Key assembly and electronic device

Abstract

The present disclosure is a key assembly and an electronic device, and relates to the technical field of electronic devices. The key assembly comprises a key cap and a circuit board assembly. The key cap comprises a light reflection part and a light transmission part surrounding the light reflection part. The circuit board assembly comprises a circuit board and a plurality of light emitting parts fixed to the circuit board. The plurality of light emitting parts are opposite to the light reflection part. The surface of the circuit board close to the key cap has a light reflection layer. The present disclosure can realize the uniformization of the light of the key assembly with fewer light emitting parts, thereby reducing the production cost of the key assembly.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In electronic devices, button components with lighting effects have been widely used.

[0003] In related technologies, a semi-transparent light guide is mainly set on the outer periphery of the keycap, and multiple LEDs (Light-Emitting Diodes) are arranged on the inner side of the light guide. The multiple LEDs shine directly on the light guide, allowing light to pass through and achieve the lighting effect of the key assembly. To ensure the uniformity of the light passing through the light guide, a large number of LEDs are often required, so that multiple LEDs are densely arranged on the inner side of the light guide.

[0004] In the above structure, the button assembly has a large number of LEDs, resulting in higher costs. Utility Model Content

[0005] This disclosure provides a button assembly and an electronic device, which can solve the aforementioned technical problems existing in related technologies. The technical solution is as follows:

[0006] In a first aspect, a key assembly is provided, comprising a keycap and a circuit board assembly. The keycap includes a reflective portion and a light-transmitting portion surrounding the reflective portion, the reflective portion having a reflective surface, and the circuit board assembly includes a circuit board and a plurality of light-emitting elements fixed to the circuit board, the plurality of light-emitting elements being opposite to the reflective surface, and the surface of the circuit board near the reflective surface having a reflective layer.

[0007] In this way, a reflection space can be formed between the reflective surface and the reflective layer. When the light-emitting element emits light, the light beam located in the reflection space can be reflected multiple times by the reflective surface and the reflective layer, thereby dispersing the light beam and making the light passing through the light-transmitting part more uniform. In this way, uniform lighting of the button assembly can be achieved with fewer light-emitting elements, thereby reducing the production cost of the button assembly.

[0008] In some possible implementations, the circuit board assembly also includes a trigger element fixed to the circuit board. The trigger element is used to be pressed by the reflective part to trigger a control signal, and multiple light-emitting elements are evenly surrounding the trigger element.

[0009] In this way, multiple light-emitting elements evenly surround the trigger element, which can reduce the interference of the trigger element on the light, thereby further improving the uniformity of the light of the button assembly.

[0010] In some possible implementations, the multiple light-emitting elements include multiple first light-emitting elements and multiple second light-emitting elements, wherein the light-emitting color of the first light-emitting elements is different from the light-emitting color of the second light-emitting elements.

[0011] In this way, different light beams can be emitted by the first and second light-emitting elements, and different information can be confirmed by the light of the button assembly, so that the user can know the usage status of the electronic device in a timely manner.

[0012] In some possible implementations, multiple first light-emitting elements are alternately distributed with multiple second light-emitting elements.

[0013] In this way, it can be ensured that the lighting of the button assembly is uniform, whether multiple first light-emitting elements are emitting light at the same time or multiple second light-emitting elements are emitting light at the same time.

[0014] In some possible implementations, the surface of the circuit board away from the keycaps has a light-shielding layer.

[0015] This reduces the possibility of light passing through the reflective layer and escaping from the surface of the circuit board away from the keycaps, thereby reducing the possibility of light leakage from the key assembly to the surface of the circuit board away from the keycaps.

[0016] In some possible implementations, the reflective part is made of a white opaque material; or, the reflective surface is a reflective coating.

[0017] Thus, the reflective part is made of white opaque material, which can reduce the possibility of light leakage from the light-emitting part of the button assembly, so as to ensure the aesthetics of the button assembly; the reflective part has a reflective coating on the surface near the circuit board, which can more easily achieve the reflective effect of the reflective part.

[0018] In some possible implementations, the light-transmitting part is made of a semi-transparent material.

[0019] In this way, when the light-emitting component is not emitting light, the light-transmitting part can shield the interior of the button assembly, thereby preventing the interior of the button assembly from being directly exposed to the user's view and improving the aesthetics of the button assembly.

[0020] In some possible implementations, the circuit board assembly also includes connectors for electrical connection to the controller of the electronic device.

[0021] In this way, the electrical connection between the circuit board and the electronic device controller can be easily achieved through the connector, thereby enabling the control signals of the button assembly to be transmitted to the controller, and enabling the controller to control the equivalent of the button assembly.

[0022] In a second aspect, an electronic device is provided, which includes a button component provided in the first aspect and its possible implementations.

[0023] In some possible implementations, the electronic device also includes a housing assembly, a button assembly mounted on the housing assembly, and the keycaps, circuit board assembly, and housing assembly forming a sealed space.

[0024] This prevents light leakage from the button assembly, reduces light energy loss, and ensures that the light transmitted through the light-transmitting part has a high intensity.

[0025] In some possible implementations, the housing assembly includes an outer shell and two guide protrusions, which are opposite each other and connected to the inner wall of the outer shell, forming guide grooves with the inner wall of the outer shell. The circuit board is snapped into the guide groove.

[0026] In this way, the guide groove can be used to position the circuit board, thereby improving the convenience of circuit board assembly installation.

[0027] In some possible implementations, the housing assembly also includes a support portion connecting two guide protrusions, forming a support groove with the inner wall of the housing. The circuit board is snapped into the support groove.

[0028] In this way, the support groove can support and limit the circuit board, so as to avoid the deformation of the circuit board due to direct collision between the parts of the circuit board and the housing.

[0029] In some possible implementations, the housing has a through-hole opposite to multiple light-emitting elements. The keycap also includes multiple elastic arms connected to the light-transmitting portion, with the reflective portion and the light-transmitting portion located within the through-hole, and the multiple elastic arms abutting against the housing and the support portion respectively.

[0030] In this way, the elastic arm can support the keycap, allowing it to stably press against the outer shell and preventing it from becoming loose and causing abnormal noise. When the user releases the pressure applied to the keycap, the elastic arm allows the keycap to spring back to the position where it presses against the outer shell, thus resetting the keycap.

[0031] In some possible implementations, the housing assembly also includes two light-shielding protrusions facing each other and connected to the inner wall of the housing, and abutting against the circuit board, with the two light-shielding protrusions located at the edges of the keycaps.

[0032] In this way, the size of the enclosed space can be reduced, thereby reducing the energy loss caused by light reflection within the enclosed space, and further increasing the intensity of light transmitted through the light-transmitting part.

[0033] In some possible implementations, the housing assembly also includes a cover plate connected to the housing and abutting against the inner wall of the housing and the ends of the two guide protrusions.

[0034] In this way, the top of the circuit board can be sealed by the cover plate, making it easier to form a closed space by combining the keycaps, circuit board assembly and housing assembly. Attached Figure Description

[0035] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this disclosure. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0036] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a button assembly provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0037] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of a button assembly provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0038] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0039] Figure 4 This is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0040] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0041] Figure label:

[0042] 1. Keycaps; 11. Reflective parts; 12. Light-transmitting parts; 13. Flexible arms;

[0043] 2. Circuit board assembly; 21. Circuit board; 22. Light-emitting element; 221. First light-emitting element; 222. Second light-emitting element; 23. Trigger element; 24. Connector;

[0044] 3. Housing assembly; 31. Outer shell; 311. Through hole; 32. Guide protrusion; 33. Support; 34. Light-shielding protrusion; 35. Cover plate. Detailed Implementation

[0045] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this disclosure clearer, the embodiments of this disclosure will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0046] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this disclosure can be combined with each other. This disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0047] This disclosure provides a button component, combined with... Figure 1, Figure 2 As shown, the key assembly includes a keycap 1 and a circuit board assembly 2. The keycap 1 includes a reflective part 11 and a light-transmitting part 12 surrounding the reflective part 11. The reflective part 11 has a reflective surface. The circuit board assembly 2 includes a circuit board 21 and a plurality of light-emitting elements 22 fixed to the circuit board 21. The plurality of light-emitting elements 22 are opposite to the reflective surface. The surface of the circuit board 21 near the reflective surface has a reflective layer.

[0048] Using the button assembly provided in this embodiment, a reflection space can be formed between the reflective surface and the reflective layer. When the light-emitting element 22 emits light, the light beam located in the reflection space can be reflected multiple times by the reflective surface and the reflective layer, thereby dispersing the light and making the light transmitted through the light-transmitting part 12 more uniform. In this way, uniform light transmission through the button assembly can be achieved with fewer light-emitting elements 22, thereby reducing the production cost of the button assembly.

[0049] Furthermore, the button assembly provided in this disclosure has a relatively simple and compact structure, can be used in small electronic devices, and has few parts, is easy to assemble, and has a low assembly cost.

[0050] Optionally, the light-emitting element 22 can be an LED.

[0051] Alternatively, the reflective layer can be a white coating layer.

[0052] In some examples, such as Figure 2 As shown, the circuit board assembly 2 also includes a trigger 23, which is fixed to the circuit board 21. The trigger 23 is used to be pressed by the reflective part 11 to trigger a control signal, and multiple light-emitting elements 22 are evenly surrounding the trigger 23.

[0053] In this way, having multiple light-emitting elements 22 surround the trigger element 23 can avoid the situation where the light-emitting elements 22 are placed on one side of the trigger element 23, causing the trigger element 23 to obstruct the light and thus reducing the uniformity of the button assembly light. This can improve the uniformity of the button assembly light. Furthermore, having multiple light-emitting elements 22 evenly surround the trigger element 23 can further reduce the interference of the trigger element 23 on the light, thereby further improving the uniformity of the button assembly light.

[0054] In some examples, such as Figure 2 As shown, the plurality of light-emitting elements 22 includes a plurality of first light-emitting elements 221 and a plurality of second light-emitting elements 222, wherein the light-emitting color of the first light-emitting elements 221 is different from the light-emitting color of the second light-emitting elements 222.

[0055] In this way, different light beams can be emitted by the first light-emitting element 221 and the second light-emitting element 222, and different information can be confirmed by the light of the button assembly. For example, the working status of the button assembly or electronic device can be determined by the light of the button assembly, so as to remind the user and let the user know the usage status of the electronic device in a timely manner.

[0056] Optionally, the first light-emitting element 221 emits red light, and the second light-emitting element 222 emits green light.

[0057] In some examples, such as Figure 2 As shown, multiple first light-emitting elements 221 and multiple second light-emitting elements 222 are alternately distributed.

[0058] Thus, when the first light-emitting element 221 emits light, the multiple first light-emitting elements 221 are evenly distributed, and when the second light-emitting element 222 emits light, the multiple second light-emitting elements 222 are evenly distributed, thereby ensuring that the light of the button assembly is uniform whether the multiple first light-emitting elements 221 emit light at the same time or the multiple second light-emitting elements 222 emit light at the same time.

[0059] In some examples, the surface of the circuit board 21 away from the keycap 1 has a light-shielding layer.

[0060] In this way, the possibility of light passing through the reflective layer and escaping from the surface of the circuit board 21 away from the keycap 1 can be reduced, thereby reducing the possibility of light leakage from the key assembly from the surface of the circuit board 21 away from the keycap 1.

[0061] Alternatively, the light-shielding layer can be a black coating layer.

[0062] In some examples, the reflective part 11 is made of a white opaque material.

[0063] In this way, the reflective part 11 can have good reflective performance as a whole, and the possibility of light passing through the reflective part 11 can be reduced, thereby reducing the possibility of light leakage from the light-emitting part of the button assembly, so as to ensure the aesthetics of the button assembly.

[0064] The light-transmitting part 12 and the reflective part 11 are made of different materials and are integrally molded by injection molding.

[0065] Alternatively, the reflective part 11 is made of white ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) plastic.

[0066] In other examples, the reflective surface is a reflective coating layer.

[0067] Thus, by directly applying a reflective coating layer to the surface of the reflective part 11, the reflective effect of the reflective part 11 can be achieved relatively easily, thereby reducing the production process of the button assembly and improving the user experience.

[0068] In some examples, the light-transmitting part 12 is made of a semi-transparent material.

[0069] Thus, when the light-emitting element 22 is not emitting light, the light-transmitting part 12 can shield the interior of the button assembly, thereby preventing the interior of the button assembly from being directly exposed to the user's view and improving the aesthetics of the button assembly.

[0070] In some examples, the circuit board assembly 2 also includes a connector 24 for electrical connection to the controller of the electronic device.

[0071] Thus, the electrical connection between the circuit board 21 and the electronic device controller can be easily achieved through the connector 24, thereby enabling the control signals of the button assembly to be transmitted to the controller, and enabling the controller to control the lighting effects of the button assembly.

[0072] Alternatively, connector 24 may be a pin connector 24, which can be inserted into a slot on the motherboard of an electronic device to quickly establish an electrical connection between the circuit board assembly 2 and the electronic device.

[0073] Based on the same concept, embodiments of this disclosure also provide an electronic device, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the electronic device includes the button assembly provided above.

[0074] In this way, electronic devices can be controlled through button components, and the lighting of the button components can enhance the aesthetics of the electronic devices. Furthermore, the operating status of the electronic devices can be determined by the button components. Thus, the user experience can be greatly improved through button components.

[0075] Alternatively, the electronic device can be a server host.

[0076] In some examples, combined Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, the electronic device also includes a housing assembly 3, a button assembly mounted on the housing assembly 3, and the keycap 1, the circuit board assembly 2, and the housing assembly 3 together form a sealed space.

[0077] In this way, the light emitted by the button assembly can be reflected in the enclosed space and pass through the light-transmitting part 12, thereby preventing the light from the button assembly from entering other parts of the electronic device or passing directly through the casing. This prevents light leakage from the button assembly, reduces the loss of light energy from the button assembly, and ensures that the light passing through the light-transmitting part 12 has a high intensity, while avoiding light leakage from affecting the overall aesthetics of the electronic device.

[0078] In some examples, such as Figure 4 As shown, the housing assembly 3 includes a housing 31 and two guide protrusions 32. The two guide protrusions 32 are opposite each other and are respectively connected to the inner wall of the housing 31. The two guide protrusions 32 and the inner wall of the housing 31 form guide grooves. The circuit board 21 is snapped into the guide groove.

[0079] Thus, during the connection of the key assembly, the guide groove enables the positioning of the circuit board 21, thereby improving the ease of installation of the circuit board assembly 2. Furthermore, the two guide protrusions 32 can also seal the sides of the circuit board 21, making it easier to form a sealed space with the keycap 1, the circuit board assembly 2, and the housing assembly 3.

[0080] In addition, in some embodiments, the connector 24 may be a pin connector 24, and the electronic device may also include a motherboard with a slot. During the process of the circuit board 21 engaging with the guide slot, the connector 24 can enter the slot, thereby enabling a more convenient electrical connection between the circuit board 21 and the electronic device.

[0081] In some examples, such as Figure 4 As shown, the housing assembly 3 also includes a support portion 33, which connects two guide protrusions 32. The support portion 33 and the inner wall of the housing 31 form a support groove. The circuit board 21 is snapped into the support groove.

[0082] Thus, the support groove can support and limit the circuit board 21, preventing parts of the circuit board 21 (such as connector 24) from directly colliding with the housing and causing deformation. Furthermore, the support part 33 can also seal the bottom of the circuit board 21, making it easier to form a sealed space with the keycap 1, circuit board assembly 2 and housing assembly 3.

[0083] In some examples, combined Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, the outer casing 31 has a through hole 311, which is opposite to a plurality of light-emitting elements 22. The keycap 1 also includes a plurality of elastic arms 13, which are connected to the light-transmitting part 12. The reflective part 11 and the light-transmitting part 12 are located inside the through hole 311, and the plurality of elastic arms 13 abut against the outer casing 31 and the support part 33 respectively.

[0084] Thus, the elastic arm 13 can support the keycap 1. When the keycap 1 is not pressed, it can stably abut against the outer shell 31 to prevent the keycap 1 from becoming loose and causing abnormal noise. When the user presses the keycap 1, the elastic arm 13 can provide damping to improve the user's pressing feel. When the user releases the pressure applied to the keycap 1, the elastic arm 13 can cause the keycap 1 to spring back to the position abutting against the outer shell 31, thereby achieving the reset of the keycap 1.

[0085] In some examples, such as Figure 4 As shown, the housing assembly 3 also includes two light-shielding protrusions 34, which are opposite to each other and connected to the inner wall of the housing 31, and abut against the circuit board 21. The two light-shielding protrusions 34 are located at the edges of the keycap 1.

[0086] In this way, the size of the enclosed space can be reduced, thereby reducing the energy loss caused by the reflection of light in the enclosed space, and further increasing the intensity of the light transmitted through the light-transmitting part 12.

[0087] In some examples, such as Figure 4 As shown, the housing assembly 3 also includes a cover plate 35, which is connected to the housing 31 and abuts against the inner wall of the housing 31 and the ends of the two guide protrusions 32.

[0088] Thus, the top of the circuit board 21 can be sealed by the cover plate 35, which makes it easier to form a closed space by combining the keycap 1, the circuit board assembly 2 and the housing assembly 3.

[0089] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to this disclosure. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms “comprising” and / or “including” are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0090] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of this disclosure. It should also be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn to actual scale. Techniques, methods, and devices known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and devices should be considered part of the specification. In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following drawings denote similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one drawing, it need not be further discussed in subsequent drawings.

[0091] In the description of this disclosure, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by directional terms such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "horizontal, vertical, horizontal" and "top, bottom" is generally based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and is only for the convenience of describing this disclosure and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of protection of this disclosure; the directional terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours relative to the outline of each component itself.

[0092] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "on top of," "on the upper surface of," "above," etc., are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature as shown in the figures to other devices or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation beyond the orientation of the device as described in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures were inverted, a device described as "above" or "on top of" other devices or structures would subsequently be positioned as "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." The device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0093] Furthermore, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to define components is merely for the purpose of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, the above terms have no special meaning and therefore should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0094] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this disclosure and is not intended to limit this disclosure. Various modifications and variations can be made to this disclosure by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this disclosure should be included within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A button assembly, characterized in that, The button assembly includes a keycap (1) and a circuit board assembly (2); The keycap (1) includes a reflective part (11) and a light-transmitting part (12) surrounding the reflective part (11), wherein the reflective part (11) has a reflective surface; The circuit board assembly (2) includes a circuit board (21) and a plurality of light-emitting elements (22) fixed to the circuit board (21). The plurality of light-emitting elements (22) are opposite to the reflective surface, and the surface of the circuit board (21) near the reflective surface has a reflective layer.

2. The button assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The circuit board assembly (2) further includes a trigger (23), which is fixed to the circuit board (21). The trigger (23) is used to be pressed by the reflective part (11) to trigger a control signal. The plurality of light-emitting elements (22) are evenly surrounding the trigger (23).

3. The button assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of light-emitting elements (22) includes a plurality of first light-emitting elements (221) and a plurality of second light-emitting elements (222), wherein the light-emitting color of the first light-emitting element (221) is different from the light-emitting color of the second light-emitting element (222).

4. The button assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, Multiple first light-emitting elements (221) and multiple second light-emitting elements (222) are alternately distributed.

5. The button assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The surface of the circuit board (21) away from the reflective surface has a light-shielding layer.

6. The button assembly according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The reflective part (11) is made of a white opaque material; or, The reflective surface is a reflective coating.

7. The button assembly according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The light-transmitting part (12) is made of a semi-transparent material.

8. The button assembly according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The circuit board assembly (2) further includes a connector (24) for electrical connection with the controller of the electronic device.

9. An electronic device, characterized in that, The electronic device includes a button assembly as described in any one of claims 1-8.

10. The electronic device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The electronic device also includes a housing assembly (3), the button assembly is mounted on the housing assembly (3), and the keycap (1), the circuit board assembly (2), and the housing assembly (3) together form a sealed space.

11. The electronic device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The housing assembly (3) includes a housing (31) and two guide protrusions (32), the two guide protrusions (32) are opposite to each other and are respectively connected to the inner wall of the housing (31), and the two guide protrusions (32) and the inner wall of the housing (31) form guide grooves; The circuit board (21) is snapped into the guide groove.

12. The electronic device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The housing assembly (3) further includes a support (33) that connects the two guide protrusions (32) and forms a support groove with the inner wall of the outer shell (31); The circuit board (21) is snapped into the support groove.

13. The electronic device according to claim 12, characterized in that, The outer casing (31) has a through hole (311) opposite to the plurality of light-emitting elements (22); The keycap (1) also includes a plurality of elastic arms (13), which are connected to the light-transmitting part (12). The reflective part (11) and the light-transmitting part (12) are located in the through hole (311). The plurality of elastic arms (13) abut against the outer shell (31) and the support part (33) respectively.

14. The electronic device according to claim 13, characterized in that, The housing assembly (3) further includes two light-shielding protrusions (34), which are opposite to each other and are connected to the inner wall of the outer shell (31) and abut against the circuit board (21). The two light-shielding protrusions (34) are located at the edges of the keycap (1).

15. The electronic device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The housing assembly (3) further includes a cover plate (35) which is connected to the outer shell (31) and abuts against the inner wall of the outer shell (31) and the ends of the two guide protrusions (32).

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