Key structure and electronic device

Abstract

The key structure and the electronic equipment provided by the embodiment of the present application relate to the technical field of consumer electronic products, wherein the key structure comprises a shell and a key, the shell is provided with a mounting window, the key comprises a movable column and an elastic arm, the movable column is arranged in the mounting window, and the outer periphery of the movable column is connected with a plurality of elastic arms, wherein one end of the elastic arm is connected with the movable column, and the other end of the elastic arm is connected with the shell column; a key cap is arranged at the mounting window, and the key cap is in abutment with one end of the movable column. In the key structure and the electronic equipment provided by the embodiment of the present application, the key is in abutment with the tactile switch through the movable column, so that the tactile switch is controlled. In the embodiment of the present application, the feeling problem of the deep-hole key is improved; the structure of the key structure is simple, so that the assembly process can be effectively simplified, and the cost can be reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of consumer electronics technology, and in particular to a button structure and an electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] In related technologies, to solve the problem of deep-hole buttons, it is usually necessary to set up a button FPC (flexible printed circuit board) and a bracket. The switch (tactile switch) of the switching circuit in the circuit board is arranged close to the surface of the circuit board through the button FPC to shorten the distance between the button and the switch and ensure the button feel. However, the assembly process of this type of solution is complicated and the cost is high. Utility Model Content

[0003] This application aims to address at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this application proposes a button structure and electronic device that can be applied to deep-hole buttons, effectively reducing costs.

[0004] An embodiment of the first aspect of this application provides a button structure, including:

[0005] The housing and buttons are provided. The housing has an installation window. The buttons include a movable column and a spring arm. The movable column is located in the installation window. A plurality of spring arms are connected to the outer periphery of the movable column. One end of each spring arm is connected to the movable column, and the other end of each spring arm is connected to a connecting column of the housing.

[0006] A keycap is placed over the mounting window, and the keycap is located at one end of the movable column.

[0007] Furthermore, the number of elastic arms is greater than or equal to three.

[0008] Furthermore, multiple elastic arms are evenly spaced around the outer periphery of the movable column.

[0009] Furthermore, the position where the movable column connects to the elastic arm is a connecting part, and the connecting part is located at or below the middle of the movable column in the axial direction.

[0010] Furthermore, the housing includes a housing body and a connecting structure. One end of the connecting structure is connected to the housing body, and the other end of the connecting structure extends away from the housing body. One end of the elastic arm is connected to the connecting structure, and the other end of the connecting structure is connected to the connecting part, wherein the connecting part is located in the middle of the movable column.

[0011] Furthermore, the housing has a recessed area surrounding the mounting window, and the keycap is mounted in the recessed area.

[0012] Furthermore, the keycap is sealed to the housing.

[0013] Furthermore, the keycaps are made of a soft material.

[0014] Furthermore, the housing and the button are integrally formed.

[0015] Furthermore, the keycap includes a keycap body, an abutment protrusion, and a connecting protrusion. The abutment protrusion is located in the middle of the keycap body, and the connecting protrusion is arranged around the outer periphery of the abutment protrusion. The abutment protrusion is used to abut against the movable post.

[0016] An embodiment of the second aspect of this application discloses an electronic device including the button structure as described above. The electronic device further includes a circuit board disposed at the end of the movable post away from the keycap. The circuit board has a contact switch located on the extended side of the movable post.

[0017] As can be seen from the above technical solutions, the embodiments of this application have at least the following beneficial effects:

[0018] In the button structure and electronic device provided in this application embodiment, the button abuts against the tactile switch on the circuit board via a movable post to control the tactile switch. The movable post has several elastic arms on its outer periphery, which provide force for the rebound of the movable post, improving the tactile feel of the deep-hole button. In this application embodiment, the button structure is simple, effectively simplifying the assembly process and reducing costs. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the key structure and its interaction with the circuit board according to one embodiment of this application;

[0021] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the button structure and circuit board provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a top view of the button structure and its interaction with the circuit board according to one embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 4 for Figure 3A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of AA in the middle section;

[0024] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A partially enlarged structural diagram of section B;

[0025] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the button structure from another perspective in one embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the keycap structure in one embodiment of this application.

[0027] Figure label:

[0028] 100. Housing; 110. Mounting window; 120. Connection structure;

[0029] 210. Movable column; 220. Elastic arm;

[0030] 300. Keycap; 310. Keycap body; 320. Abutting protrusion; 330. Connecting protrusion;

[0031] 400. Circuit board; 410. Tactile switch. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0033] In related technologies, in deep-hole buttons, the outer surface of the housing is a certain distance (e.g., 12mm) from the plane where the tactile switch is located. These deep-hole buttons typically require a button FPC (flexible printed circuit board) and a bracket. The button FPC positions the tactile switch of the circuit board's switching circuit close to the outer surface to shorten the distance between the button and the tactile switch, thus ensuring a good button feel. However, this type of solution has a complex assembly process and high cost. Furthermore, waterproof buttons use a keycap + rubber (rubber or silicone) dual-injection molding design. The rubber provides elasticity, and the adhesive backing provides waterproofing. However, this type of waterproof button is also complex to assemble and expensive.

[0034] Based on this, embodiments of this application provide a button structure and an electronic device to effectively solve the aforementioned problems.

[0035] See Figures 1 to 5As shown, an embodiment of the first aspect of this application discloses an electronic device, including a button structure and a circuit board 400, wherein the button structure cooperates with the circuit board 400. The circuit board 400 is provided with a tactile switch 410, and the button structure is used to control the operation of the tactile switch 410.

[0036] See Figures 1 to 5 As shown, an embodiment of the second aspect of this application discloses a button structure, including a housing 100, a button, and a keycap 300.

[0037] Specifically, the housing 100 is provided with an installation window 110. The button includes a movable column 210 and a spring arm 220. The movable column 210 is located in the installation window 110. Several spring arms 220 are connected to the outer periphery of the movable column 210. One end of the spring arm 220 is connected to the movable column 210, and the other end of the spring arm 220 is connected to the housing 100. The keycap 300 is placed on the installation window 110 and is located at one end of the movable column 210.

[0038] In actual assembly, see Figure 4 and Figure 5 The circuit board 400 is disposed inside the housing 100. A tactile switch 410 on the circuit board 400 is located on the side of the circuit board 400 closest to the button structure, and the tactile switch 410 is located on the extension side of the movable post 210. Pressing the keycap 300 pushes the movable post 210 to move along its own axis, causing the movable post 210 to press against the tactile switch 410.

[0039] It is understandable that the axial direction of the movable column 210 is... Figure 5 The X direction is shown.

[0040] In the button structure provided in this application embodiment, the button abuts against the tactile switch 410 via a movable post 210, thereby controlling the tactile switch 410. The movable post 210 has several elastic arms 220 on its outer periphery, which provide force for the movable post 210 to rebound, thus improving the tactile feel of the deep-hole button.

[0041] In this embodiment, the button structure is simple, omitting components such as the button FPC and bracket, which can effectively simplify the assembly process and reduce costs.

[0042] In the electronic device of this application embodiment, a circuit board 400 is disposed at the end of the movable post 210 away from the keycap 300. The circuit board 400 has a contact switch 410, which is located on the extension side of the movable post 210. Pressing the keycap 300 can push the movable post 210 toward the side closer to the contact switch 410, thereby realizing the control of the contact switch 410.

[0043] In one possible application scenario, the outer surface of the housing 100 is a certain distance (e.g., 12mm) from the plane where the tactile switch 410 is located. To solve this deep-hole button problem, it is usually necessary to set up a button FPC (flexible printed circuit board) and a bracket. The tactile switch 410 of the switching circuit of the circuit board 400 is arranged close to the outer surface through the button FPC to shorten the distance between the button and the tactile switch 410 and to ensure the button feel.

[0044] In the embodiments of this application, a movable post 210 is provided between the outer surface and the tactile switch 410 on the circuit board 400. By pressing the movable post 210 with the keycap 300, the movable post 210 is driven to move along its axial direction (i.e., the X direction), thereby controlling the tactile switch 410 on the circuit board 400. At the same time, the elastic arm 220 can provide a rebound force for the movable post 210, ensuring the rebound effect of the movable post 210 and the keycap 300.

[0045] In some embodiments of this application, the number of elastic arms 220 is greater than or equal to three. In practical applications, the number of elastic arms 220 can be set to three, four, five or more as needed, and is not limited here.

[0046] In some embodiments of this application, multiple elastic arms 220 are evenly spaced around the outer periphery of the movable column 210. This ensures that the movable column 210 is subjected to balanced forces at various positions in the circumferential direction, which helps to maintain the balance of the movable column 210.

[0047] It is understandable that the presentation of the spring arm 220 (such as structure, shape, size, etc.) can be diverse, as long as it can meet the travel requirements and force balance. Generally speaking, the presentation of the spring arm 220 in the same model of button structure is usually set to be the same.

[0048] In this embodiment, see Figure 6 There are four elastic arms 220, which are evenly spaced around the outer periphery of the movable column 210. That is, the included angle between two adjacent elastic arms 220 is 90 degrees.

[0049] If the movable column 210 tilts during its movement along the X direction, it will also affect the feel of the button.

[0050] In some embodiments of this application, the position where the movable column 210 connects to the elastic arm 220 is a connecting part, located at the middle or below in the axial direction of the movable column 210. Thus, on the one hand, the elastic arm 220 can provide elastic force to the movable column 210, ensuring the rebound effect of the button; on the other hand, the elastic arm 220 can ensure the force stability of the movable column 210, effectively reducing tilting during movement and improving the button feel.

[0051] In one possible implementation, the connecting part is located at the center of the axis of the movable column 210. The elastic arm 220 provides elastic force to ensure the button rebound effect. On the other hand, the placement of the elastic arm 220 at the center position can ensure the stability of the movable column 210 under force, so that the movable column 210 will not tilt, further ensuring the button feel.

[0052] In some embodiments of this application, see Figures 4 to 6 The housing 100 includes a housing body and a connecting structure 120. One end of the connecting structure 120 is connected to the housing body, and the other end of the connecting structure 120 extends away from the housing body. One end of the elastic arm 220 is connected to the connecting structure 120, and the other end of the connecting structure 120 is connected to a connecting portion, wherein the connecting portion is located in the middle of the movable column 210. The connecting structure 120 provides support for the elastic arm 220 and the movable column 210.

[0053] In some embodiments of this application, see Figure 2 and Figure 5 The housing 100 has a recessed area surrounding the mounting window 110, and the keycap 300 is mounted in the recessed area. This ensures that the surface of the housing 100 is flat.

[0054] In some embodiments of this application, the keycap 300 is sealed to the housing 100 to achieve waterproofing of the key structure.

[0055] In one possible implementation, the keycap 300 is made of rubber (or silicone). The keycap 300 is fixed to the housing 100 by means of adhesive application, backing adhesive, or ultrasonic welding, and is sealed to the housing 100. This ensures waterproofing at the mounting window 110.

[0056] In one possible implementation, see Figure 2 and Figure 5As shown, the housing 100 has a recessed area. The depth and shape of the recessed area correspond to the thickness and shape of the keycap 300. The keycap 300 is sealed to the bottom and sides of the recessed area by adhesive backing or dotting. This can improve the sealing effect between the keycap 300 and the recessed area and help ensure the waterproof effect of the key position.

[0057] It is understandable that keycap 300 is made of soft materials (such as rubber, silicone, etc.) to be suitable for pressing the movable column 210.

[0058] In some embodiments of this application, the housing 100 is integrally formed with the button. That is, the button's movable post 210 and spring arm 220 are formed within the housing 100. The entire structure of the button includes two parts: the keycap 300 and the housing 100, which can significantly reduce costs and improve material assembly yield.

[0059] In some embodiments of this application, see Figure 5 and Figure 7 The keycap 300 includes a keycap body 310, an abutment protrusion 320, and a connecting protrusion 330. The abutment protrusion 320 is located in the middle of the keycap body 310, and the connecting protrusion 330 is arranged around the outer periphery of the abutment protrusion 320. The abutment protrusion 320 is used to abut against the movable post 210. Both the abutment protrusion 320 and the connecting protrusion 330 are located on the side of the keycap body 310 closest to the movable post 210, and both protrude from the surface of the keycap body 310. That is, the thickness of the keycap body 310 is h, which is less than the thickness of the abutment protrusion 320 and the connecting protrusion 330. Therefore, when the keycap 300 is pressed, the abutment protrusion 320 can easily move in the X direction, thereby pushing the movable post 210 to move in the X direction. The thickness of the keycap body 310, compared to the thickness of the abutment protrusion 320 and the connecting protrusion 330, can improve the pressing force, thereby ensuring the pressing feel of the key structure.

[0060] It's understandable that by changing the thickness of the keycap body 310, the pressing feel of the keycap 300 can be changed, thereby changing the feel of the keystrokes.

[0061] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0062] The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0063] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0064] In the description of this specification, specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0065] It should be understood that although the steps in the flowcharts of the accompanying figures are shown sequentially as indicated by the arrows, these steps are not necessarily executed in the order indicated by the arrows. Unless explicitly stated herein, there is no strict order restriction on the execution of these steps, and they can be executed in other orders. Moreover, at least some steps in the flowcharts of the accompanying figures may include multiple sub-steps or multiple stages. These sub-steps or stages are not necessarily completed at the same time, but can be executed at different times, and their execution order is not necessarily sequential, but can be performed alternately or in turn with other steps or at least some of the sub-steps or stages of other steps.

Claims

1. A button structure, characterized in that, include: The housing and buttons are provided. The housing has an installation window. The buttons include a movable column and a spring arm. The movable column is located in the installation window. A plurality of spring arms are connected to the outer periphery of the movable column. One end of each spring arm is connected to the movable column, and the other end of each spring arm is connected to a connecting column of the housing. A keycap is placed over the mounting window, and the keycap is located at one end of the movable column.

2. The button structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of elastic arms is greater than or equal to three.

3. The button structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, Multiple elastic arms are evenly spaced around the outer periphery of the movable column.

4. The button structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The connection between the movable column and the elastic arm is a connecting part, which is located at or below the middle of the movable column in the axial direction.

5. The button structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The housing includes a housing body and a connecting structure. One end of the connecting structure is connected to the housing body, and the other end of the connecting structure extends away from the housing body. One end of the elastic arm is connected to the connecting structure, and the other end of the connecting structure is connected to the connecting part, wherein the connecting part is located in the middle of the movable column.

6. The button structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing has a recessed area surrounding the mounting window, and the keycap is mounted in the recessed area.

7. The button structure according to claim 1 or 6, characterized in that, The keycap is sealed to the housing.

8. The button structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing and the button are integrally formed.

9. The button structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The keycap includes a keycap body, an abutting protrusion, and a connecting protrusion. The abutting protrusion is located in the middle of the keycap body, and the connecting protrusion is arranged around the outer periphery of the abutting protrusion. The abutting protrusion is used to abut against the movable post.

10. An electronic device, characterized in that, Including the button structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, the electronic device further includes a circuit board disposed at the end of the movable post away from the keycap, the circuit board having a contact switch located on the extended side of the movable post.

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