Key assembly and electronic device

Abstract

The application provides a key assembly and an electronic device. The key assembly comprises a switch, a key cap and a bracket. The switch comprises a trigger part. The key cap comprises a pressing part, a first leg part and a second leg part extending from the pressing part. The bracket comprises a base and a first ear part and a second ear part extending from the base. The first ear part is fixed with the first leg part, and the second ear part is fixed with the second leg part. The base is provided with an abutting part. When the pressing part is pressed, the key cap can drive the bracket to move towards the switch, and the abutting part triggers the trigger part. The first leg part of the key cap is fixed with the first ear part of the bracket, and the second leg part of the key cap is fixed with the second ear part of the bracket. The key cap can drive the bracket to move, and the bracket triggers the switch, thereby solving the problem that the pressing feeling of the two ends of the key cap is inconsistent, and providing a better pressing feeling.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of buttons, and more particularly to a button assembly and an electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] When using electronic devices such as mobile phones and tablets, buttons serve as an important medium for human-computer interaction. The tactile feel of pressing the buttons and the consistency of the feel at both ends of the button affect the user experience. Therefore, the tactile feel of buttons ultimately affects the quality and image of a product. Utility Model Content

[0003] This application provides a button assembly and electronic device with better pressing feel.

[0004] This application provides a button assembly, including: a switch, a keycap, and a bracket. The switch includes a trigger portion, the keycap includes a pressing portion and a first leg and a second leg extending from the pressing portion, the bracket includes a base and a first ear and a second ear extending from the base, the first ear being fixed to the first leg, the second ear being fixed to the second leg, and the base having a top abutment. When the pressing portion is pressed, the keycap can drive the bracket to move towards the switch, and the top abutment triggers the trigger portion.

[0005] Furthermore, when the button assembly is assembled onto the housing of the electronic device, the pressing part and the base are located on opposite sides of the housing, the switch and the bracket are located on the same side of the housing, the first leg passes through the first through hole of the housing and is fixed to the first ear, and the second leg passes through the second through hole of the housing and is fixed to the second ear.

[0006] Furthermore, the bracket includes a protrusion extending from the base, the protrusion being received within a first receiving hole in the housing, and the protrusion moving along the first receiving hole when the keycap moves the bracket.

[0007] Furthermore, a sleeve fixed to the housing is provided in the first receiving hole, and the sleeve is provided with a second receiving hole. The protrusion is received in the second receiving hole. When the keycap drives the bracket to move, the protrusion moves along the second receiving hole.

[0008] Furthermore, the abutment is located directly below the protruding post.

[0009] Furthermore, the first leg portion is provided with a first hole, the second leg portion is provided with a second hole, the first ear portion is provided with a third hole, and the second ear portion is provided with a fourth hole. The button assembly includes a fixing pin, which includes a first fixing rod and a second fixing rod located at opposite ends. The first fixing rod is assembled in the third hole and the first hole, and the second fixing rod is assembled in the fourth hole and the second hole to fix the leg portion and the ear portion.

[0010] Furthermore, the first ear is located inside the first leg, and the second ear is located inside the second leg.

[0011] Furthermore, the button assembly includes a fixing bracket, the switch is fixed to the fixing bracket, and the fixing bracket is fixed to the housing of the electronic device.

[0012] Furthermore, the fixing bracket is provided with a first assembly hole, and the housing is provided with a second assembly hole. The first assembly hole and the second assembly hole are for the fastener to pass through, and the fastener is fixed to the housing to fix the fixing bracket and the housing.

[0013] This application also provides an electronic device, including a housing and the button assembly.

[0014] In the embodiment of this application, the first leg of the keycap is fixed to the first ear of the bracket, and the second leg of the keycap is fixed to the second ear of the bracket. The keycap can drive the bracket to move, and the bracket triggers a switch, which solves the problem of inconsistent pressing feel at both ends of the keycap and provides a better pressing feel. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the electronic device of this application, in which only the housing and button assembly of the electronic device are shown;

[0016] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the button assembly and housing of the electronic device shown.

[0017] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the casing of the electronic device shown;

[0018] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 An enlarged view of the A-frame portion of the casing shown;

[0019] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the keycaps of the button assembly shown;

[0020] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the bracket of the key component shown

[0021] Figure 7 is Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the sleeve of the key component shown

[0022] Figure 8 is Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the pin of the key component shown

[0023] Figure 9 is Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the fixed bracket of the key component shown

[0024] Figure 10 is Figure 2 Enlarged view of the part of the B box in the schematic cross-sectional view shown Detailed implementation manners

[0025] Here, the technical solutions in the embodiments (or "implementation manners") of the present application will be clearly and completely described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. When the following description involves the accompanying drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements

[0026] If there are terms related to directional indication or positional relationship in the embodiments of the present application (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, inside, outside, top, bottom, center, vertical, horizontal, longitudinal, transverse, length, width, counterclockwise, clockwise, axial, radial, circumferential, etc.), such terms are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement conditions between components in a certain specific posture (as shown in the accompanying drawings); if this specific posture changes, then the directional indication or positional relationship also changes accordingly. In addition, the terms "first", "second", etc. involved in the embodiments of the present application are only for the purpose of convenient description and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance

[0027] Refer Figures 1 to 2 , the implementation manner of the present application provides an electronic device 100, including a housing 1 and a key component fixed to the housing 1. The key component is used to control the electronic device 100, including but not limited to power on / off, etc

[0028] The electronic device 100 includes but not limited to 3C products. For example, it can be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a computer, etc

[0029] In some implementation manners, the key component includes a switch 2, a keycap 3, a bracket 4, a sleeve 5, a fixing pin 6, a fixed bracket 7 and a fixing member 8. One or more fixing members 8 can be provided. In Figure 1 this case, the fixing member 8 is provided as a pair

[0030] Refer Figures 3 to 4 , in some embodiments, the housing 1 includes a bottom wall 11 and side walls 12 extending from the bottom wall 11. The button assembly is fixed to the side walls 12.

[0031] In some embodiments, the housing 1 does not have the bottom wall 11 and only includes the side walls 12.

[0032] The side walls 12 are provided with a first receiving hole 121, a first through hole 122, a second through hole 125 and a second assembly hole 123. One or more second assembly holes 123 can be provided. In Figure 4 , a pair of second assembly holes 123 are provided.

[0033] Refer Figure 5 to Figure 10 , the keycap 3 includes a pressing portion 31 and a first leg 32 and a second leg 33 extending from the pressing portion 31. The first leg 32 and the second leg 33 are located at opposite ends in the length direction of the pressing portion 31.

[0034] In some embodiments, the distance between the first leg 32 and the second leg 33 is less than or equal to the length of the pressing portion 31.

[0035] In some embodiments, the first leg 32 includes a first connecting portion 321 extending from the pressing portion 31 and a first fixing portion 322 extending from the first connecting portion 321. A first hole 323 is provided on the first fixing portion 322.

[0036] In some embodiments, the first connecting portion 321 is cylindrical, and the thickness of the first fixing portion 322 in the radial direction of the connecting portion 321 is less than the diameter of the first connecting portion 321.

[0037] In some embodiments, the shape of the first connecting portion 321 can also be the same as the shape of the first fixing portion 322.

[0038] In some embodiments, a first receiving groove 3211 is provided between the bottom end of the first fixing portion 322 and the first connecting portion 321.

[0039] In some embodiments, the second leg 33 includes a second connecting portion 331 extending from the pressing portion 31 and a second fixing portion 332 extending from the second connecting portion 331. A second hole 333 is provided on the second fixing portion 332.

[0040] In some embodiments, the second connecting portion 331 is cylindrical, and the thickness of the second fixing portion 332 in the radial direction of the second connecting portion 331 is less than the diameter of the second connecting portion 331.

[0041] In some embodiments, the shape of the second connecting portion 331 may also be the same as the shape of the second fixing portion 332.

[0042] In some embodiments, a second receiving groove 3311 is provided between the bottom end of the second fixing portion 332 and the second connecting portion 331.

[0043] In some embodiments, the shape of the first fixing portion 322 is different from the shape of the second fixing portion 332, and the shape of the first fixing portion 322 may also be the same as the shape of the second fixing portion 332.

[0044] In some embodiments, the second fixing portion 332 is flat, and the first fixing portion 322 is C-shaped. The present application does not limit the shapes of the first fixing portion 322 and the second fixing portion 332.

[0045] Refer Figure 6 to Figure 10 , the bracket 4 includes a base portion 41 and a first ear portion 42 and a second ear portion 43 extending from the base portion 41. The first ear portion 42 and the second ear portion 43 are located at opposite ends in the length direction of the base portion 41. The base portion 41 is provided with a top abutting portion 410.

[0046] In some embodiments, the base portion 41 includes a pair of first base portions 411 and an intermediate portion 412 connecting the pair of first base portions 411. The first ear portion 42 and the second ear portion 43 are respectively formed by extending from the pair of first base portions 411.

[0047] The top surface of the intermediate portion 412 is lower than the top surface of the first base portion 411, and the bottom surface of the intermediate portion 412 is lower than the bottom surface of the first base portion 411. The protruding direction of the intermediate portion 412 is the same as the extending direction of the first ear portion 42.

[0048] In some embodiments, the top surface of the intermediate portion 412 may also be coplanar with the top surface of the first base portion 411, and the bottom surface of the intermediate portion 412 may also be coplanar with the bottom surface of the first base portion 411.

[0049] In some embodiments, the top abutting portion 410 is provided on the intermediate portion 412.

[0050] In some embodiments, the bracket 4 includes a convex column 45 extending from the base portion 41, and the extending direction of the convex column 45 is opposite to the protruding direction of the top abutting portion 410.

[0051] In some embodiments, the convex column 45 is located directly above the top abutting portion 410, that is, the convex column 45 is formed by protruding from the intermediate portion 412.

[0052] In some embodiments, the bracket 4 includes an extension portion 44 extending from the base portion 41.

[0053] In some embodiments, the extension portion 44 is L-shaped and is formed by extending downward from the edge of the middle portion 412 thereof and in a direction away from the abutting top portion 410. The present application does not limit the shape of the extension portion 44.

[0054] In some embodiments, the distance between the first ear portion 42 and the second ear portion 43 is less than or equal to the length of the base portion 41.

[0055] In some embodiments, third holes 421 are respectively provided on the first ear portion 42, and fourth holes 431 are respectively provided on the second ear portion 43.

[0056] In some embodiments, a first bump 422 is provided on the first ear portion 42 on one side of the third hole 421, and a second bump 432 is provided on the second ear portion 43 on one side of the fourth hole 431. The first bump 422 and the second bump 432 extend in a direction towards each other.

[0057] Refer to Figure 7 , the sleeve 5 is columnar and includes a second receiving hole 51.

[0058] Refer to Figure 8 , the fixing pin 6 includes a main body rod 61, a first connecting rod 62 and a second connecting rod 63 bent and extending from opposite ends of the main body rod 61, a first fixing rod 64 connected to the first connecting rod 62, and a second fixing rod 65 connected to the second connecting rod 63.

[0059] In some embodiments, the main body rod 61, the first connecting rod 62 and the second connecting rod 63 enclose a U shape. The present application does not limit the shape enclosed by the main body rod 61, the first connecting rod 62 and the second connecting rod 63.

[0060] In some embodiments, the axes of the first fixing rod 64 and the second fixing rod 65 are collinear, the main body rod 61 is parallel to the first fixing rod 64 and the second fixing rod 65, and the main body rod 61 may not be parallel to the first fixing rod 64 and the second fixing rod 65 either.

[0061] Refer to Figure 9, the fixing bracket 7 includes a main body plate 71 and a first positioning portion 72 and a second positioning portion 73 extending from opposite ends of the main body plate 71. The switch 2 is fixed to the main body plate 71. A first assembly hole 721 is provided on the first positioning portion 72 and / or the second positioning portion 73. One or more first assembly holes 721 can be provided. In Figure 9 , a pair of second assembly holes 123 are provided, respectively located on the first positioning portion 72 and the second positioning portion 73.

[0062] Refer Figure 10 , the pressing portion 31 of the keycap 3 and the base portion 41 of the bracket 4 are located on opposite sides of the housing 1, and the switch 2 and the bracket 4 are located on the same side of the housing 1. The pressing portion 31 is located outside the housing 1, and the bracket 4 is located inside the housing 1.

[0063] In some embodiments, a groove 124 is provided on the side wall 12 of the housing 1, and the pressing portion 31 is received in the groove 124. The appearance of the side wall 12 is relatively flat. The pressing portion 31 can also protrude from the side wall 12.

[0064] The first leg 32 passes through the first through hole 122 of the housing 1, the second leg 33 passes through the second through hole 125 of the housing 1, the first ear portion 42 is fixed to the first leg 32, and the second ear portion 43 is fixed to the second leg 33.

[0065] In some embodiments, the length of the first connection portion 321 of the first leg 32 is greater than the depth of the first through hole 122, and the length of the second connection portion 331 of the second leg 33 is greater than the depth of the second through hole 125.

[0066] In some embodiments, the sealing treatment at the first through hole 122 includes, but is not limited to, providing a sealing ring to prevent water.

[0067] In some embodiments, the sealing treatment at the second through hole 125 includes, but is not limited to, providing a sealing ring to prevent water.

[0068] The sleeve 5 is located in the first receiving hole 121 of the housing 1 and is fixed to the housing 1, and the convex column 45 of the bracket 4 is received in the second receiving hole 51 of the sleeve 5.

[0069] The sleeve 5 and the housing 1 can be fixed by means of tight fit, bonding, integral molding, riveting, etc.

[0070] In some embodiments, the sleeve 5 is not provided either, and the convex column 45 of the bracket 4 is received in the first receiving hole 121 of the housing 1.

[0071] The first ear 42 of the bracket 4 is located inside the first leg 32 of the keycap 3, and the second ear 43 of the bracket 4 is located inside the second leg 33 of the keycap 3. One end of the bracket 4 is received in the first receiving groove 3211 of the first leg 32, with its top end abutting against the first connecting part 321 of the first leg 32 and its side end abutting against the first fixing part 322 of the first leg 32; the other end of the bracket 4 is received in the second receiving groove 3311 of the second leg 33, with its top end abutting against the second connecting part 331 of the second leg 33 and its side end abutting against the second fixing part 332 of the second leg 33, thereby increasing the stability of the bracket 4.

[0072] In some embodiments, the first receiving slot 3211 may not be provided, and the side end of the bracket 4 may abut against the first leg 32.

[0073] In some embodiments, the second receiving slot 3311 may not be provided, and the side end of the bracket 4 may abut against the second leg 33.

[0074] The first fixing rod 64 of the fixing pin 6 is assembled to the third hole 421 of the first ear 42 and the first hole 323 of the first leg 32 to fix the first leg 32 and the first ear 42; the second fixing rod 65 of the fixing pin 6 is assembled to the fourth hole 431 of the second ear 43 and the second hole 333 of the second leg 33 to fix the second leg 33 and the second ear 43.

[0075] The first protrusion 422 of the bracket 4 is located between the first connecting rod 62 and the first fixing rod 64 of the fixing pin 6, and the second protrusion 432 of the bracket 4 is located between the second connecting rod 63 and the second fixing rod 65 of the fixing pin 6. The main body rod 61 presses against the extension 44 of the bracket 4 to increase the stability of the fixing pin 6 and prevent the fixing pin 6 from shaking.

[0076] In some embodiments, foam may be provided between the first connecting rod 62 and the bracket 4 and / or between the second connecting rod 63 and the bracket 4 to increase the stability of the fixing pin 6.

[0077] In some embodiments, the bracket 4 may not be provided with the first protrusion 422 and the second protrusion 432.

[0078] In some embodiments, the support 4 may not have the extension 44.

[0079] In some embodiments, the fixing pin 6 may also be in the form of a straight rod.

[0080] In some embodiments, the first fixing rod 64 of the fixing pin 6 is tightly fitted with the first hole 323 and / or the third hole 421.

[0081] In some embodiments, the second fixing rod 65 of the fixing pin 6 is tightly fitted with the second hole 333 and / or the fourth hole 431.

[0082] In some embodiments, the first fixing rod 64 of the fixing pin 6 passes through the third hole 421 and the first hole 323 and is then fixed to other structures, such as nuts.

[0083] In some embodiments, the second fixing rod 65 of the fixing pin 6 passes through the fourth hole 431 and the second hole 333 and is then fixed to other structures, such as nuts.

[0084] In some embodiments, the first hole 323 may be a blind hole or a through hole.

[0085] In some embodiments, the second hole 333 may be a blind hole or a through hole.

[0086] The switch 2 is fixed to the fixed bracket 7 and includes a trigger part 21. The fixing member 8 passes through the first assembly hole 721 of the fixed bracket 7 and is assembled in the second assembly hole 123 of the housing 1 and fixed to the housing 1 to fix the fixed bracket 7 to the housing 1.

[0087] The number of fasteners 8 is the same as the number of the first assembly holes 721. One or more first assembly holes 721 are provided.

[0088] In some embodiments, the switch 2 and the fixing bracket 7 can be fixed by means of adhesive, welding or snap-fit.

[0089] In some embodiments, the fastener 8 may be a pin, screw, bolt, or the like.

[0090] When the button assembly is in use, when the pressing part 31 of the keycap 3 is pressed, the keycap 3 can drive the bracket 4 to move closer to the switch 2, and the top 410 of the bracket 4 triggers the trigger part 21 of the switch 2.

[0091] When the keycap 3 is not pressed, the abutment 410 is a certain distance away from the trigger part 21. Optionally, when the keycap 3 is not pressed, the abutment 410 is in contact with the trigger part 21.

[0092] When the keycap 3 moves the bracket 4, the protrusion 45 of the bracket 4 moves along the second receiving hole 51 of the sleeve 5 to increase the smoothness of the movement of the bracket 4 and improve the pressing feel of the key assembly.

[0093] When the sleeve 5 is not installed, the protrusion 45 moves along the first receiving hole 121 of the housing 1.

[0094] In some embodiments, the sleeve 5 is made of metal and the housing 1 is made of plastic. This application does not limit the materials of the sleeve 5 and the housing 1.

[0095] In some embodiments, the bracket 4 and the fixing bracket 7 are made of metal, and this application does not limit the material of the bracket 4 and the fixing bracket 7.

[0096] In some embodiments, the keycap 3 is made of plastic, but this application does not limit the material of the keycap 3.

[0097] The first leg 32 of the keycap 3 is fixed to the first ear 42 of the bracket 4, and the second leg 33 of the keycap 3 is fixed to the second ear 43 of the bracket 4. The keycap 3 can drive the bracket 4 to move, and the bracket 4 triggers the switch 2, which solves the problem of inconsistent pressing feel at both ends of the keycap 3 and provides a better pressing feel. At the same time, it improves the stability of the keycap 3 and solves the problem of the keycap 3 shaking.

[0098] It should be noted that the technical solutions or features described in the above embodiments can be combined or supplemented with each other without conflict. The scope of protection of this application is not limited to the precise structures described in the above embodiments and shown in the accompanying drawings; all modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A button assembly, characterized in that, include: A switch, including a trigger unit; A keycap, including a pressing portion and a first leg and a second leg extending from the pressing portion; The bracket includes a base and a first ear and a second ear extending from the base. The first ear is fixed to a leg, and the second ear is fixed to a second leg. The base has a top abutment. When the pressing part is pressed, the keycap can drive the bracket to move towards the switch, and the top abutment triggers the trigger part.

2. The button assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the button assembly is assembled onto the housing of the electronic device, the pressing part and the base are located on opposite sides of the housing, the switch and the bracket are located on the same side of the housing, the first leg passes through the first through hole of the housing and is fixed to the first ear, and the second leg passes through the second through hole of the housing and is fixed to the second ear.

3. The button assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The bracket includes a protrusion extending from the base, the protrusion being received within a first receiving hole in the housing, and the protrusion moving along the first receiving hole when the keycap moves the bracket.

4. The button assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first receiving hole is provided with a sleeve that is fixed to the housing. The sleeve is provided with a second receiving hole. The protrusion is received in the second receiving hole. When the keycap drives the bracket to move, the protrusion moves along the second receiving hole.

5. The button assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The abutment is located directly below the protruding post.

6. The button assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first leg has a first hole, the second leg has a second hole, the first ear has a third hole, and the second ear has a fourth hole. The button assembly includes a fixing pin, which includes a first fixing rod and a second fixing rod located at opposite ends. The first fixing rod is assembled in the third hole and the first hole, and the second fixing rod is assembled in the fourth hole and the second hole to fix the leg and the ear.

7. The button assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first ear is located on the inside of the first leg, and the second ear is located on the inside of the second leg.

8. The button assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The button assembly includes a fixed bracket, the switch is fixed to the fixed bracket, and the fixed bracket is fixed to the housing of the electronic device.

9. The button assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that, The fixed bracket is provided with a first assembly hole, and the housing is provided with a second assembly hole. The first assembly hole and the second assembly hole are for the fastener to pass through. The fastener is fixed to the housing to fix the fixed bracket and the housing.

10. An electronic device, characterized in that, Includes a housing and a button assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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