Key structure and input device

Abstract

The utility model provides a key structure and an input device. The key structure comprises a key cap, a bottom plate assembly, a light source and a scissor pin assembly. The key cap is provided with a light-transmitting area. And the bottom plate assembly is positioned below the key cap. The light source is arranged on the bottom plate assembly. The scissor pin assembly is arranged between the key cap and the bottom plate assembly and is suitable for moving along a first direction. The scissor foot assembly comprises a first supporting foot and a second supporting foot which are pivoted with each other, openings are formed in the same sides of the first supporting foot and the second supporting foot respectively, and the openings correspond to the light source and the light-transmitting area in the first direction. Through the layout design, the size of the key structure can be reduced, and miniaturization of products is facilitated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a button structure, and more particularly to a button structure for an input device. Background Technology

[0002] In electronic products such as laptop keyboards, some keys have backlit displays to show the characters on the keycaps or serve as status indicators. Such designs often place the light source outside the key body or in a corner of the keycap to avoid structural interference from the key body. However, this severely limits the layout options and hinders key miniaturization. Utility Model Content

[0003] This utility model provides a button structure whose structural layout is conducive to product miniaturization.

[0004] This utility model discloses a key structure, including a keycap, a base plate assembly, a light source, and a scissor-switch assembly. The keycap has a light-transmitting area. The base plate assembly is located below the keycap. The light source is disposed on the base plate assembly. The scissor-switch assembly is disposed between the keycap and the base plate assembly and is adapted to move along a first direction. The scissor-switch assembly includes a first leg and a second leg pivotally connected to each other, and each of the first leg and the second leg has an opening on the same side, the opening corresponding to the light source and the light-transmitting area in the first direction.

[0005] In one embodiment of this utility model, the first leg and the second leg each include a frame and a connecting portion, the frame being connected between the ends of the two legs via the connecting portion. An opening is formed in the frame.

[0006] In one embodiment of the present invention, the horizontal position of the aforementioned frame in the first direction is higher than the horizontal position of the connecting portion.

[0007] In one embodiment of the present invention, the stand of the first leg has a receiving area on one side in the second direction, at least a portion of the stand of the second leg is located in the receiving area, and the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, the platform of the first leg and the platform of the second leg overlap at least partially in a first direction.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, the opening is formed by recessing from one side of the stand along a second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0010] In one embodiment of this utility model, the openings of the first leg and the second leg face opposite directions.

[0011] In one embodiment of this utility model, the openings of the first leg and the second leg face the same direction.

[0012] In one embodiment of this utility model, the opening of one of the first leg and the second leg is a through hole, which penetrates the frame along the first direction.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, the button structure further includes a reinforcing part, which is disposed around the opening and extends in a first direction.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, the stand of one of the first leg and the second leg further includes a cylindrical portion that extends along the edge of the opening in a first direction.

[0015] In one embodiment of this utility model, there is a gap between the aforementioned stand and the light source.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, there is a gap between the lower surface of the scissor-foot assembly and the base plate assembly.

[0017] In one embodiment of this utility model, the aforementioned base plate assembly includes a thin-film circuit layer and a base plate body. The thin-film circuit layer is disposed on the base plate body, and the light source is disposed on the thin-film circuit layer.

[0018] In one embodiment of this utility model, the aforementioned base plate assembly includes a base plate body and a backlight module. The backlight module is disposed below the base plate body, and the light source is disposed on the backlight module.

[0019] The present invention provides an input device comprising the aforementioned button structure.

[0020] Based on the above, in the key structure of this utility model, the scissor-switch assembly is disposed between the keycap and the base plate assembly, and is adapted to move along the first direction. The first and second legs of the scissor-switch assembly each have an opening on the same side, corresponding to the light source disposed on the base plate assembly and the light-transmitting area of ​​the keycap. By forming openings in the scissor-switch assembly, light emitted from the light source can pass well through these openings and illuminate the outside of the keycap from the light-transmitting area. Therefore, the light source can be disposed below the scissor-switch assembly, rather than in a position far from it, thus further reducing the planar dimensions and facilitating device miniaturization.

[0021] To make the above-mentioned features and advantages of this utility model more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments are described below, and detailed descriptions are provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the button structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded view of the key structure components;

[0024] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A partial schematic diagram of the button structure from another perspective;

[0025] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the button structure along line AA;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a scissor-leg assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the scissor-switch assembly configured in the button structure;

[0028] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the button structure according to another embodiment of this utility model;

[0029] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a scissor-leg assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the scissor-switch assembly configured in the button structure;

[0031] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the button structure according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0033] 100, 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d: Key structure;

[0034] 110: Keycaps;

[0035] 112: Translucent area;

[0036] 120, 120b: Base plate assembly;

[0037] 130: Thin-film circuit layer;

[0038] 132: Grooving;

[0039] 140: Main body of the base plate;

[0040] 142, 144: Hook and latch part;

[0041] 145: Backlight module;

[0042] 150, 150a: Light source;

[0043] 160, 160a, 160c: Scissor-type components;

[0044] 170, 170a, 170c, 170d: First leg;

[0045] 172, 172a, 172c, 172d, 182, 182a, 182c, 182d: Frame; 174, 184: Connecting parts;

[0046] 176, 176c, 186c: Reinforcing parts;

[0047] 178: Tubular part;

[0048] 180, 180a, 180c: Second leg;

[0049] 190: Elastomer;

[0050] AA: Section line;

[0051] C: Through hole;

[0052] E1, S1: First side;

[0053] E2, S2: Second side;

[0054] G1, G2: Gap;

[0055] H1, H2, H3, H4: Horizontal position;

[0056] O1, O2: Openings;

[0057] P: Reception area;

[0058] R: Pivot point;

[0059] Q1, Q2: Ends of the support legs. Detailed Implementation

[0060] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the button structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded view of the keycap structure. X, Y, and Z are mutually perpendicular directions. To clearly show the structure covered by keycap 110, Figure 1 Keycap 110 is shown in dashed lines. See also... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The key structure 100 of this utility model has a light-emitting effect and can be applied to input devices such as the keyboard of a laptop computer, but the type of input device is not limited thereto.

[0061] The key structure 100 includes a keycap 110, a base plate assembly 120, a light source 150, a scissor-switch assembly 160, and an elastomer 190. The keycap 110 has a light-transmitting area 112, allowing light emitted from the light source 150 to pass through the light-transmitting area 112 and illuminate the outside of the keycap 110 to display key characters on the light-transmitting area 112 or indicate key status (e.g., Caps Lock on or off). The light-transmitting area 112 may be formed of a light-transmitting material, or it may be an opening in the keycap 110 covered or filled with a light-transmitting film.

[0062] The base plate assembly 120 is located below the keycap 110 and includes a thin-film circuit layer 130 and a base plate body 140. The thin-film circuit layer 130 is disposed on the base plate body 140, and a light source 150 is disposed on the thin-film circuit layer 130. The light source 150 is, for example, a light-emitting diode, but the type of light source 150 is not limited thereto. An elastomer 190 passes through the scissor-switch assembly 160 and is disposed between the keycap 110 and the base plate assembly 120. The elastomer 190 can deform accordingly when the keycap 110 is pressed, thereby accumulating elastic potential energy, and releasing the elastic potential energy to lift the keycap 110 upward when the pressing force is removed. The elastomer 190 can also trigger a switch (not shown) on the thin-film circuit layer 130 when the keycap 110 is pressed.

[0063] In this embodiment, the scissor-switch assembly 160 is disposed between the keycap 110 and the base plate assembly 120, and is adapted to move along the Z direction (first direction) so that the keycap 110 can be smoothly pressed down or raised up. The scissor-switch assembly 160 includes a first leg 170 and a second leg 180 pivotally connected to each other. Specifically, in this embodiment, the first leg 170 is located inside the second leg 180, and the two have a pivot portion R in the middle that can rotate relative to each other; that is, the first leg 170 and the second leg 180 are the inner scissor and the outer scissor, respectively, and the inner and outer scissors can rotate relative to each other via the pivot portion R. Of course, the relative arrangement of the first leg 170 and the second leg 180 is not limited thereto.

[0064] In this embodiment, the first side S1 of the first leg 170 is pivotally mounted on the keycap 110, and the second side S2 of the first leg 170 in the X direction (second direction) relative to the first side S1 is pivotally mounted on the base plate body 140 via a latch 144. Similarly, the first side E1 of the second leg 180 is pivotally mounted on the base plate body 140 via a latch 142, and the second side E2 of the second leg 180 in the X direction relative to the first side E1 is pivotally mounted on the keycap 110. Thus, the keycap 110 can move up and down relative to the base plate assembly 120 in the first direction through the engagement of the first leg 170 and the second leg 180.

[0065] Figure 3 yes Figure 1A partial schematic diagram of the button structure from another perspective. To clearly show the structure of the scissor-switch assembly 160, Figure 3 Hide the elastomer 190 and keycap 110. See also Figure 3 and Figure 2 The first side S1 of the first leg 170 includes a platform 172 and a connecting portion 174. The platform 172 is connected between the two leg ends Q1 via the connecting portion 174. Similarly, the first side E1 of the second leg 180 includes a platform 182 and a connecting portion 184. The platform 182 is connected between the two leg ends Q2 via the connecting portion 184.

[0066] The first leg 170 has an opening O1 on its base 172, and the second leg 180 has an opening O2 on its base 182. Specifically, in this embodiment, opening O1 is recessed from the outer side of base 172 along the negative X direction, and opening O2 is recessed from the inner side of base 182 along the positive X direction. Thus, openings O1 and O2 can be semi-openings facing opposite directions, such that when the first leg 170 is combined with the second leg 180, openings O1 and O2 will be opposite each other, together forming an area in the Z direction corresponding to the light source 150 and the light-transmitting area 112. Figure 1 The present invention does not limit the shape or formation of the openings O1 and O2.

[0067] The above design, by forming clearance structures in the first leg 170 and the second leg 180 of the scissor-switch assembly 160, allows the light emitted from the light source 150 to pass well through the openings O1 and O2 and illuminate the keycap 110 from the light-transmitting area 112 without being blocked by the structure of the scissor-switch assembly 160. Simultaneously, since the light source 150 can be positioned below the scissor-switch assembly 160, rather than being positioned far from the key body as in previous technologies to avoid the scissor-switch assembly 160 blocking the light source, the size of the key structure 100 in the XY plane can be effectively reduced, contributing to the miniaturization of the device.

[0068] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the diameters of openings O1 and O2 are larger than the diameter of the light-transmitting area 112 to ensure that light emitted from the light source 150 can illuminate the light-transmitting area 112 through openings O1 and O2. The ratio of the diameter of the light-transmitting area 112 to the diameters of openings O1 and O2 is preferably 1:1.5.

[0069] Furthermore, in this embodiment, there is a gap G1 between the lower surface of the scissor-leg assembly 160 and the thin-film circuit layer 130 of the base plate assembly 120. That is, the scissor-leg assembly 160 is raised upward relative to the thin-film circuit layer 130 in the Z direction. In this way, the area of ​​the thin-film circuit layer 130 below the scissor-leg assembly 160 that needs to be slotted 132 can be reduced, increasing the space required to configure the light source 150 and other components, and effectively utilizing the layout space on the thin-film circuit layer 130.

[0070] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the button structure along line AA. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 3 and Figure 4 In this embodiment, the first leg 170's platform 172 has a receiving area P on one side in the X direction (second direction), and at least a portion of the second leg 180's platform 182 is located in the receiving area P. That is, the first leg 170's platform 172 and the second leg 180's platform 182 are side-by-side in the X direction, which reduces the size of the button structure 100 in the Z direction, facilitating a thinner device. In this embodiment, the platforms 172 and 182 can have the same height, but there can also be a height difference between them; the height relationship between the platforms 172 and 182 is not limited thereto.

[0071] Preferably, the horizontal position H1 / H2 of the platform 172 / 182 in the Z direction is higher than the horizontal position H3 / H4 of its connecting portion 174 / 184, so as to create more clearance space in the Z direction. Preferably, a reinforcing portion 176 with a relatively larger thickness in the Z direction than other positions of the platform 172 / 182 can be formed around the opening O1 / O2 to enhance the structural strength of the platform 172.

[0072] Furthermore, in this embodiment, there is a gap between the mounting platforms 172 and 182 and the light source 150. Figure 4 The gap G2 between the stand 182 and the light source 150 is shown. This design ensures that there is sufficient space under the first leg 170 and the second leg 180 to accommodate the light source 150 without causing structural interference.

[0073] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a scissor-leg assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the scissor-switch assembly configured in the button structure. Figure 5 The illustrated embodiments and Figure 1 The main difference in the illustrated embodiment is that the scissor leg assembly 160a has a different structure and configuration, and the base 172a of the first leg 170a and the base 182a of the second leg 180a of the scissor leg assembly 160a can overlap at least partially in the first direction.

[0074] Please see Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the key structure 100a of this embodiment, the support 172a of the first foot 170a is stacked on the support 182a of the second foot 180a in the Z direction, and faces the keycap 110 ( Figure 6 The support extends closer to the keycap 110. That is, the base 172a of the first foot 170a and the base 182a of the second foot 180a are not arranged side-by-side along the X direction. Furthermore, the openings O1 of the first foot 170a and the second foot 180a are wide semi-openings and face the same direction, either the positive X direction or the negative X direction. Figure 5 Therefore, a clearance structure can be formed in the scissor-leg assembly 160a, allowing the light source 150 ( Figure 6 The light emitted passes well through the openings O1 and O2 and shines out of the keycap 110 from the light-transmitting area 112, without being blocked by the structure of the scissor-switch assembly 160a.

[0075] The remaining components and configuration of the button structure 100a in this embodiment are the same as or similar to those in this embodiment. Figure 1 The embodiments shown will not be described in detail here.

[0076] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the button structure according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 The illustrated embodiments and Figure 4 The main difference in the illustrated embodiment is that the base plate assembly 120b of the button structure 100b also includes a backlight module 145.

[0077] In detail, the backlight module 145 of this embodiment has a backlight function, such as producing a light-emitting display with varying effects. The backlight module 145 is disposed below the base plate body 140. In this embodiment, the light source 150a can be disposed on the backlight module 145, and the light emitted by the light source 150a can pass well through the opening (shown as opening O2) and illuminate the outside of the keycap 110 from the light-transmitting area 112.

[0078] The remaining components and configurations of the button structure 100b in this embodiment are the same as or similar to those in this embodiment. Figure 4 The embodiments shown will not be described in detail here.

[0079] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a scissor-leg assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the scissor-switch assembly configured in the button structure. Figure 8 The illustrated embodiments and Figure 1The main difference in the illustrated embodiment is that the opening O1 / O2 of one of the first leg 170c and the second leg 180c of the scissor leg assembly 160c can be a through hole.

[0080] Please see Figure 8 and Figure 9 In detail, this embodiment uses the opening O1 of the first leg 170c as a schematic diagram of the through hole C. The through hole C penetrates the base 172c of the first leg 170c along the Z direction and corresponds to the keycap 110. Figure 9 The light-transmitting area 112 and the light source 150 are respectively. In order to ensure that the stand 172c still has appropriate structural strength after the through hole C is provided, a reinforcing part 176c with increased thickness in the Z direction is preferably provided around the through hole C. In this embodiment, the reinforcing part 176c extends toward the keycap 110.

[0081] On the other hand, the opening O2 of the second leg 180c is, for example, a wide semi-opening, formed by a recess from the inside of the stand 182c along the positive X direction. In this embodiment, the outer side of the stand 182c may be positioned facing the light source 150. Figure 9 The reinforcing portion 186c extends further. By further providing the reinforcing portion 186c, sufficient structural strength can be ensured for the platform 182c. In an embodiment not shown, the through hole C may be provided in the second leg 180c, and the opening O2 may be provided in the first leg 170c, or both the first leg 170c and the second leg 180c may be provided as through holes C, but the arrangement and opening method of the through hole C and the opening O2 are not limited thereto.

[0082] The remaining components and configuration of the button structure 100c in this embodiment are the same as or similar to those in this embodiment. Figure 1 The embodiments shown will not be described in detail here.

[0083] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the button structure according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 The main difference between the illustrated embodiment and the aforementioned embodiment is that the stage 172d and / or stage 182d further include a light guide structure extending in the Z direction.

[0084] In detail, the light guiding structure, such as the cylindrical portion 178, can extend from the edge of the opening O1 towards the light source 150 (negative Z direction) from the base 172d of the first leg, and / or from the opening O2 towards the keycap 110 (positive Z direction) from the base 182d of the second leg. This design allows the light emitted from the light source 150 to be guided by the cylindrical portion 178 and concentrated onto the light-transmitting area 112 of the keycap 110, thus preventing light dispersion and providing a good light guiding effect. In addition, the cylindrical portion 178 itself also increases the thickness of the base 172d and / or the base 182d, which helps to strengthen the structure of the scissor-switch assembly.

[0085] The remaining components and configurations of the button structure 100d in this embodiment are the same as or similar to those in the embodiments described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0086] In summary, in the key structure of this utility model, the scissor-switch assembly is disposed between the keycap and the base plate assembly, and is adapted to move along the first direction. The first and second legs of the scissor-switch assembly each have an opening on the same side, corresponding to the light source disposed on the base plate assembly and the light-transmitting area of ​​the keycap. By forming openings in the scissor-switch assembly, light emitted from the light source can pass well through these openings and illuminate the outside of the keycap from the light-transmitting area. Therefore, the light source can be disposed below the scissor-switch assembly, rather than in a position far away from it, thus further reducing the planar dimensions and facilitating device miniaturization.

[0087] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and not to limit it. Although the utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions or combinations can be made to some or all of the technical features. Such modifications, combinations or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.

Claims

1. A button structure, characterized in that, include: The keycaps have a light-transmitting area; The base plate assembly is located below the keycap; A light source is disposed on the base plate assembly; as well as A scissor-switch assembly is disposed between the keycap and the base plate assembly and is adapted to move along a first direction. The scissor-switch assembly includes a first leg and a second leg pivotally connected to each other. An opening is formed on the same side of the first leg and the second leg, and the opening corresponds to the light source and the light-transmitting area in the first direction.

2. The button structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first leg and the second leg each include a frame and a connecting part. The frame is connected between the ends of the two legs via the connecting part, and the opening is formed in the frame.

3. The button structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The horizontal position of the platform in the first direction is higher than the horizontal position of the connecting part.

4. The button structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The platform of the first leg has a receiving area on one side in a second direction, and at least a portion of the platform of the second leg is located in the receiving area, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction.

5. The button structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The platform of the first leg overlaps at least partially with the platform of the second leg in a first direction.

6. The button structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The opening is formed by a recess from one side of the platform along a second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction.

7. The button structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The openings of the first leg and the second leg face opposite directions.

8. The button structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The openings of the first leg and the second leg face the same direction.

9. The button structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The opening of one of the first leg and the second leg is a through hole, which penetrates the frame along the first direction.

10. The button structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a reinforcing portion disposed around the opening and extending toward the first direction.

11. The button structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The platform of one of the first leg and the second leg further includes a cylindrical portion that extends along the edge of the opening in the first direction.

12. The button structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, There is a gap between the stand and the light source.

13. The button structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, There is a gap between the lower surface of the scissor-foot assembly and the base plate assembly.

14. The button structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base plate assembly includes a thin-film circuit layer and a base plate body. The thin-film circuit layer is disposed on the base plate body, and the light source is disposed on the thin-film circuit layer.

15. The button structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base plate assembly includes a base plate body and a backlight module. The backlight module is located below the base plate body, and the light source is located on the backlight module.

16. An input device, characterized in that, Includes the button structure described in any of the above.

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