Key assembly and electronic device

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of keys, and discloses a key assembly and an electronic device. The key assembly comprises at least two key caps and a connecting part. The key cap comprises a top wall, the top wall comprises a first surface and a second surface arranged oppositely, the first surface is used for being pressed by a finger, and the connecting part is connected with each key cap respectively. When the key cap is pressed in the direction from the first surface to the second surface, the connecting part can be elastically deformed, so that the pressed key cap is displaced in the direction from the first surface to the second surface relative to the remaining key caps. In the above manner, the application can improve the convenience during installation of the key assembly and reduce the occurrence of the situation that the key caps are installed in wrong positions.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Electronic devices typically require multiple buttons on their button panels to control various functions. Current multi-function button designs use separate button caps on the button panel. During installation, multiple buttons must be placed in their preset positions one by one. This process is not only cumbersome but also prone to incorrect placement, thus affecting the normal use of the device and the user experience. Utility Model Content

[0003] In view of the problems existing in the background art, the purpose of this application is to provide a button assembly and electronic device that overcomes or at least partially solves the above problems.

[0004] According to a first aspect of this application, a button assembly is provided, comprising at least two button caps and connecting portions. Each button cap includes a top wall with a first surface and a second surface disposed opposite to each other. The first surface is for pressing with a finger, and the connecting portions are respectively connected to each button cap. When a button cap is pressed along the direction from the first surface to the second surface, the connecting portions can undergo elastic deformation, causing the pressed button cap to displace relative to the other button caps along the direction from the first surface to the second surface.

[0005] In one or more of the above optional embodiments, the connecting part includes a plurality of first connecting parts, at least two keycaps are arranged sequentially along a first direction, and along the first direction, a first connecting part is connected between two adjacent keycaps.

[0006] In one or more of the above optional embodiments, the connecting portion includes a plurality of second connecting portions. Along the first direction, a second connecting portion connects between two adjacent keycaps. Along the second direction, a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion are disposed opposite to each other. The first direction, the second direction, and the direction from the first surface to the second surface are all perpendicular to each other.

[0007] In one or more of the above optional embodiments, the first connecting portion is provided with a first mounting hole, which penetrates the first connecting portion along the direction from the first surface to the second surface; and / or the second connecting portion is provided with a second mounting hole, which penetrates the second connecting portion along the direction from the first surface to the second surface.

[0008] In one or more of the above optional embodiments, the outer peripheral wall of the button cap is provided with a limiting part, and the connecting part is connected to each limiting part.

[0009] In one or more of the above optional embodiments, the top wall is provided with a symbol hole, and the button assembly also includes a light guide post. One end of the light guide post is embedded in the symbol hole, and the other end of the light guide post is located on the side of the top wall facing away from the first surface. The light guide post is used to guide the light generated by the light source to the symbol hole.

[0010] In one or more of the above optional embodiments, one end of the light guide post located inside the symbol hole is flush with the first surface.

[0011] In one or more of the above optional embodiments, when viewed along the direction from the first surface to the second surface, the portion of the light guide post exposed through the symbol hole is a strip shape with a width of w, wherein w satisfies: 0.6mm≤w≤0.8mm.

[0012] In one or more of the above optional embodiments, the minimum thickness d of the top wall along the direction from the first surface to the second surface satisfies: 0.7mm≤d.

[0013] According to a second aspect of this application, an electronic device is provided, including a button panel and the aforementioned button assembly, wherein at least two button caps are disposed on the button panel.

[0014] The beneficial effects of the embodiments of this application are: the button assembly provided in the embodiments of this application, by setting the connecting part to connect to each button cap respectively, so that at least two button caps form an integral structure. During installation, at least two button caps can be installed on the button panel as a whole at the same time. Compared with the method of setting each button cap separately on the button panel, it is beneficial to improve the convenience of installation and reduce the occurrence of button caps being installed in the wrong position. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the specific embodiments of this application or the prior art, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. In all the drawings, similar elements or parts are generally identified by similar reference numerals. In the drawings, the elements or parts are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0016] Figure 1 An exploded view of a button assembly provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0017] Figure 2 Another exploded view of a button assembly provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a button assembly installed on a button panel according to an embodiment of this application;

[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a button assembly viewed from the first surface toward the second surface, provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0020] Figure 5 for Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the cross section at point AA;

[0021] Figure 6 This is another schematic diagram of a button assembly installed on a button panel, as provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To facilitate understanding of this application, a more detailed description is provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that when an element is described as being "fixed to" another element, it can be directly on the other element, or one or more intermediate elements may exist between them. When an element is described as being "connected" to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element, or one or more intermediate elements may exist between them. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," "inner," "outer," and similar expressions used in this specification are for illustrative purposes only.

[0023] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this specification have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used in this specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the application. The term "and / or" as used in this specification includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0024] In the description of this specification, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0025] Furthermore, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of this application described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0026] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2The button assembly 100 includes at least two button caps 1 and connecting portions 2. Each button cap 1 includes a top wall 11, which has a first surface 111 and a second surface 112 disposed opposite to each other. The first surface 111 is used for finger pressing. The connecting portions 2 are connected to each button cap 1. When a button cap 1 is pressed along the direction X from the first surface 111 to the second surface 112, the connecting portion 2 can undergo elastic deformation, causing the pressed button cap 1 to displace relative to the other button caps 1 along the direction X from the first surface 111 to the second surface 112.

[0027] The button assembly 100 provided in this application embodiment is connected to each button cap 1 by a connecting part 2, so that at least two button caps 1 form an integral structure. During installation, at least two button caps 1 can be installed on the button panel 200 as a whole. Compared with the method of setting each button cap 1 separately on the button panel 200, it is beneficial to improve the convenience of installation and reduce the occurrence of incorrect installation of button caps 1.

[0028] In some embodiments, the connecting part 2 includes a plurality of first connecting parts 21, and at least two button caps 1 are arranged sequentially along the first direction Y. Along the first direction Y, a first connecting part 21 is connected between two adjacent button caps 1.

[0029] In some embodiments, the first connecting portion 21 is generally elongated, which facilitates the elastic bending of the first connecting portion 21 in the direction X from the first surface 111 to the second surface 112.

[0030] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 3 In some embodiments, the first connecting portion 21 is provided with a first mounting hole 211, which extends through the first connecting portion 21 in a direction X from the first surface 111 to the second surface 112. The first mounting hole 211 is used for the first positioning pin 301 provided on the key panel 200 to pass through.

[0031] In some embodiments, along the first direction Y, the distance between the first mounting hole 211 between two adjacent keycaps 1 is equal to the distance between the two keycaps 1.

[0032] In some embodiments, the connecting portion 2 includes a plurality of second connecting portions 22. Along the first direction Y, a second connecting portion 22 is connected between two adjacent button caps 1. Along the second direction Z, a first connecting portion 21 is disposed opposite to a second connecting portion 22. The first direction Y, the second direction Z, and the direction X from the first surface 111 to the second surface 112 are mutually perpendicular.

[0033] In some embodiments, the second connecting portion 22 is generally elongated, which facilitates the elastic bending of the second connecting portion 22 in the direction X from the first surface 111 to the second surface 112.

[0034] In some embodiments, the second connecting portion 22 is provided with a second mounting hole 221, which extends through the second connecting portion 22 in a direction X from the first surface 111 to the second surface 112, and the first mounting hole 211 is used for the first positioning pin 301 provided on the key panel 200 to pass through.

[0035] In some embodiments, along the first direction Y, the distance between the second mounting hole 221 between two adjacent keycaps 1 is equal to the distance between the two keycaps 1.

[0036] In some embodiments, a limiting portion 13 protrudes from the outer peripheral wall of the keycap 1, and the connecting portion 2 is connected to each limiting portion 13. The limiting portion 13 is used to abut against the key panel 200 to limit the keycap 1 in the direction from the second surface 112 to the first surface 111.

[0037] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some embodiments, the top wall 11 is provided with a symbol hole 113, and the button assembly 100 further includes a light guide post 3. The light guide post 3 is disposed in the receiving groove 1a, one end of the light guide post 3 is embedded in the symbol hole 113, and the other end of the light guide post 3 is located on the side of the top wall 11 facing away from the first surface 111. The light guide post 3 is used to guide the light generated by the light source to the symbol hole 113. The symbol presented in the symbol hole 113 can be a character or a pattern, etc. By setting a symbol hole 113 in the top wall 11, one end of the light guide post 3 is embedded in the symbol hole 113. When in use, the light guide post 3 guides the light generated by the light source to the symbol hole 113 so that the button assembly 100 has a light-emitting effect. Compared with the traditional button assembly, which uses the same light-guiding material as the light guide post 3 to make the top wall 11 light-emitting to achieve the light-emitting effect, and uses a setting method of spraying light-shielding paint on the top wall 11 and then removing the light-shielding paint in the preset area by laser engraving to form a light-transmitting area that presents the desired symbol shape, the button assembly 100 provided in this application does not need to spray light-shielding paint, which helps to reduce the environmental pollution caused by the spraying of light-shielding paint, and saves the laser engraving step and the processing step of using ultraviolet irradiation to cure the paint, thus reducing labor costs. On the other hand, the button cap 1 can be made of the same opaque material as the button panel 200 of the electronic device, which helps to reduce the color difference between the button cap 1 and the button panel 200, and helps to improve the aesthetics of the product.

[0038] In some embodiments, the button cap 1 includes a side wall 12, one end of which is connected to the top wall 11, and the other end of which extends in the direction X from the first surface 111 to the second surface 112. The side wall 12 and the top wall 11 enclose a receiving groove 1a, and the light guide post 3 is disposed in the receiving groove 1a.

[0039] In some embodiments, the limiting portion 13 surrounds the outer peripheral wall of the side wall 12.

[0040] In some embodiments, the top wall 11 is made of a light-shielding material.

[0041] In some embodiments, the button cap 1, connecting part 2 and limiting part 13 of the button assembly 100 are integrally formed by injection molding.

[0042] In some embodiments, one end of the light guide post 3 disposed within the symbol hole 113 is flush with the first surface 111. The fact that one end of the light guide post 3 is flush with the first surface 111, without any depressions or protrusions, improves aesthetics and reduces the feeling of foreign objects when touched by the user.

[0043] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 4 In some embodiments, when viewed along the direction X from the first surface 111 to the second surface 112, the portion of the light guide column 3 exposed through the symbol hole 113 is a strip shape with a width of w, where w satisfies: 0.6mm ≤ w ≤ 0.8mm. 0.6mm ≤ w ≤ 0.8mm helps reduce the problem of unclear symbols and blurred boundaries when the width w is too narrow in the off state, and also helps reduce the problem of low aesthetic appeal of symbols when w is too wide. For example, in one embodiment, when viewed along the direction X from the first surface 111 to the second surface 112, the overall shape of the portion of the light guide column 3 exposed through the symbol hole 113 includes English letters, with the width w being the width of the strokes of the English letters; in some embodiments, the overall shape of the portion of the light guide column 3 exposed through the symbol hole 113 includes a pattern, the pattern being formed by combining several strip-shaped graphics with a width of w.

[0044] Please see Figure 4 and Figure 5 In some embodiments, the minimum thickness d of the top wall 11 along the direction X from the first surface 111 to the second surface 112 satisfies: 0.7mm≤d. 0.7mm≤d helps to reduce the problem of local missing glue or light leakage due to insufficient thickness after filling in the injection molding process caused by the top wall 11 being too thin.

[0045] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 6Based on the same inventive concept, this application also provides an electronic device, including a keypad 200 and a key assembly 100 as described in any of the above embodiments. At least two keycaps 1 are disposed on the keypad 200.

[0046] In some embodiments, the button panel 200 has mounting holes (not shown) that are the same number as the number of button caps 1 and correspond one-to-one. A button cap 1 passes through a mounting hole in a direction opposite to the direction X from the first surface 111 to the second surface 112.

[0047] In some embodiments, the button panel 200 includes a third surface 201 and a fourth surface 202 disposed opposite to each other. The fourth surface 202 is disposed in a direction X toward the first surface 111 toward the second surface 112. The limiting portion 13 is used to abut against the fourth surface 202 of the button panel 200 in the direction of the second surface 112 toward the first surface 111, so as to limit the button cap 1 in the direction of the second surface 112 toward the first surface 111.

[0048] In some embodiments, the fourth surface 202 of the key panel 200 is provided with a first positioning pin 301. The first positioning pin 301 extends in the direction X from the first surface 111 to the second surface 112. The first connecting part 21 is provided on the side of the key panel 200 facing away from the third surface 201. The first positioning pin 301 passes through the first mounting hole 211. The first positioning pin 301 plays a positioning role for the key assembly 100.

[0049] In some embodiments, the fourth surface 202 of the key panel 200 is provided with a second positioning pin 302. The second positioning pin 302 extends in the direction X from the first surface 111 to the second surface 112. The second connecting part 22 is provided on the side of the key panel 200 facing away from the third surface 201. The second positioning pin 302 passes through the second mounting hole 221 and plays a positioning role for the key assembly 100.

[0050] Please see Figure 5 In some embodiments, the electronic device includes an indicator light 400, which is located on the side of the light guide post 3 facing away from the top wall 11. When in operation, the light generated by the indicator light 400 is transmitted to the symbol hole 113 through the light guide post 3.

[0051] The above description is merely an embodiment of this application and does not limit the patent scope of this application. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made using the content of this application's specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A button assembly, characterized in that, include: At least two button caps, each button cap including a top wall, the top wall including a first surface and a second surface disposed opposite to each other, the first surface being used for pressing by a finger; The connecting part is connected to each of the keycaps; When the button cap is pressed along the direction from the first surface to the second surface, the connecting portion can generate elastic deformation, so that the pressed button cap is displaced relative to the other button caps along the direction from the first surface to the second surface.

2. The button assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting part includes a plurality of first connecting parts, and the at least two keycaps are arranged sequentially along a first direction. Along the first direction, a first connecting part is connected between two adjacent keycaps.

3. The button assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The connecting part includes a plurality of second connecting parts. Along the first direction, a second connecting part is connected between two adjacent keycaps. Along the second direction, a first connecting part and a second connecting part are arranged opposite to each other. The first direction, the second direction, and the direction from the first surface to the second surface are all perpendicular to each other.

4. The button assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first connecting portion is provided with a first mounting hole, which penetrates the first connecting portion along the direction from the first surface to the second surface; and / or The second connecting portion is provided with a second mounting hole, which penetrates the second connecting portion along the direction from the first surface to the second surface.

5. The button assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer peripheral wall of the button cap is provided with a limiting part, and the connecting part is connected to each of the limiting parts.

6. The button assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top wall is provided with a symbol hole, and the button assembly also includes a light guide post. One end of the light guide post is embedded in the symbol hole, and the other end of the light guide post is located on the side of the top wall facing away from the first surface. The light guide post is used to guide the light generated by the light source to the symbol hole.

7. The button assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, One end of the light guide post located inside the symbol hole is flush with the first surface.

8. The button assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, When viewed from the first surface toward the second surface, the portion of the light guide post exposed through the symbol hole is a strip shape with a width of w, where w satisfies: 0.6mm≤w≤0.8mm.

9. The button assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, Along the direction from the first surface to the second surface, the minimum thickness d of the top wall satisfies: 0.7mm≤d.

10. An electronic device, characterized in that, include: Button panel; The button assembly as described in any one of claims 1-9, wherein the at least two button caps are disposed on the button panel.

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