Key structure of accompanying robot and accompanying robot
By using a multi-point flexible suspension arm and limit buckle design, the button area ratio is optimized. Combined with a curved arm beam and a concave frustum triggering device, the problems of loose, offset, and unresponsive buttons in traditional companion robots are solved, improving the stability and triggering accuracy of the buttons, making them suitable for children to operate.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-03-31
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-07
AI Technical Summary
Traditional companion robots have buttons that are prone to loosening and shifting, are not sensitive to triggering, and have a small effective contact area, which affects children's operating experience.
It adopts a multi-point elastic suspension arm design, combined with limit buckles and limit blocks, to optimize the button area ratio. It uses a curved arm beam to provide progressive rebound force, and the trigger device adopts a concave frustum structure to enhance the stability and trigger accuracy of the button.
It improves button stability and trigger sensitivity, enhances button durability and user-friendliness, making it especially suitable for child users, extending service life and protecting internal electronic components.
Smart Images

Figure CN224096601U_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0002] This utility model relates to the field of companion robot technology, and in particular to a button structure for a companion robot and the companion robot itself. [Background Technology]
[0004] With the rapid development of artificial intelligence and robotics, companion robots are gradually entering people's lives, playing an important role, especially in children's education and entertainment. Human-computer interaction is the core of companion robots' functionality, and buttons, as a traditional interaction method, are still widely used in companion robots.
[0005] Traditional companion robot buttons typically employ a single elastic support method, such as using a spring or rubber pad to achieve button rebound. However, these elastic support structures are prone to several problems after prolonged use. First, a single elastic support structure cannot effectively distribute the lateral force generated during pressing, causing the button to loosen or shift, affecting trigger sensitivity and accuracy. Second, after long-term use, the elastic support structure may age or fatigue, leading to weakened rebound force or even failure, thus affecting the button's triggering function. [Utility Model Content]
[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide a button structure for a companion robot and a companion robot using the same, aiming to solve problems such as loose buttons, misalignment, and insensitive triggering in the prior art.
[0008] This utility model is achieved through the following technical solution:
[0009] A button structure for a companion robot includes a faceplate with mounting holes. A button body with a matching shape is provided on the mounting holes. The button body includes a keycap with one end protruding from the mounting holes. A triggering device located inside the faceplate is connected to one side of the keycap. At least three elastic suspension arms are evenly arranged around the triggering device. One end of each elastic suspension arm is detachably fixed to the inner side of the faceplate.
[0010] As described above, in the button structure of a companion robot, the outer contour of the face shell is a symmetrical shape, and the shape of the mounting hole is a symmetrical shape. Let the area of the outer contour of the face shell be S1, and the area of the opening of the mounting hole be S2. The relationship between S2 and S1 is 45%≤S2 / S1≤65%.
[0011] As described above, in the button structure of a companion robot, the button cap has a mounting cavity on the side facing the triggering device, and a plurality of limiting buckles for fixing the triggering device are evenly arranged on the inner wall along the edge of the mounting cavity. The limiting buckles have guide slopes facing the mounting cavity.
[0012] As described above, in the button structure of a companion robot, the inner wall of the mounting cavity is also provided with multiple limiting blocks corresponding to the limiting buckles.
[0013] As described above, the button structure of a companion robot includes an elastic suspension arm that is provided on the triggering device and can abut against one end of the keycap. The support is connected to a curved beam, and the end of the curved beam is provided with a connecting part that is fixed to the inner side of the face shell.
[0014] As described above, in the button structure of a companion robot, a plurality of connecting posts that can be interference-fitted with the connecting part are evenly provided on the inner side of the face shell along the circumference of the mounting hole.
[0015] As described above, in the button structure of a companion robot, a limiting guide post is vertically provided on the support part at the end away from the keycap.
[0016] As described above, in the button structure of a companion robot, the triggering device is a concave frustum shape.
[0017] As described above, in the button structure of a companion robot, the inner side of the faceplate is provided with a side groove along the opening of the mounting hole, and a surrounding edge that can be connected to the side groove extends along the circumferential edge of the keycap.
[0018] Companion robots, including the button structure of a companion robot as described above.
[0019] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:
[0020] 1. This utility model effectively disperses the lateral force generated during pressing by setting at least three elastic suspension arms evenly distributed around the trigger device, avoiding the loosening and displacement caused by the traditional single elastic support method, thus improving the stability and durability of the button. At the same time, this optimized button structure ensures the effective transmission of pressing force and improves the sensitivity and accuracy of triggering.
[0021] 2. By limiting the ratio of the area of the mounting hole opening to the outer contour area of the faceplate, a sufficiently large pressing area is ensured. This increases the effective contact area of the button, making it easier for children to operate, while also ensuring the overall structural strength of the faceplate, ensuring product durability, and improving the user-friendliness of the interaction.
[0022] 3. Limiting buckles and limiting blocks are set inside the keycaps to fix the trigger device radially and axially, forming a multi-dimensional limiting structure. This not only improves the assembly accuracy of the keys but also enhances mechanical stability, making it particularly suitable for high-frequency and high-load usage scenarios.
[0023] 4. The flexible suspension arm adopts a curved beam design, which provides progressive rebound force during the pressing process, making the button pressing and rebounding smoother, reducing stress concentration, extending the button's service life, and improving the user's operating experience. [Attached Image Description]
[0025] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the utility model, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below.
[0026] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of Example 2;
[0027] Figure 2 This is a side view of Example 2;
[0028] Figure 3 This is a front view of Example 2;
[0029] Figure 4 for Figure 3 sectional view along line AA;
[0030] Figure 5 for Figure 4 Enlarged view of point B in the middle;
[0031] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of Example 2;
[0032] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing the division of the outer contour area S1 and the mounting hole area S2 of the shell in Example 1;
[0033] Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of Example 1;
[0034] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of Example 1;
[0035] Figure 10 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the shell in Example 1;
[0036] Figure 11 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the triggering device in Example 1. Figure 1 ;
[0037] Figure 12 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the triggering device in Example 1. Figure 2 ;
[0038] Figure 13 This is a side view of the triggering device in Embodiment 1.
Detailed Implementation Methods
[0040] To make the technical problems solved by this application, the technical solutions, and the beneficial effects clearer, this application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of this application and are not intended to limit this application.
[0041] Example 1: The button structure of existing companion robots usually adopts a single elastic support method, such as using springs or rubber pads to achieve the button rebound function. However, these elastic support structures are prone to loosening or displacement after long-term use, resulting in insensitive triggering or failure. In addition, the effective contact area of the button is usually small. For young children, due to their small palms, it is not easy to press the button accurately.
[0042] To address the aforementioned issues, this embodiment proposes a button structure for a companion robot. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figures 1 to 13 The key structure includes a faceplate 1, on which a mounting hole 11 is provided. A key body 2 matching the shape of the mounting hole 11 is provided on the mounting hole 11. The key body 2 includes a keycap 21 with one end exposed in the mounting hole 11. A trigger device 22 located inside the faceplate 1 is connected to one side of the keycap 21. At least three elastic suspension arms 3 are evenly provided around the trigger device 22. One end of the elastic suspension arm 3 is detachably fixed to the inner side of the faceplate 1.
[0043] The faceplate 1 is one of the outer shell structures of the companion robot and also serves as the main mounting base for the button structure. It has mounting holes 11. The design of the mounting holes 11 matches the shape of the button body 2, ensuring that the button body 2 can be firmly embedded within it, preventing loosening or displacement. The mounting holes 11 can be elliptical, rounded rectangular, circular, etc., but in this embodiment, a circular shape is preferred. Correspondingly, the button body 2 is generally circular. The button body 2 includes a keycap 21 and a trigger device 22. One end of the keycap 21 protrudes from the mounting hole 11, allowing the user to trigger the button function by pressing the keycap 21. The other side of the keycap 21 is connected to the trigger device 22, which engages with contacts on the circuit board to complete signal transmission.
[0044] At least three elastic suspension arms 3 are evenly arranged around the trigger device 22. Preferably, four elastic suspension arms 3 are provided in this embodiment. In some possible embodiments, five or six can also be provided as needed.
[0045] The flexible suspension arm 3 and the trigger device 22 can be integrally molded from silicone or polyurethane materials to ensure excellent elasticity and durability. One end of the flexible suspension arm 3 is detachably fixed to the inner side of the faceplate 1. Multiple flexible suspension arms 3 evenly distribute lateral force, suitable for children or high-frequency operation scenarios. The button body 2 experiences more balanced force during pressing, avoiding the offset or jamming that may occur with traditional single-point support methods, while also enhancing rebound stability. The flexible suspension arm 3, with its detachable connection to the faceplate using clips, screws, interference fits, etc., facilitates repair and replacement, reducing maintenance costs.
[0046] Furthermore, as a preferred embodiment of this solution and not a limitation, the outer contour of the face shell 1 is a symmetrical shape, and the shape of the mounting hole 11 is a symmetrical shape. Let the area of the outer contour of the face shell 1 be S1, and the area of the opening of the mounting hole 11 be S2. The relationship between S2 and S1 is 45%≤S2 / S1≤65%.
[0047] Specifically, in this embodiment, the outer contour of the face shell 1 is a symmetrical shape. The outer contour refers to the projected contour of the main body of the face shell, excluding any locally protruding additional structures. (See reference...) Figure 7 The area divided by the dashed line includes the circular main body and the protruding part of the shell 1 in orthographic projection. However, only the circular main body of the shell 1 is used as the outer contour in this embodiment, and the area S1 is also based on this part.
[0048] The outer contour of the faceplate 1 can be circular, elliptical, rectangular, etc., to ensure the visual and mechanical balance of the button area. The mounting hole 11 is also symmetrically designed to match the symmetry of the faceplate, avoiding uneven force on the buttons due to shape deviation, reducing assembly errors, and improving the consistency of the pressing feel.
[0049] Traditional button structures typically only consider functional requirements, generally resulting in a small pressing area without optimizing the area ratio. This leads to inconvenience in operation, especially for children. This embodiment limits the ratio of the orifice area S2 of the mounting hole 11 to the outer contour area S1 of the faceplate 1 to a range of 45% to 65%, ensuring a sufficiently large pressing area for the buttons. This improves ease of operation and accuracy for children while avoiding an excessively large button layout that could compromise the structural strength of the faceplate.
[0050] Furthermore, when the faceplate 1 is made of metal, the ratio of S2 to S1 should be 65%, allowing for a larger button layout ratio.
[0051] Furthermore, when the faceplate 1 is made of plastic, S2 / S1 should preferably be 45%~60%, preferably 45%, so as to have a sufficiently large button layout ratio while taking into account the structural rigidity of the faceplate 1.
[0052] Furthermore, as a preferred embodiment of this solution and not a limitation, the keycap 21 has a mounting cavity 211 on the side facing the trigger device 22, and a plurality of limiting buckles 212 for fixing the outer edge of the trigger device 22 are evenly arranged on the inner wall along the edge of the mounting cavity 211. The limiting buckles 212 have a guide slope facing the mounting cavity 211.
[0053] In this embodiment, the guide slope design of the limiting buckle 212 allows the triggering device 22 to slide easily into the mounting cavity 211, and the assembly can be completed without additional tools, which significantly improves production efficiency. At the same time, the limiting buckle 212 achieves a firm fixation of the triggering device 22 through elastic deformation, which has higher reliability and durability compared with the traditional adhesive or screw fixing methods.
[0054] Preferably, four limiting buckles 212 are evenly arranged on the inner wall along the edge of the mounting cavity 211. To improve the connection strength, five or six buckles can also be provided.
[0055] Furthermore, as a preferred embodiment of this solution and not a limitation, the inner wall of the mounting cavity 211 is also provided with a plurality of limiting blocks 213 corresponding to the limiting buckle 212. When the triggering device 22 is assembled and fixed with the limiting buckle 212, the limiting block 213 abuts against the edge end of the triggering device 22 toward the mounting cavity 211.
[0056] In this embodiment, a limiting block 213 is added to the inner wall of the mounting cavity 211, corresponding one-to-one with the limiting buckle 212. When the trigger device 22 is engaged, the limiting block 213 abuts against the edge end of the trigger device 22, forming a bidirectional limiting. The limiting buckle 212 provides radial fixation to prevent the trigger device 22 from shaking, while the limiting block 213 provides axial limiting to prevent the trigger device 22 from being excessively pressed in or loosened.
[0057] The addition of the limiting block 213 further improves the mechanical structure of the button, forming a multi-dimensional fixation with the existing features, making it particularly suitable for high-load or high-frequency interaction scenarios. Furthermore, in extreme pressing scenarios, such as when a child forcefully presses the button, the limiting block 213 can distribute the pressure, preventing the trigger device 22 from breaking due to single-point force. Simultaneously, the limiting block 213 acts as a depth stop, ensuring that the trigger device 22 is consistently positioned during each assembly, avoiding any impact on the button's feel due to installation deviations.
[0058] Furthermore, as a preferred embodiment of this solution and not a limitation thereof, the elastic suspension arm 3 includes a support portion 31 disposed on the trigger device 22 that can abut against one end of the keycap 21. The support portion 31 is connected to a curved arm beam 32, and the end of the curved arm beam 32 is provided with a connecting portion 33 that is fixed to the inner side of the faceplate 1.
[0059] In this embodiment, the support part 31 directly abuts against the keycap 21, transmitting pressing pressure and dispersing local stress; the curved beam 32 is a curved or arc-shaped structure, used to provide elastic deformation space; and the connecting part 33 is fixed to the faceplate 1 through a connecting structure such as a buckle or screw, realizing a detachable connection.
[0060] The curved or arc-shaped structure of the articulated beam 32 provides a progressive rebound force when pressed. Compared with a straight cantilever, the button pressing and rebound process is smoother and can better distribute stress, reduce the risk of fatigue fracture, and extend the button's service life.
[0061] Furthermore, as a preferred embodiment of this solution and not a limitation, a plurality of connecting posts 12 are uniformly provided circumferentially along the mounting hole 11 on the inner side of the shell 1, which can be interference-fitted with the connecting part 33, that is, the number of connecting posts 12 corresponds to the number of elastic suspension arms 3. By setting the connecting posts 12 to form an interference fit with the connecting part 33 of the elastic suspension arm 3, a tight connection can be achieved without additional fasteners, while retaining detachability, further simplifying the assembly process.
[0062] Furthermore, as a preferred embodiment of this solution and not a limitation, the support portion 31 is provided with a limiting guide post 311 at one end away from the keycap 21, which can abut against the PCB board. By vertically setting the limiting guide post 311 at the end of the support portion 31, it maintains a small gap with the PCB board when the key is not pressed, and contacts the PCB board to form a hard limit when pressed, so as to limit the maximum downward displacement of the keycap 21.
[0063] Furthermore, as a preferred embodiment of this solution and not a limitation, the triggering device 22 is a concave frustum shape, that is, a conical structure that is wider at one end and narrower at the other end facing the mounting cavity 211. Its sidewalls are inclined at an angle of 5°-15° to the vertical direction. The narrow end is adapted to the micro switch or contact on the PCB board. When the keycap 21 is pressed down, the frustum-shaped sidewalls guide the direction of the force line, which can reduce the lateral force component and avoid key jamming. At the same time, the concave central area is conducive to concentrating the pressure to the micro switch or contact head on the PCB board, ensuring that it can be triggered with a light touch, thus improving the effectiveness of operation for children.
[0064] Furthermore, as a preferred embodiment of this solution and not a limitation, the inner side of the faceplate 1 is provided with a side groove 13 along the opening of the mounting hole 11, and a perimeter edge 214 extending along the circumferential edge of the keycap 21 is provided that can be connected to the side groove 13.
[0065] In this embodiment, the mating design of the edge 214 and the side groove 13 ensures that the keycap 21 can be precisely aligned and firmly embedded in the mounting hole 11. This avoids potential loosening or misalignment and further improves the assembly accuracy of the key structure. On the other hand, the tight fit between the edge 214 and the side groove 13 forms a preliminary sealing structure, which can reduce the entry of external impurities such as dust and liquid into the shell 1 to a certain extent, protecting the internal components of the robot and extending the product's service life.
[0066] Example 2: As Figures 1 to 6 As shown, this embodiment provides a companion robot, which may include conventional components such as a control module, a power module, a sound module, and a human-computer interaction module. Its core lies in the use of the shell structure described in Embodiment 1.
[0067] Because it employs the button structure described above, this companion robot also possesses corresponding beneficial technical effects. First, the button structure utilizes multi-point elastic support and a limiting buckle design to ensure balanced force and sensitive rebound during button pressing, improving the operating feel and triggering accuracy. Second, the cooperation between the concave frustum-shaped trigger device and the limiting guide post, along with the specific button area ratio, optimizes the spatial layout, enhances triggering sensitivity, and protects internal electronic components from overvoltage damage. In summary, this companion robot possesses unique advantages in durability and user-friendliness.
[0068] Working principle of this utility model:
[0069] This embodiment proposes a button structure for a companion robot. It addresses the problems of loosening, shifting, and insensitive triggering of traditional buttons through multi-point elastic support, optimized area ratio, and multi-dimensional limiting design. The button body is connected to the faceplate via at least three evenly distributed elastic suspension arms, dispersing lateral forces and avoiding jamming or shifting caused by single-point support. Silicone or polyurethane materials are used to ensure elasticity and durability. The ratio of the mounting hole area to the outer contour area of the faceplate is limited to 45%~65%, improving ease of operation for child users while maintaining structural strength. The keycap incorporates limiting buckles and blocks to achieve radial and axial fixation of the triggering device, enhancing mechanical stability. The curved design of the elastic suspension arms provides progressive rebound force, reducing stress concentration and extending service life. The triggering device adopts a concave frustum design to guide the force line direction, reduce lateral force components, and ensure accurate triggering with a light touch. Simultaneously, the limiting guide post restricts maximum downward displacement, protecting internal components from overpressure damage. Furthermore, the mating design between the keycap's edge and the casing's groove not only improves assembly precision but also forms a preliminary sealing structure, preventing dust and liquid from entering and further protecting internal components. Based on this key structure, Embodiment 2 proposes a companion robot that applies the aforementioned technological advantages, significantly improving the key's tactile feedback, trigger accuracy, and durability. Simultaneously, it optimizes spatial layout and protective performance, resulting in stronger stability and reliability in high-frequency usage scenarios. This makes it particularly suitable for child users, thereby enhancing the overall product's user experience and market competitiveness.
[0070] The above are implementation methods provided in conjunction with specific content, and it is not intended that the specific implementation of this application is limited to these descriptions. Any methods or structures that are similar to those of this application, or any technical deductions or substitutions made based on the concept of this application, should be considered within the scope of protection of this application.
Claims
1. A button structure for a companion robot, comprising a faceplate (1), wherein the faceplate (1) has a mounting hole (11), and a button body (2) matching the shape of the mounting hole (11) is provided thereon, characterized in that: The key body (2) includes a keycap (21) with one end exposed in the mounting hole (11). One side of the keycap (21) is connected to a trigger device (22) located inside the face shell (1). At least three elastic suspension arms (3) are evenly arranged around the trigger device (22). One end of the elastic suspension arm (3) is detachably fixed to the inner side of the face shell (1).
2. The button structure for a companion robot according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer contour of the face shell (1) is a symmetrical figure, and the shape of the mounting hole (11) is a symmetrical figure. Let the area of the outer contour of the face shell (1) be S1, and the area of the opening of the mounting hole (11) be S2. The relationship between S2 and S1 is 45%≤S2 / S1≤65%.
3. The button structure for a companion robot according to claim 1, characterized in that, The keycap (21) has a mounting cavity (211) on the side facing the trigger device (22). Multiple limiting buckles (212) for fixing the trigger device (22) are evenly arranged on the inner wall of the edge of the mounting cavity (211). The limiting buckles (212) have a guide slope facing the mounting cavity (211).
4. The button structure of a companion robot according to claim 3, characterized in that, The inner wall of the mounting cavity (211) is also provided with a plurality of limiting blocks (213) corresponding to the limiting buckle (212).
5. The button structure of a companion robot according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic suspension arm (3) includes a support part (31) provided on the trigger device (22) that can abut against one end of the keycap (21). The support part (31) is connected to a curved arm beam (32). The end of the curved arm beam (32) is provided with a connecting part (33) that is fixed to the inside of the face shell (1).
6. The button structure of a companion robot according to claim 5, characterized in that, The inner side of the shell (1) is provided with a plurality of connecting posts (12) that can be interference-fitted with the connecting part (33) along the circumference of the mounting hole (11).
7. The button structure for a companion robot according to claim 5, characterized in that, A limiting guide post (311) is vertically provided on the support part (31) at the end away from the keycap (21).
8. The button structure of a companion robot according to claim 1, characterized in that, The triggering device (22) is a concave frustum shape.
9. The button structure of a companion robot according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner side of the faceplate (1) is provided with a side groove (13) along the opening of the mounting hole (11), and a perimeter edge (214) that can be connected to the side groove (13) extends along the circumferential edge of the keycap (21).
10. A companion robot, characterized in that, Including the button structure of a companion robot as described in any one of claims 1-9.