towards the -Z axis), the second bracket 530 is surrounded by the first bracket 520 and the first support frame 550.
[0127] like FIGS. 10A-10B As shown in 11 and 12D, the first connecting portions 531A and 531B of the second bracket 530 can be connected to the first bracket 520. For example, the first connecting portions 521A and 521B of the first bracket 520 are, for example, pivot holes, and the first connecting portions 531A and 531B of the second bracket 530 are, for example, pivots, and the first connecting portions 531A and 531B can be connected to the first connecting portions 521A and 521B of the first bracket 520, respectively.
[0128] like FIGS. 10A-10B As shown in Figures 11 and 12H, the second connecting portions 532A and 532B (e.g., pivots) of the second bracket 530 can be connected to the first connecting portions 511A and 511B (e.g., having a pivot hole) of the keycap 510, respectively. Taking the first connecting portion 511A as an example, the first connecting portion 511A has a pivot hole 511Aa, and the second connecting portion 532A of the second bracket 530 is connected to the pivot hole 511Aa of the first connecting portion 511A. The inner diameter of the pivot hole 511Aa is approximately equal to the outer diameter of the second connecting portion 532A; therefore, the relative movement between the second connecting portion 532A and the pivot hole 511Aa is pure rotation without sliding. The first connecting portion 511A further has an opening 511Aa1, which communicates with the pivot hole 511Aa. The inner diameter of the opening 511Aa1 is smaller than the inner diameter of the pivot hole 511Aa, so as to prevent the second connecting part 532A from easily disengaging from the pivot hole 511Aa.
[0129] The connection method and / or connection structure between the second connecting part 532B of the second bracket 530 and the first connecting part 511B of the keycap 510 is the same as or similar to the connection method and / or connection structure between the second connecting part 532A of the second bracket 530 and the first connecting part 511A of the keycap 510, and will not be described again here.
[0130] like FIGS. 10A-10BAs shown in Figure 11, the third support 540 includes first connecting portions 541A and 541B, second connecting portions 542A and 542B, third connecting portions 543A and 543B, a third support body 144, and fourth connecting portions 544A and 544B. The first connecting portions 541A and 541B, the second connecting portions 542A and 542B, the third connecting portions 543A and 543B, and the fourth connecting portions 544A and 544B are, for example, pivots that can be connected to the third support body 144.
[0131] The first connecting part 541A and the first connecting part 541B are structurally the same or similar, the second connecting part 542A and the second connecting part 542B are structurally the same or similar, the third connecting part 543A and the third connecting part 543B are structurally the same or similar, and the fourth connecting part 544A and the fourth connecting part 544B are structurally the same or similar.
[0132] like FIGS. 10A-10B As shown in Figure 11, in this embodiment, the third support 540 is structurally similar to or identical to the second support 530. From a top view (e.g., looking towards the -Z axis), the third support 540 is completely surrounded by the first support 520.
[0133] like FIGS. 10A-10B As shown in Figure 12D, the first connecting portions 541A and 541B of the third bracket 540 can be connected to the first bracket 520. For example, the second connecting portions 522A and 522B of the first bracket 520 are, for example, pivot holes, and the first connecting portions 541A and 541B of the third bracket 540 are, for example, pivots, and the first connecting portions 541A and 541B can be connected to the second connecting portions 522A and 522B of the first bracket 520, respectively.
[0134] like FIG. 12D As shown, the second connecting portions 542A and 542B of the third bracket 540 (e.g., pivots) can be respectively connected to the second connecting portions 512A and 512B of the keycap 510 (e.g., having pivot holes). The connection method and / or connection structure between the second connecting portion 542A of the third bracket 540 and the second connecting portion 512A of the keycap 510 is the same as the connection method and / or connection structure between the aforementioned second connecting portion 532A and the first connecting portion 511A of the keycap 510 (e.g., ...). FIGS. 10A-10B The connection method and / or structure between the second connecting portion 542B of the third bracket 540 and the second connecting portion 512B of the keycap 510 are the same as or similar to the connection method and / or structure between the second connecting portion 542A of the third bracket 540 and the second connecting portion 512A of the keycap 510, and will not be described further here.
[0135] like FIGS. 10A-10BAs shown in Figure 11, the first support member 550 includes first connecting portions 551A and 551B, second connecting portions 552A and 552B, and a support member body 553. The first connecting portions 551A and 551B and the second connecting portions 552A and 552B are disposed on the support member body 553. The first connecting portions 551A and 551B are structurally similar or identical, while the second connecting portions 552A and 552B are structurally similar or identical.
[0136] like FIG. 11 As shown in Figure 11, the first connecting portions 551A and 551B are, for example, pivot holes, while the second connecting portions 552A and 552B are, for example, pivots. The support body 553 has a notch 553r. From FIGS. 10A-10B From a top view (e.g., looking along the -Z axis), after the first support member 550 and the first bracket 520 are assembled, the first support member 550 may be partially located within the first mounting portion 520a1 of the first bracket 520, and the second bracket 530 may be partially located within the recess 553r. The first support member 550 can be connected to the second bracket 530 through the first opening 520a11 of the first mounting portion 520a1.
[0137] like FIG. 10B As shown in Figures 11 and 12F, in this embodiment, the first support member 550 is connected to the second bracket 530. Further, for example, the first connecting portions 551A and 551B can be connected to the fourth connecting portions 534A and 534B of the second bracket 530, respectively. Taking the first connecting portion 551A as an example, the first connecting portion 551A has a pivot hole 551Aa, and the fourth connecting portion 534A is, for example, a pivot, connected to the pivot hole 551Aa. The inner diameter of the pivot hole 551Aa is approximately equal to the outer diameter of the fourth connecting portion 534A; therefore, the relative movement between the fourth connecting portion 534A and the pivot hole 551Aa is pure rotation without sliding. The connection method and / or connection structure between the first connecting portion 551B of the first support member 550 and the fourth connecting portion 534B of the second bracket 530 are the same as or similar to the connection method and / or connection structure between the first connecting portion 551A and the fourth connecting portion 534A of the second bracket 530, and will not be described in detail here.
[0138] In this embodiment, the first support 550 is fastened to the second bracket 530, which helps to improve assemblability and can reduce the complexity of the structure and simplify the assembly process.
[0139] like FIGS. 10A-10B , 11As shown in Figure 12B, the second connecting portions 552A and 552B of the first support member 550 are, for example, pivots, which can be connected to the fifth connecting portions 515A and 515B of the keycap 510, respectively. The second connecting portion 552A is, for example, a pivot, and the fifth connecting portion 515A has a pivot hole 515Aa. The inner diameter of the pivot hole 515Aa can be larger than the outer diameter of the pivot (e.g., the second connecting portion 552A), so that the second connecting portion 552A can be slidably disposed within the pivot hole 515Aa, thereby allowing the keycap 510 and the first support member 550 to move relative to each other with less effort (if the movement margin is omitted, the keycap 110 and the first support member 550 will interfere excessively during relative movement).
[0140] The connection method and / or connection structure of the second connecting portion 552B of the first support member 550 and the fifth connecting portion 515B of the keycap 510 are the same as or similar to the connection method and / or connection structure of the second connecting portion 552A of the first support member 550 and the fifth connecting portion 515A of the keycap 510, and will not be described in detail here.
[0141] like FIG. 12B As shown in Figure 11, circuit board 560 is, for example, a membrane switch circuit board. Although not shown, circuit board 560 has a multilayer structure, comprising at least one first line and at least one second line, wherein corresponding first and second lines may selectively contact or be spaced apart from each other. The first and second lines, overlapping along the Z-axis on the elastomer 570, form a switch that generates a trigger signal when the switch is triggered. Circuit board 560 has at least one through hole 560a that exposes a plurality of connection portions of the base plate 580 to allow the connection portions of the base plate 580 to connect to corresponding components. Through hole 560a provides clearance space. For example, as FIGS. 10A-10B As shown, the fifth connecting portion 515A overlaps with the through hole 560a along the movement direction of the keycap 510 (e.g., the Z-axis). Thus, when the key structure 500 is in a pressed state, the fifth connecting portion 515A can be partially located within the through hole 560a, avoiding interference with the solid material of the circuit board 560, thereby preventing impact noise. Furthermore, the circuit board 560 includes at least one receiving portion 561, which can receive the elastomer 570.
[0142] As shown in 10A-10B, 11, and 12D, the elastomer 570 can be disposed on the receiving portion 561 of the circuit board 560. When the elastomer 570 deforms (e.g., when the keycap 510 is pressed), the trigger portion 571 of the elastomer 570 presses against a switch (not shown) within the receiving portion 561. When the switch is triggered, a trigger signal (not shown) can be transmitted to a processor (not shown), which executes the corresponding function. In one embodiment, the elastomer 570 can be made of rubber, for example, but it can also be a spring.
[0143] like FIGS. 10A-10BAs shown in Figure 11, the base plate 580 includes first connecting portions 581A and 581B, second connecting portions 582A and 582B, third connecting portions 583A and 583B, fourth connecting portions 584A and 584B, and a base plate body 585. The first connecting portions 581A and 581B are structurally similar or identical, the second connecting portions 582A and 582B are structurally similar or identical, the third connecting portions 583A and 583B are structurally similar or identical, and the fourth connecting portions 584A and 584B are structurally similar or identical.
[0144] like FIGS. 10A-10B As shown in Figure 11, the base plate body 585 has a surface 585u, wherein the first connecting portions 581A and 581B, the second connecting portions 582A and 582B, the third connecting portions 583A and 583B, and the fourth connecting portions 584A and 584B may protrude relative to the surface 585u. In one embodiment, the first connecting portions 581A and 581B, the second connecting portions 582A and 582B, the third connecting portions 583A and 583B, and the fourth connecting portions 584A and 584B are integrally formed with the base plate body 585, for example. In terms of manufacturing process, a sheet metal can be stamped and / or bent to form an integral base plate 580. In terms of material, the base plate 580 can be made of metal, but it can also be made of plastic.
[0145] like FIGS. 10A-10B As shown in Figure 11, the first connecting portions 581A and 581B of the base plate 580 can be connected to the third connecting portions 533A and 533B of the second bracket 530, the second connecting portions 582A and 582B can be connected to the third connecting portions 543A and 543B of the third bracket 540, and the third connecting portions 583A and 583B and the fourth connecting portions 584A and 584B can be connected to the first bracket 520.
[0146] like FIG. 10AAs shown in Figure 11, in this embodiment, the first connecting portions 581A and 581B and the second connecting portions 582A and 582B of the base plate 580 can be arranged in a straight line (e.g., approximately parallel to the X-axis), so that the third connecting portions 533A and 533B of the second bracket 530 and the third connecting portions 543A and 543B of the third bracket 540 can be connected to the base plate 580 along a straight line. In other words, the second bracket 530 and the third bracket 540 are connected to the same straight line of the base plate 580. This coaxial connection can reduce the complexity of the mechanism design. In addition, the third connecting portions 583A and 583B and the fourth connecting portions 584A and 584B of the base plate 580 can be arranged in a straight line (e.g., approximately parallel to the X-axis), and the sixth connecting portions 526A and 526B and the seventh connecting portions 527A and 527B of the first bracket 520 can be arranged in a straight line (e.g., approximately parallel to the X-axis), so that the first bracket 520 can be connected to the base plate 580 along a straight line. In other words, the first bracket 520 is connected to the same straight line as the base plate 580. This type of coaxial connection can reduce the complexity of the mechanism design.
[0147] like FIGS. 10A-10B and 12B As shown, the base plate body 585 of the base plate 580 further has at least one through hole 585a1. The fifth connecting portion 515A overlaps with the through hole 585a1 along the movement direction of the keycap 510 (e.g., the Z-axis). Thus, when the key structure 500 is in the pressed state, the fifth connecting portion 515A can be partially located within the through hole 585a1, avoiding interference with the solid material of the base plate 580, thereby avoiding impact noise.
[0148] like FIGS. 10A-10B As shown in Figure 12G, taking the first connecting portion 581A as an example, the first connecting portion 581A has a notch 581Aa, and the third connecting portion 533A of the second bracket 530 is, for example, a pivot that can be connected to the notch 581Aa. The notch 581Aa provides a sliding space extending along the Z-axis, allowing the third connecting portion 533A to slide along the Z-axis within the notch 581Aa. The connection method and / or connection structure between the first connecting portion 581B of the base plate 580 and the third connecting portion 533B of the second bracket 530 are the same as or similar to the connection method and / or connection structure between the first connecting portion 581A of the base plate 580 and the third connecting portion 533A of the second bracket 530, and will not be described in detail here.
[0149] like FIGS. 10A-10BAs shown, the connection method and / or connection structure between the second connecting portion 582A of the base plate 580 and the third connecting portion 543A of the third bracket 540 is the same as or similar to the connection method and / or connection structure between the first connecting portion 581A and the third connecting portion 533A of the second bracket 530, and will not be described again here. Furthermore, the connection method and / or connection structure between the second connecting portion 582B of the base plate 580 and the third connecting portion 543B of the third bracket 540 is the same as or similar to the connection method and / or connection structure between the second connecting portion 582A of the base plate 580 and the third connecting portion 543A of the third bracket 540, and will not be described again here.
[0150] like FIGS. 10A-10B As shown in Figure 12A, taking the third connecting portion 583A as an example, the third connecting portion 583A has a notch 583Aa. The sixth connecting portion 526A of the first bracket 520 is, for example, a pivot, which can be connected to the notch 583Aa. The sixth connecting portion 526A can rotate in the notch 583Aa and can slide up and down. The connection method and / or connection structure between the third connecting portion 583B of the base plate 580 and the sixth connecting portion 526B of the first bracket 520 and the connection method and / or connection structure between the third connecting portion 583A of the base plate 580 and the sixth connecting portion 526A of the first bracket 520 of the button structure 100 will not be described in detail here.
[0151] like FIG. 12A As shown in Figure 12E, the connection method and / or connection structure between the fourth connecting portion 584A of the base plate 580 and the seventh connecting portion 527A of the first bracket 520 is the same as or similar to the connection method and / or connection structure between the third connecting portion 583A and the sixth connecting portion 526A of the first bracket 520 (e.g., FIG. 13 As shown in the figure, it will not be described again here. In addition, the connection structure between the fourth connecting part 584B of the base plate 580 and the seventh connecting part 527B of the first bracket 520 is the same as or similar to the connection structure between the fourth connecting part 584A and the seventh connecting part 527A, and will not be described again here.
[0152] In another embodiment, the button structure 500 may further include a second support member having the same or similar structure as the first support member 550. The second mounting portion 520a2 of the first bracket 520 exposes a second opening from the side 520s. Thus, the configuration relationship between the second support member and the first bracket 520 may be the same as or similar to the configuration relationship between the first support member 550 and the first bracket 520.
[0153] Please refer to FIG. 13 , FIGS. 14A-17BThis is a schematic diagram of a button structure 600 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The button structure 600 includes at least one keycap 610, at least one first bracket 120 (not shown), at least one second bracket 130 (not shown), at least one third bracket 140 (not shown), at least one first support member 150 (not shown), a circuit board 160, at least one elastic body 170 (not shown), and a base plate 180.
[0154] Key structure 600 includes a structure identical or similar to any of the aforementioned key structures 100-500, with at least one difference: keycap 610, for example, does not include protruding areas or notch features. In one embodiment, keycap 610 may be a general standard keycap, such as a single key or multiple key. Furthermore, keycaps in other embodiments of this document may include the same or similar features as keycap 610, or may be replaced by keycap 610.
[0155] Please refer to FIG. 14A , FIG. 15 and 14B The above are schematic diagrams of the button structure 700 according to another embodiment of the present invention from different viewing angles. FIG. 14A for FIG. 16A The key structure diagram for keycap 700 (but keycaps 710 disassembled). FIG. 14A and 16B for FIG. 17A Exploded views of the button structure from different perspectives. FIG. 15 for FIG. 17B A cross-sectional view of the key structure 700 along direction 17A-17A' (including the assembled keycap 710), and FIG. 15 for FIGS. 15-16B A cross-sectional view of the key structure 700 along direction 17B-17B' (including the assembled keycap 710).
[0156] like FIG. 15 As shown, the button structure 700 includes at least one keycap 710, at least one first bracket 720, at least one second bracket 530, at least one third bracket 540, a circuit board 560, at least one elastomer 170, and a base plate 780.
[0157] like FIG. 15 and 16AAs shown in ~16B, the first support 720, the second support 530, and the third support 540 can form a lifting mechanism, or the first support 720, the second support 530, and the third support 540 can form a lifting mechanism. In one embodiment, a lifting mechanism, a keycap 710, and an elastomer 170 can form a key module. The key structure 700 is, for example, a keyboard, which may include at least one key module. In an embodiment, the lifting mechanism is, for example, a scissor mechanism. The second support 530 and the third support 540 are completely surrounded by the first support 720 (e.g., viewed in the -Z axis direction), therefore the second support 530 and the third support 540 can be referred to as "inner scissor supports," and the first support 520 can be referred to as "outer scissor supports." Furthermore, the aforementioned keyboard is, for example, a standalone keyboard, or a built-in keyboard of an electronic product, wherein the electronic product is, for example, a notebook computer, a home appliance, or other electronic product that requires input functions.
[0158] like FIG. 15 and 16A As shown in ~16B, the button structure 700 includes the same or similar technical features as the aforementioned button structure 500, with at least one difference being that the first support member 550 can be omitted in the button structure 700 of this utility model embodiment.
[0159] like FIG. 15 and 16A As shown in ~16B, the first bracket 720 is connected to the keycap 710 and has a first mounting portion 720a1 and a second mounting portion 720a2. The second bracket 530 is connected to the first bracket 720 and is disposed in the first mounting portion 720a1. The third bracket 140 is connected to the first bracket 720 and is disposed in the second mounting portion 720a2.
[0160] The lifting mechanism has a through hole, and the structures on either side of the through hole differ. For example, such as... FIG. 16B and 16A As shown in ~16B, the first support 720 has a through hole 720c, and the lifting mechanism has different structures on opposite sides of the through hole 720c. For example, the key structure 700 further includes a support member 750 connected to the first support 720. The support member 750 and the first support 720 are, for example, fixed to each other. In one embodiment, the support member 750 and the first support 720 are, for example, integrally formed. Furthermore, the elastomer 170 is disposed between the keycap 710 and the base plate 780 corresponding to the through hole 720c.
[0161] like FIG. 15As shown, the keycap 710 includes first connecting portions 511A and 511B, second connecting portions 512A and 512B, third connecting portions 513A and 513B, fourth connecting portions 714A and 714B, fifth connecting portions 515A and 515B, and a cap body 116. The cap body 116 includes a top plate 1161 and a side plate 1162, wherein the side plate 1162 is connected to the edge of the top plate 1161. The first connecting portions 511A and 511B, the second connecting portions 512A and 512B, the third connecting portions 513A and 513B, and the fourth connecting portions 714A and 714B are connected to the lower surface 1161b of the top plate 1161.
[0162] like FIG. 15 and 16A As shown in ~16B, the keycap 710 can be connected to the first bracket 720, the second bracket 530, the third bracket 540, and the support member 750. For example, the first connecting parts 511A and 511B can be connected to the second bracket 530, the second connecting parts 512A and 512B can be connected to the third bracket 540, the third connecting parts 513A and 513B and the fourth connecting parts 714A and 714B can be connected to the first bracket 720, and the fifth connecting parts 515A and 515B can be connected to the support member 750.
[0163] like FIG. 15 and 16A As shown in ~16B, the first bracket 720 can connect the keycap 710, the second bracket 530, the third bracket 540, and the base plate 780. For example, the first bracket 720 includes first connecting portions 521A and 521B, second connecting portions 522A and 522B, third connecting portions 523A and 523B, fourth connecting portions 724A and 724B, sixth connecting portions 726A and 726B, seventh connecting portions 727A and 727B, and a bracket body 728. The aforementioned through hole 720c is formed in the first bracket body 728.
[0164] like FIG. 15 and 16A As shown in ~16B, the first connecting part 521A and the first connecting part 521B are structurally the same or similar, the second connecting part 522A and the second connecting part 522B are structurally the same or similar, the third connecting part 523A and the third connecting part 523B are structurally the same or similar, the fourth connecting part 724A and the fourth connecting part 724B are structurally the same or similar, the sixth connecting part 726A and the sixth connecting part 726B are structurally the same or similar, and the seventh connecting part 727A and the seventh connecting part 727B are structurally the same or similar.
[0165] like FIG. 15 and 16AAs shown in ~16B, the first connecting portions 521A and 521B and the second connecting portions 522A and 522B are, for example, pivot holes disposed in the first support body 528, while the third connecting portions 523A and 523B, the fourth connecting portions 724A and 724B, the sixth connecting portions 726A and 726B, and the seventh connecting portions 727A and 727B are, for example, pivots that can be connected to the first support body 528. In one embodiment, the third connecting portions 523A and 523B, the fourth connecting portions 724A and 724B, the sixth connecting portions 726A and 726B, the seventh connecting portions 727A and 727B, and the first support body 528 are, for example, an integrally formed structure. For example, injection molding technology can be used to form an integral first support 720. In terms of material, the first support 720 is, for example, made of plastic.
[0166] like FIG. 15 and 16A As shown in ~16B, the first connecting portions 521A and 521B of the first bracket 720 can be connected to the second bracket 530, the second connecting portions 522A and 522B of the first bracket 720 can be connected to the third bracket 540, the third connecting portions 523A and 523B and the fourth connecting portions 524A and 524B of the first bracket 720 can be connected to the keycap 710, and the sixth connecting portions 726A and 726B and the seventh connecting portions 727A and 727B of the first bracket 720 can be connected to the base plate 780.
[0167] like FIG. 15 and 16AAs shown in ~16B, the third connecting portions 523A and 523B of the first bracket 720 are respectively connected to the third connecting portions 513A and 513B of the keycap 710, and the fourth connecting portions 724A and 724B of the first bracket 720 are respectively connected to the fourth connecting portions 714A and 714B of the keycap 710. Similar to the aforementioned first bracket 120, in this embodiment, the third connecting portions 523A and 523B and the fourth connecting portions 724A and 724B of the first bracket 720 can be arranged in a straight line (e.g., approximately parallel to the X-axis), and the third connecting portions 513A and 513B and the fourth connecting portions 714A and 714B of the keycap 710 are correspondingly also arranged in a straight line (e.g., approximately parallel to the X-axis). In this embodiment, multiple connecting portions of the keycap 710 (e.g., third connecting portions 513A and 513B and fourth connecting portions 714A and 714B) are coaxially connected to multiple connecting portions of the first support 720 (e.g., third connecting portions 523A and 523B and fourth connecting portions 724A and 724B), which reduces the complexity of the mechanism design. Furthermore, the multiple connecting portions of the keycap 710 (e.g., third connecting portions 513B and fourth connecting portions 714A and 714B) are positioned adjacent to one side of the keycap 710, providing an edge support effect and increasing the stability of the keycap 710 when pressed. Additionally, the fourth connecting portions 724A and 724B of the first support 720 are located between the third connecting portions 523A and 523B, providing more support points (e.g., four), which increases the stability of the first support 720 in supporting the keycap 710. In another embodiment, the number of fourth connecting parts of the first bracket 720 may be more than two or one, and the number of fourth connecting parts of the keycap 710 may be changed accordingly.
[0168] like FIG. 17A As shown, the support member 750 has a first end 751 and a second end 752 opposite to each other. The first end 751 can be fixed to the first bracket 530, and the second end 752 can be connected to the keycap 710. In this embodiment, the first bracket 530 can be directly connected to the keycap 710 and / or indirectly connected to the keycap 710 through the support member 750. The support member 750 includes second connecting portions 552A and 552B, which can be connected to the fifth connecting portions 515A and 515B of the keycap 710, respectively. FIG. 15 As shown, the second connecting portion 552A of the support member 750 and the fifth connecting portion 515A of the keycap 710 are slidably and rotatably connected relative to each other. The connection method between the second connecting portion 552B of the support member 750 and the fifth connecting portion 515B of the keycap 710 is the same as that between the second connecting portion 552B and the fifth connecting portion 515B, and will not be described again here.
[0169] like FIG. 15 and 16AAs shown in ~16B, the base plate 780 includes a plate body 785. The button structure 700 further includes first connecting portions 781A and 781B, second connecting portions 782A and 782B, third connecting portions 783A and 783B, and fourth connecting portions 784A and 784B. The first connecting portions 781A and 781B are structurally similar or identical, the second connecting portions 782A and 782B are structurally similar or identical, the third connecting portions 783A and 783B are structurally similar or identical, and the fourth connecting portions 784A and 784B are structurally similar or identical.
[0170] like FIG. 15 , 16A As shown in Figures 16B and 17A-17B, the first connecting portions 781A and 781B, the second connecting portions 782A and 782B, the third connecting portions 783A and 783B, and the fourth connecting portions 784A and 784B can be disposed on the base plate 780. In this embodiment, the base plate 780 is, for example, a flat plate without bending portions. The first connecting portions 781A and 781B, the second connecting portions 782A and 782B, the third connecting portions 783A and 783B, and the fourth connecting portions 784A and 784B can be separately formed and then connected to the base plate 780 by, for example, secondary injection molding. In terms of material, the base plate 780 and the connecting portions (e.g., the first connecting portions 781A and 781B, the second connecting portions 782A and 782B, the third connecting portions 783A and 783B, and / or the fourth connecting portions 784A and 784B) can be made of the same material or different materials. For example, the base plate 780 and the connecting parts are both metal or plastic, or one of the base plate 780 and the connecting parts is metal and the other is plastic.
[0171] like FIG. 17A and 16AAs shown in ~16B, in this embodiment, the first connecting portions 581A and 581B and the second connecting portions 582A and 582B of the base plate 780 can be arranged in a straight line (e.g., approximately parallel to the X-axis), so that the third connecting portions 533A and 533B of the second bracket 530 and the third connecting portions 543A and 543B of the third bracket 540 can be connected to the base plate 580 along a straight line. In other words, the second bracket 530 and the third bracket 540 are connected to the same straight line of the base plate 580. This coaxial connection can reduce the complexity of the mechanism design. In addition, the third connecting portions 583A and 583B and the fourth connecting portions 584A and 584B of the base plate 580 can be arranged in a straight line (e.g., approximately parallel to the X-axis), and the sixth connecting portions 526A and 526B and the seventh connecting portions 527A and 527B of the first bracket 520 can be arranged in a straight line (e.g., approximately parallel to the X-axis), so that the first bracket 520 can be connected to the base plate 580 along a straight line. In other words, the first bracket 520 is connected to the same straight line as the base plate 580. This type of coaxial connection can reduce the complexity of the mechanism design.
[0172] like FIG. 17A As shown, the sixth connecting portion 726A and 726B of the first bracket 720 are connected to the third connecting portion 783A. For example, the sixth connecting portion 726A and the third connecting portion 783A are connected in a manner that allows relative rotation but not relative sliding. The connection method between the sixth connecting portion 726B and the third connecting portion 783B is the same as that between the sixth connecting portion 726A and the third connecting portion 783A, and will not be described again here.
[0173] like FIG. 17BAs shown, the connection method between the third connecting portion 523A of the first bracket 720 and the third connecting portion 513A of the keycap 710 is the same as the connection method between the third connecting portion 523A and the third connecting portion 513A of the aforementioned key structure 500, and will not be described again here. The connection method between the second connecting portion 552A of the first support member 750 and the fifth connecting portion 515A of the keycap 710 is the same as the connection method between the second connecting portion 552A and the fifth connecting portion 515A of the aforementioned key structure 500, and will not be described again here. In this embodiment, since the support member 750 and the first bracket 720 are integrally formed, the third connecting portion 523A of the first bracket 720, located between the sixth connecting portion 726A of the first bracket 720 and the second connecting portion 552A of the first support member 750, may differ from the second connecting portion 552A of the first support member 750 in structure and / or thickness. For example, even if the third connecting portion 523A of the first bracket 720 and the second connecting portion 552A of the first support member 750 are both connected to the keycap 710, the thickness of the third connecting portion 523A of the first bracket 720 in the direction of movement of the keycap 710 (such as the Z-axis) is greater than the thickness of the second connecting portion 552A of the first support member 750 in the direction of movement of the keycap 710 (such as the Z-axis). Through the aforementioned connection structure between the first bracket 720 and the first support member 750 and the keycap 710, the keycap 710 can be stably supported (enhancing the support function).
[0174] like As shown, the fourth connecting portion 714B of the keycap 710 is connected to the fourth connecting portion 724B of the first bracket 720. For example, the fourth connecting portions 714B and 724B are rotatable and slidable relative to each other. The connection method between the fourth connecting portions 714A and 724A is the same as that between the fourth connecting portions 714B and 724B, and will not be described again here. Furthermore, the seventh connecting portion 727B of the first bracket 720 is connected to the fourth connecting portion 784B of the base plate 780. For example, the seventh connecting portion 727B and 784B are rotatable but not slidable relative to each other. The connection method between the seventh connecting portion 727A and 784A is the same as that between the seventh connecting portion 727B and 784B, and will not be described again here.
[0175] In summary, this utility model embodiment provides a key structure. The key structure includes at least a keycap, a first bracket, and a second bracket. In one embodiment, the second bracket can be connected to the first bracket and is at least partially located within the mounting portion of the first bracket. The second bracket can protrude or retract relative to the side of the first bracket. Due to various design variations of the second bracket, it can support the corresponding portion of the keycap (e.g., the protruding area of the keycap) according to the shape of the keycap. In other embodiments, the key structure further includes at least one support member, which can be connected to one of the first bracket and the second bracket. The support member can protrude relative to the side of the first bracket and can support the corresponding portion of the keycap (e.g., the protruding area of the keycap) according to the shape of the keycap. Furthermore, in this utility model embodiment, the connecting portions of the first element and the connecting portions of the second element of the key structure are connected to each other, wherein the number of connecting portions of the first element is at least one, for example, one, two, or more, and the number of connecting portions of the second element can be equal to the number of connecting portions of the first element. Furthermore, the multiple connecting portions of the first element of the key structure can be arranged in a straight line, and the multiple connecting portions of the second element of the key structure can be arranged in a straight line. The first element and the second element can be connected along a straight line, allowing the first element and the second element to rotate about a straight line. The aforementioned first element and second element are, for example, brackets (e.g., a first bracket, a second bracket, or a third bracket), support members (e.g., a first support member or a second support member), or base plates. Furthermore, the two interconnected elements of the key structure can each be a single-piece structure and / or made of the same material. Furthermore, the keycaps in the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to irregularly shaped keycaps; they can be standard keycaps (e.g., keycaps without protrusions or notches). Furthermore, the number of connecting portions arranged along a straight line can be equal to or greater than two, but can also be one.
[0176] In summary, although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains can make various modifications and refinements without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of this invention shall be determined by the appended claims.
Claims
1. A button structure, characterized in that: include: One-click cap; A first support is connected to the keycap and has a first opening and a second opening; A second bracket is connected to the first bracket and protrudes relative to the first opening; as well as A third bracket is connected to the first bracket and protrudes relative to the second opening, wherein the second bracket and the third bracket are separately disposed.
2. The button structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that: Including: A first support member connects the first bracket and the keycap, and the first support member is disposed opposite to the second bracket.
3. The button structure as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The keycap has a protruding area. The first support includes a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion. The first connecting portion is connected to the first bracket, and the second connecting portion is connected to the protruding area of the keycap. The keycap includes a plurality of connecting portions, and the second bracket is connected to the connecting portions. The distance between at least one of the connecting portions and one edge of the protruding area is greater than the distance between the second connecting portion and the edge of the protruding area.
4. The button structure as described in claim 2, characterized in that: Including: A second support member connects the first bracket and the keycap, and the second support member is disposed opposite to the third bracket; and A connector connects the first support member and the second support member, wherein a gap exists between the first support member and the second support member corresponding to the connector.
5. The button structure as described in claim 2, characterized in that: Including: A second support member connects the first bracket and the keycap, and the second support member is provided corresponding to the third bracket; The second bracket and the third bracket are arranged along a first direction, and the first support member and the second support member are arranged along a second direction, the first direction being parallel to the second direction. The first support member and the second support member each have a first notch and a second notch, the first notch being positioned to correspond to a portion of the second bracket, and the second notch being positioned to correspond to a portion of the third bracket.
6. The button structure as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The keycap has a notch that does not overlap with the first support member along one of the movement directions of the keycap.
7. The button structure as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The first support member has a first end and a second end opposite to each other. The first end is fixed to the first bracket, and the second end is connected to the keycap.
8. The button structure as described in claim 7, characterized in that: The first bracket includes a connecting part, which is connected to the keycap.
9. The button structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The first bracket includes a side, a first mounting portion and a second mounting portion. The first mounting portion and the second mounting portion expose the first opening and the second opening from the side, respectively. The second bracket is disposed on the first mounting portion and connected to the first bracket. The third bracket is disposed on the second mounting portion and connected to the first bracket.
10. The button structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The first bracket includes multiple connecting parts, and the keycap is connected to these connecting parts of the first bracket, which are arranged in a straight line.
11. The button structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that: Including: One base plate; as well as An elastomer is disposed between the keycap and the base plate; The keycap includes a pressing part that overlaps with the elastic body along one of the movement directions of the keycap.
12. The button structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that: Including: One base plate; as well as A first support component is disposed between the base plate and the keycap; The first support member, the first bracket, and the base plate are connected along an axis.
13. The button structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that: The keycap includes multiple connecting parts, and the second bracket and the third bracket are connected to the connecting parts of the keycap, and the connecting parts of the keycap are arranged in a straight line.
14. A button structure, characterized in that: include: One-click cap; A first bracket is attached to the keycap and has a mounting portion and an opening; A second bracket is connected to the first bracket, disposed in the mounting portion, and protrudes relative to the opening; as well as A support member connects the first bracket to the keycap.
15. A button structure, characterized in that: include: One-click cap; A first bracket is attached to the keycap and has a mounting portion and an opening; and A second bracket is connected to the first bracket and disposed in the mounting portion, and is recessed relative to the opening; A support member is connected to the second bracket through the opening.
16. The button structure as described in claim 14 or 15, characterized in that: The keycap has a protruding area, and the support member connects to the protruding area.
17. The button structure as described in claim 14 or 15, characterized in that: The keycap has a notch that does not overlap with the support member along one of the keycap's movement directions.
18. The button structure as described in claim 14 or 15, characterized in that: The keycap includes a pivot hole, and the support includes a pivot, the inner diameter of which is larger than the outer diameter of the pivot.
19. The button structure as described in claim 14 or 15, characterized in that: The first bracket includes multiple connecting parts, and the keycap is connected to these connecting parts of the first bracket, which are arranged in a straight line.
20. The button structure as described in claim 14 or 15, characterized in that: Including: A base plate, the base plate including multiple connecting parts; as well as The support member is disposed between the base plate and the keycap, and the first bracket is connected to the connecting parts of the base plate along an axis.
21. A button structure, characterized in that: include: One base plate; One-key cap, mounted on this base plate; A lifting mechanism connects the keycap to the base plate and has a through hole. The lifting mechanism has different structures on both sides of the through hole. as well as An elastic body is disposed between the keycap and the base plate, corresponding to the through hole.
22. The button structure as described in claim 21, characterized in that: The lifting mechanism includes: A first stent; and A second bracket is connected to the first bracket; The keycap includes multiple connecting parts, and the first bracket is connected to these connecting parts of the keycap, and these connecting parts of the keycap are arranged in a straight line.
23. The button structure as described in claim 22, characterized in that: The lifting mechanism further includes: A support member connects the first bracket and the keycap. The support member is fixed to the first bracket, and the first bracket is connected to the base plate along an axis.