Key structure

Abstract

The utility model discloses a key structure. The key structure comprises a key cap; the support covers the key cap; the metal elastic piece is arranged in the key cap, the metal elastic piece is provided with a connecting part and two elastic arms, the front end and the rear end of the connecting part respectively extend towards one side to form the two elastic arms, part of the elastic arms are arranged in the key cap, the top ends of the two elastic arms abut against the top surface of the inner side of the key cap, and the two elastic arms are connected with the connecting part. The bottom ends of the connecting part and the two elastic arms are exposed out of the bottom of the key cap; the circuit board is arranged on the lower surface of the metal elastic piece, two conductive pads are arranged on the upper surface of the circuit board, each conductive pad corresponds to the bottom end of the corresponding elastic arm, and the bottom ends of the two elastic arms make contact with and are electrically conducted with the conductive pads. Therefore, the key structure provided by the utility model can simplify the assembly process and can be stably assembled.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a button structure, and more particularly to a button structure that simplifies the assembly process and enables stable assembly. Background Technology

[0002] Function keys are standard components in game controllers, and they connect to switches on the circuit board. When a function key is pressed, it triggers the switch, causing the game controller to perform the corresponding action. After the key is released, it returns to its initial position due to the elasticity of a spring.

[0003] Chinese Patent Publication No. 215955145 discloses "a button structure and a robotic arm", which includes: a spring and a button cap, a tactile switch is disposed on a circuit board, the circuit board is disposed inside a housing, the spring is sleeved on the tactile switch, the button cap is disposed in the key hole of the housing, the button cap is adapted to move relative to the key hole to compress the spring and trigger the tactile switch, and the spring is a polygonal spring.

[0004] However, the aforementioned compression spring is soldered onto the circuit board as a conductor, and the compression spring and the switch are arranged in a straight line inside the keycap. However, the internal space of the keycap is small, making assembly difficult. Furthermore, the keycap needs to be flipped over to solder the compression spring, increasing the assembly process.

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a button structure that simplifies the assembly process and ensures stable assembly. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a button structure that addresses the defects and shortcomings of existing technologies.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model discloses a key structure, comprising: a keycap; a bracket covering the keycap; a metal elastic element disposed within the keycap, the metal elastic element having a connecting portion and two elastic arms, the front and rear ends of the connecting portion extending to one side to form the two elastic arms, a portion of the elastic arms being disposed within the keycap, the top ends of the two elastic arms abutting against the inner top surface of the keycap, and the bottom ends of the connecting portion and the two elastic arms being exposed at the bottom of the keycap; and a circuit board disposed on the lower surface of the metal elastic element, the upper surface of the circuit board having two conductive pads, each conductive pad corresponding to the bottom end of the two elastic arms, the bottom ends of the two elastic arms contacting and electrically conducting with each conductive pad.

[0008] As a further improvement, a pressing part extends downward from the middle of the inner side of the keycap to form a pressing part, which divides the keycap into two receiving grooves. Part of the elastic arm is disposed in the two receiving grooves. The connecting part and the bottom ends of the two elastic arms are exposed outside the two receiving grooves, and the top ends of the two elastic arms abut against the inner top surface of the keycap.

[0009] As a further improvement, each of the elastic arms is provided with two contact portions, two extension portions and a fixing portion. The front and rear ends of the connecting portion extend to one side to form two contact portions. The free end of each contact portion extends obliquely upward and then bends to one side before extending obliquely upward to form the extension portion. The top end of the extension portion extends to one side to form the fixing portion. The fixing portion abuts against the inner top surface of the keycap. The two extension portions and the two contact portions are symmetrically arranged on the left and right sides of the fixing portion. The four contact portions contact the two conductive pads and are electrically connected.

[0010] As a further improvement, each of the extensions is provided with a lower arm, a bent portion, and an upper arm. The free end of each contact portion extends obliquely upward to form the lower arm. The top end of the lower arm is bent to one side to form the bent portion. The top end of the bent portion extends obliquely upward to form the upper arm. The extension direction of the lower arm is opposite to the extension direction of the upper arm. The top end of the upper arm extends to one side to form the fixing portion. The two lower arms, two bent portions, two upper arms, and the fixing portion of each elastic arm are fixed in each receiving groove. The two contact portions and the connecting portion of each elastic arm are exposed in each receiving groove.

[0011] As a further improvement, the upper surface of the bracket extends upward to form a hollow covering part, the keycap is disposed in the covering part, the lower surface of the bracket is provided with several assembly holes formed by upward indentation, the several assembly holes are connected to the covering part, and the left and right sides of the outer side of the keycap extend outward to form several assembly parts, the several assembly parts are disposed in the several assembly holes.

[0012] As a further improvement, this utility model discloses a key structure, including: a keycap; a bracket covering the keycap; a metal elastic element disposed inside the keycap, the metal elastic element having a connecting portion, four contact portions, four extension portions and two fixing portions, the front and rear ends of the connecting portion extending to one side to form two contact portions, the free end of each contact portion extending obliquely upward and then bending to one side before extending obliquely upward to form the extension portion, the top end of the extension portion extending to one side to form the fixing portion, each pair of contact portions and each pair of extension portions being symmetrically disposed on the left and right sides of each fixing portion, the two fixing portions abutting against the inner top surface of the keycap; and a circuit board disposed on the lower surface of the metal elastic element, the upper surface of the circuit board having two conductive pads, each conductive pad corresponding to one of the two contact portions, the two contact portions contacting and electrically conducting with each conductive pad.

[0013] As a further improvement, each of the extensions is provided with a lower arm portion, a bending portion and an upper arm portion. The free end of each of the contact portions extends obliquely upward to form the lower arm portion. The top end of the lower arm portion bends to one side to form the bending portion. The top end of the bending portion extends obliquely upward to form the upper arm portion. The extension direction of the lower arm portion is opposite to the extension direction of the upper arm portion. The top end of the upper arm portion extends to one side to form the fixing portion.

[0014] As a further improvement, a pressing part extends downward from the middle of the inner side of the keycap to form a pressing part, which divides the keycap into two receiving slots. The two lower arms, the two bent parts, the two upper arms and the fixing part are fixed in each receiving slot, and the two contact parts and the connecting part are exposed in each receiving slot.

[0015] As a further improvement, the upper surface of the bracket extends upward to form a hollow covering part, the keycap is disposed in the covering part, the lower surface of the bracket is provided with several assembly holes formed by upward indentation, the several assembly holes are connected to the covering part, and the left and right sides of the outer side of the keycap extend outward to form several assembly parts, the several assembly parts are disposed in the several assembly holes.

[0016] As a further improvement, this utility model discloses a button structure, including: a keycap having a body portion, wherein a receiving groove is formed within the body portion, and a pressing portion is provided within the receiving groove; a metal elastic member disposed within the receiving groove of the keycap, the metal elastic member having a connecting portion and two elastic arms, the two opposite ends of the connecting portion respectively extending to form two elastic arms, the two elastic arms being symmetrically arranged and opposite to each other, the two elastic arms being respectively disposed on two opposite sides of the pressing portion, each elastic arm having a fixing portion, the two opposite ends of the fixing portion extending downwards and... The extension is bent inward to form an extension portion, the bottom end of the extension portion extends outward and bends downward to form a contact portion, the connecting portion connects to the opposite ends of the two contact portions of the two elastic arms, the fixing portion and the extension portion are received in the receiving groove, the connecting portion and the contact portion are exposed in the receiving groove and extend beyond the outer surface of the body portion; and a circuit board is disposed below the metal elastic member, the circuit board is provided with a switch and two conductive pads, the pressing portion corresponds to the switch, and each of the conductive pads abuts against the contact portions of the two elastic arms respectively.

[0017] As described above, each conductive pad in the button structure of this utility model corresponds to one of the two contact portions of the two elastic arms. The fixing portion abuts against the inner top surface of the keycap. The two extension portions and the two contact portions are symmetrically arranged on the left and right sides of the fixing portion. When the keycap is pressed, the keycap drives the metal elastic element downward. The two extension portions expand to the left and right sides of the keycap, and the four contact portions of the metal elastic element are in continuous contact with the two conductive pads of the circuit board and electrically connected. Therefore, the button structure of this utility model simplifies the assembly process and enables stable assembly. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the button structure of this utility model.

[0019] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the button structure of this utility model.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the button structure of this utility model.

[0021] Figure 4 The button structure of this utility model follows Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of line IV-IV.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the keycap of the button structure of this utility model.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the metal elastic element of the button structure of this utility model.

[0024] The labels in the attached figures are explained as follows.

[0025] Key structure 100 Keycaps 1

[0026] Body part 10 Assembly part 11

[0027] Pressing part 12 Receiving slot 13

[0028] Support 2 Covering part 21

[0029] Assembly hole 22 Metal elastic element 3

[0030] Connecting part 30, elastic arm 31

[0031] Contact part 32 Lower arm part 33

[0032] Bending section 34 Upper arm section 35

[0033] Fixing part 36 Extension part 37

[0034] Closed end 38 Open end 39

[0035] Switch 4 Circuit Board 5

[0036] Conductive pad 51. Detailed Implementation

[0037] To explain in detail the technical content, structural features, objectives and effects of the button structure 100 of this utility model, the following embodiments are provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0038] Please see Figures 1 to 3 The button structure 100 of this utility model includes a keycap 1, a bracket 2, a metal elastic element 3, a switch 4, and a circuit board 5. The bracket 2 covers the keycap 1. The metal elastic element 3 is disposed inside the keycap 1. The keycap 1, the bracket 2, the metal elastic element 3, and the switch 4 are disposed on the upper surface of the circuit board 5. The top end of the metal elastic element 3 abuts against the inner top surface of the keycap 1, and the bottom end of the metal elastic element 3 contacts and is electrically connected to the circuit board 5.

[0039] Please see Figure 5The keycap 1 has a body portion 10, several assembly portions 11, a pressing portion 12, and two receiving slots 13. In this embodiment, several assembly portions 11 extend outward from the left and right sides of the outer surface of the body portion 10, but this is not limited to specific implementations. The several assembly portions 11 of the keycap 1 are disposed in the corresponding mechanism of the bracket 2 to achieve positioning and fixation of the keycap 1 and the bracket 2. The pressing portion 12 extends downward from the middle of the inner surface of the body portion 10. The pressing portion 12 corresponds to the switch 4 and is used to press the switch 4. The pressing portion 12 divides the body portion 10 into two receiving slots 13. Some of the metal elastic elements 3 are disposed in the two receiving slots 13. In specific implementations, the receiving slots 13 are formed inside the body portion 10, the pressing portion 12 is disposed in the receiving slots 13, and the pressing portion 12 and the body portion 10 are injection molded as one piece. The main body 10 contains only one receiving groove 13, and the pressing part 12 is located in the middle of the receiving groove 13. The metal elastic member 3 is disposed in the receiving groove 13, and the metal elastic member 3 is disposed on two opposite sides of the pressing part 12.

[0040] Please see Figure 2 The support 2 has a covering portion 21 and several assembly holes 22. The upper surface of the support 2 extends upward to form a hollow covering portion 21. The body portion 10 of the keycap 1 is disposed within the covering portion 21. The lower surface of the support 2 has several upwardly recessed assembly holes 22. The several assembly holes 22 communicate with the covering portion 21. In this embodiment, the several assembly holes 22 are formed on the left and right sides of the covering portion 21, but are not limited to this in specific implementations. Several assembly portions 11 of the keycap 1 are disposed within the several assembly holes 22 to achieve positioning and fixation of the support 2 and the keycap 1. The covering portion 21 and the several assembly holes 22 penetrate the support 2, and the several assembly holes 22 communicate with the covering portion 21.

[0041] Please see Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 6The metal elastic element 3 is provided with a connecting portion 30 and two elastic arms 31. The front and rear ends of the connecting portion 30 extend to one side to form two elastic arms 31. Part of the elastic arms 31 are disposed in the two receiving slots 13 of the keycap 1. The top ends of the two elastic arms 31 abut against the inner top surface of the body portion 10 of the keycap 1. The bottom ends of the connecting portion 30 and the two elastic arms 31 protrude from the two receiving slots 13 of the keycap 1. The bottom ends of the two elastic arms 31 are in contact with the circuit board 5 and are electrically connected. The bottom ends of the connecting portion 30 and the two elastic arms 31 extend beyond the outer surface of the body portion 10 of the keycap 1.

[0042] Each of the elastic arms 31 is provided with two contact portions 32, two lower arm portions 33, two bending portions 34, two upper arm portions 35, and a fixing portion 36. The front and rear ends of the connecting portion 30 extend to one side to form two contact portions 32, which contact and are electrically connected to the corresponding mechanisms of the circuit board 5. The top end of each contact portion 32 extends obliquely upward to form the lower arm portion 33. The top end of the lower arm portion 33 bends to one side to form the bending portion 34. The top end of the bending portion 34 extends obliquely upward to form the upper arm portion 35. The extending direction of the lower arm portion 33 is opposite to the extending direction of the upper arm portion 35. The top end of the upper arm portion 35 extends to one side to form the fixing portion 36. The fixing portion 36 abuts against the inner top surface of the keycap 1. In this embodiment, the two contact portions 32, the two lower arm portions 33, the two bending portions 34, and the two upper arm portions 35 are symmetrically arranged on the left and right sides of a fixing portion 36. In this embodiment, the lower arm portion 33, the bending portion 34, and the upper arm portion 35 form a U-shaped structure, but this is not limited to specific implementations. The two lower arm portions 33, the two bending portions 34, the two upper arm portions 35, and the fixing portion 36 of each elastic arm 31 are fixed in each receiving groove 13. The two contact portions 32 and the connecting portion 30 of each elastic arm 31 are exposed in each receiving groove 13.

[0043] In this embodiment, a lower arm portion 33, a bending portion 34, and an upper arm portion 35 constitute an extension portion 37. The tip of each contact portion 32 extends obliquely upwards, bends to one side, and then extends obliquely upwards again to form the extension portion 37. The tip of the extension portion 37 extends to one side to form the fixing portion 36. The two extension portions 37 and the two contact portions 32 are symmetrically arranged on the left and right sides of the fixing portion 36.

[0044] In other words, the two opposite ends of the fixing portion 36 extend downward and inward to form two upper arm portions 35, the bottom ends of the two upper arm portions 35 bend outward to form two bent portions 34, the bottom ends of the two bent portions 34 extend downward and outward to form two lower arm portions 33, and the bottom ends of the two lower arm portions 33 extend downward and outward to form two contact portions 32. The two elastic arms 31 are opposite to each other in the front-back direction, and in the front-back direction, one of the contact portions 32 of the two elastic arms 31 are connected to each other to form the connecting portion 30.

[0045] Please see Figures 2 to 4 The upper surface of the circuit board 5 is provided with two conductive pads 51. In this embodiment, the two conductive pads 51 are respectively disposed on the left and right sides of the switch 4. Each conductive pad 51 corresponds to the two contact portions 32 of the two elastic arms 31. The four contact portions 32 of the metal elastic member 3 are in contact with the two conductive pads 51 and are electrically connected.

[0046] When the keycap 1 is pressed, the pressing part 12 of the keycap 1 presses down the switch 4. The fixing part 36 abuts against the inner top surface of the keycap 1. The keycap 1 drives the metal elastic member 3 to press downward. The two bending parts 34 shift to the left and right sides of the keycap 1. The two lower arm parts 33 expand to the left and right sides of the keycap 1, that is, the distance between the two lower arm parts 33 increases. The four contact parts 32 of the metal elastic member 3 expand to the left and right sides of the keycap 1. The four contact parts 32 of the metal elastic member 3 are in continuous contact with the two conductive pads 51 of the circuit board 5 and are electrically connected.

[0047] The connection point between the two contact portions 32 of the two elastic arms 31 and the connecting portion 30 is defined as a closed end 38, and the space between the other two contact portions 32 of the two elastic arms 31 is defined as an open end 39. The two contact portions 32 located at the open end 39 expand outward. Therefore, the metal elastic element 3 has a V-shaped structure. When the two elastic arms 31 are assembled into the keycap 1, the metal elastic element 3 continuously applies pressure to the keycap 1, reducing the distance between the two contact portions 32 located at the open end 39, creating a self-positioning effect within the keycap 1, and allowing the metal elastic element 3 to be stably assembled within the keycap 1. This simplifies the assembly process between the keycap 1 and the metal elastic element 3, and reduces the noise of the metal elastic element 3 within the keycap 1.

[0048] During assembly of the key structure 100 of this utility model, the two elastic arms 31 of the metal elastic member 3 are in an outwardly expanding state. Therefore, the two elastic arms 31 must be pressed inward towards each other before being assembled into the receiving groove 13 of the keycap 1. Thus, after the metal elastic member 3 is assembled into the receiving groove 13 of the keycap 1, it can stably abut against the wall of the receiving groove 13 by its own elastic force. Then, the keycap 1, together with the metal elastic member 3, is assembled into the covering part 21 of the bracket 2. Simultaneously, several assembly parts 11 are assembled into several assembly holes 22. Finally, the bracket 2, together with the keycap 1 and the metal elastic member 3, is assembled onto the circuit board 5.

[0049] As described above, each conductive pad 51 of the button structure 100 of this utility model corresponds to the two contact portions 32 of the two elastic arms 31. The fixing portion 36 abuts against the inner top surface of the keycap 1. The two extension portions 37 and the two contact portions 32 are symmetrically arranged on the left and right sides of the fixing portion 36. When the keycap 1 is pressed, the keycap 1 drives the metal elastic member 3 to press downward. The two extension portions 37 expand to the left and right sides of the keycap 1, and the four contact portions 32 of the metal elastic member 3 continuously contact and electrically conduct with the two conductive pads 51 of the circuit board 5. Therefore, the button structure 100 of this utility model simplifies the assembly process and enables stable assembly.

Claims

1. A button structure, characterized in that, include: A keycap; a bracket covering the keycap; a metal elastic element disposed inside the keycap, the metal elastic element having a connecting portion and two elastic arms, the front and rear ends of the connecting portion extending to one side to form the two elastic arms, a portion of the elastic arms being disposed inside the keycap, the top ends of the two elastic arms abutting against the inner top surface of the keycap, the bottom ends of the connecting portion and the two elastic arms being exposed at the bottom of the keycap; and a circuit board disposed on the lower surface of the metal elastic element, the upper surface of the circuit board having two conductive pads, each of the conductive pads corresponding to the bottom ends of the two elastic arms, the bottom ends of the two elastic arms contacting and electrically conducting with each conductive pad.

2. The button structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that: A pressing part extends downward from the middle of the inner side of the keycap to form a pressing part, which divides the keycap into two receiving grooves. Part of the elastic arm is disposed in the two receiving grooves. The connecting part and the bottom ends of the two elastic arms are exposed outside the two receiving grooves. The top ends of the two elastic arms abut against the inner top surface of the keycap.

3. The button structure as described in claim 2, characterized in that: Each of the elastic arms has two contact portions, two extension portions, and a fixing portion. The front and rear ends of the connecting portion extend to one side to form two contact portions. The free end of each contact portion extends obliquely upward and then bends to one side before extending obliquely upward to form the extension portion. The top end of the extension portion extends to one side to form the fixing portion. The fixing portion abuts against the inner top surface of the keycap. The two extension portions and the two contact portions are symmetrically arranged on the left and right sides of the fixing portion. The four contact portions contact the two conductive pads and are electrically connected.

4. The button structure as described in claim 3, characterized in that: Each of the extension portions has a lower arm portion, a bending portion, and an upper arm portion. The free end of each of the contact portions extends obliquely upward to form the lower arm portion. The top end of the lower arm portion bends to one side to form the bending portion. The top end of the bending portion extends obliquely upward to form the upper arm portion. The extension direction of the lower arm portion is opposite to the extension direction of the upper arm portion. The top end of the upper arm portion extends to one side to form the fixing portion. The two lower arm portions, two bending portions, two upper arm portions, and the fixing portion of each of the elastic arms are fixed in each of the receiving grooves. The two contact portions and the connecting portion of each of the elastic arms are exposed in each of the receiving grooves.

5. The button structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The upper surface of the bracket extends upward to form a hollow covering part, and the keycap is disposed in the covering part. The lower surface of the bracket is provided with several assembly holes that are recessed upward and communicate with the covering part. The left and right sides of the outer side of the keycap extend outward to form several assembly parts, and the assembly parts are disposed in the several assembly holes.

6. A button structure, characterized in that, include: One-click cap; A bracket covers the keycap; a metal elastic element is disposed inside the keycap, the metal elastic element having a connecting part, four contact parts, four extension parts and two fixing parts, the front and rear ends of the connecting part extending to one side to form two contact parts, the free end of each contact part extending obliquely upward and then bending to one side before extending obliquely upward to form the extension part, the top end of the extension part extending to one side to form the fixing part, each pair of contact parts and each pair of extension parts being symmetrically arranged on the left and right sides of each fixing part, the two fixing parts abutting against the inner top surface of the keycap; and a circuit board disposed on the lower surface of the metal elastic element, the upper surface of the circuit board having two conductive pads, each conductive pad corresponding to one of the two contact parts, the two contact parts contacting and electrically conducting with each conductive pad.

7. The button structure as described in claim 6, characterized in that: Each of the extension portions has a lower arm portion, a bending portion, and an upper arm portion. The free end of each of the contact portions extends obliquely upward to form the lower arm portion. The top end of the lower arm portion bends to one side to form the bending portion. The top end of the bending portion extends obliquely upward to form the upper arm portion. The extension direction of the lower arm portion is opposite to the extension direction of the upper arm portion. The top end of the upper arm portion extends to one side to form the fixing portion.

8. The button structure as described in claim 7, characterized in that: A pressing part extends downward from the middle of the inner side of the keycap, which divides the keycap into two receiving slots. The two lower arms, the two bent parts, the two upper arms and the fixing part are fixed in each receiving slot, and the two contact parts and the connecting part are exposed in each receiving slot.

9. The button structure as described in claim 8, characterized in that: The upper surface of the bracket extends upward to form a hollow covering part, and the keycap is disposed in the covering part. The lower surface of the bracket is provided with several assembly holes that are recessed upward and communicate with the covering part. The left and right sides of the outer side of the keycap extend outward to form several assembly parts, and the assembly parts are disposed in the several assembly holes.

10. A button structure, characterized in that, include: A keycap includes a body portion with a receiving groove inside, and a pressing portion within the receiving groove; a metal elastic element disposed within the receiving groove of the keycap, the metal elastic element having a connecting portion and two elastic arms, the two opposite ends of the connecting portion extending to form two elastic arms, the two elastic arms being symmetrically arranged and opposite to each other, the two elastic arms being respectively disposed on two opposite sides of the pressing portion, each elastic arm having a fixing portion, the two opposite ends of the fixing portion extending downward and bending inward to form an extension portion, the bottom end of the extension portion extending outward and bending downward to form a contact portion, the connecting portion connecting to the opposite ends of the two contact portions of the two elastic arms, the fixing portion and the extension portion being received within the receiving groove, the connecting portion and the contact portion being exposed outside the receiving groove and extending beyond the outer surface of the body portion; and a circuit board disposed below the metal elastic element, the circuit board having a switch and two conductive pads, the pressing portion corresponding to the switch, each of the conductive pads abutting against the contact portions of the two elastic arms.

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