Integrally formed scissor foot key structure and mold

Abstract

The utility model aims at providing a integral forming scissors foot button structure and mould which high integral structure strength, linkage effect good and need not later period assembly. Integral forming scissors foot button structure includes inner scissors foot subassembly and outer scissors foot subassembly, inner scissors foot subassembly includes several inner scissors foot spare, outer scissors foot subassembly includes several outer scissors foot spare, several inner scissors foot spare is connected through first connecting frame between, several outer scissors foot spare is connected through second connecting frame between, still be provided with the central axis metal strip on several inner scissors foot spare, several outer scissors foot spare is hinged together with several inner scissors foot spare through central axis metal strip, several inner scissors foot spare and several outer scissors foot spare are injection moulded on first connecting frame, second connecting frame and central axis metal strip, mould is used for producing integral forming scissors foot button structure. The utility model is applied to the technical field of keyboard button structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model applies to the technical field of keyboard key structure, and particularly relates to an integrated scissor-switch key structure and mold. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of computer technology, keyboards have become the primary input method for devices such as computers and laptops. Laptops, due to their portability, typically come with a built-in keyboard. Currently, to meet the requirements of thinness and portability, laptop keyboards usually employ a scissor-switch key mechanism. The traditional design of a scissor-switch key mechanism includes inner and outer scissor switches. These switches are manufactured using injection molding machines and then manually or automatically injection molded into individual components. These components are then assembled with other parts to form the final scissor-switch keyboard. The assembly of the inner and outer scissor switches is usually achieved through the mating of holes and shafts. The fit between the holes and shafts is affected by the clearance, mold tolerances, and injection molding tolerances, thus affecting the tactile feel of the keyboard keys.

[0003] To meet ergonomic design requirements, keyboards typically feature keycaps of varying sizes and lengths. To ensure proper function and better feel when pressing the corners of longer keys, traditional scissor-switch keyboards often incorporate one or more stabilizers to reinforce the structure and assist in scissor-switch movement. Traditional scissor-switch keys have more assembly parts, making production and assembly more complex. Furthermore, the complex assembly method for stabilizers makes automated production difficult, resulting in high assembly costs and a higher defect rate. Currently, various scissor-switch structures are available on the market, such as those published in patents CN214672323U, CN222440426U, and CN109841443B. These designs integrate multiple external scissor-switch feet into a single frame structure that works in conjunction with the internal scissor-switch feet. However, this structure lacks reinforcement and relies solely on injection-molded components for support, leading to a poorer feel at the corners of the keys. Replacing the material would further increase costs and assembly complexity. Based on this, there are also patents such as CN115881460A and CN117334509A, which embed metal in the frame structure to reinforce the overall structure. However, due to the large difference in the coefficient of expansion between plastic and metal, deformation occurs after injection molding, resulting in poor linkage effect in the later stage.

[0004] In addition to user experience and structural strength, existing technologies typically require manual or mechanical assembly after production, resulting in low efficiency. A one-piece molded scissor-switch button structure with high overall structural strength, good linkage performance, and no need for post-assembly would effectively solve these technical problems. Utility Model Content

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide an integrated scissor-type button structure and mold with high overall structural strength, good linkage effect and no need for post-assembly.

[0006] The technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows: the one-piece molded scissor-type button structure includes an inner scissor-type component and an outer scissor-type component. The inner scissor-type component includes a plurality of inner scissor-type parts, and the outer scissor-type component includes a plurality of outer scissor-type parts. The plurality of inner scissor-type parts are connected to each other through a first connecting frame, and the plurality of outer scissor-type parts are connected to each other through a second connecting frame. A central metal strip is also provided on the plurality of inner scissor-type parts. The plurality of outer scissor-type parts are hinged to the plurality of inner scissor-type parts through the central metal strip. The plurality of inner scissor-type parts and the plurality of outer scissor-type parts are injection molded on the first connecting frame, the second connecting frame, and the central metal strip.

[0007] As can be seen from the above solution, compared to the traditional scissor-switch key structure, the first and second connecting frames, along with corresponding scissor-switch components, form inner and outer scissor-switch components. Simultaneously, the central metal strip acts as a hinge for the inner and outer scissor-switch components, thus providing a unified, synchronized pressing feel even at the edge of the keycap, effectively preventing wobbling. Compared to injection molding the scissor-switch components onto a metal sheet, using multiple scissor-switch components connected at intervals avoids the problem of deformation during injection molding and cooling due to the different expansion coefficients of metal and plastic, which could lead to interference and poor balance between key structures. Furthermore, the first and second connecting frames form a stable and high-strength inner and outer scissor-switch component assembly. This structure also ensures that the force transmitted through the strong first and second connecting frames when pressing the edge of the keycap is synchronized, guaranteeing synchronous downward pressure at both ends of the keycap. Simultaneously, several inner and outer scissor-foot components are injection molded onto the first connecting frame, the second connecting frame, and the central metal strip. This allows the inner and outer scissor-foot components to be directly bonded to the first connecting frame, the second connecting frame, and the central metal strip. The assembly of the scissor-foot structure is completed directly during the injection molding process, eliminating the need for post-assembly and saving significant labor and time costs, thus improving production efficiency. Furthermore, the direct injection molding method ensures that the inner and outer scissor-foot components are in a close fit with the central metal strip. The smooth or slightly matte surface of the central metal strip guarantees smooth rotation of the inner and outer scissor-foot components. Compared to traditional scissor-foot button structures, which typically require a certain amount of space for the hinge shaft assembly to meet assembly requirements, the close-fitting structure avoids the unavoidable vibration caused by the extra space in traditional structures and the problem of asynchronous pressure at both ends of long buttons.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the rod portion on the same side of the first connecting frame and the second connecting frame is rotatably engaged with the keycap and the keyboard base, while the rod portion on the other side of the first connecting frame and the second connecting frame is slidably engaged with the keycap and the keyboard base.

[0009] A further preferred embodiment is that a plurality of the inner scissor-switch members and a plurality of the outer scissor-switch members are respectively provided with a first clearance groove that cooperates with the keycap and the keyboard base.

[0010] A preferred embodiment is that a plurality of inner scissor legs and a plurality of outer scissor legs are arranged alternately in sequence, with a gap between the inner scissor legs and the adjacent outer scissor legs.

[0011] A preferred embodiment is that the outer scissor-shaped foot is provided with a second clearance groove that is adapted to the first connecting frame.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, one of the inner scissor feet is provided with an elastic member clearance hole, and the central metal strip is provided with a curved portion that matches the elastic member clearance hole.

[0013] A preferred embodiment is that the outer surface of the central metal strip is smooth or matte.

[0014] A preferred embodiment is that several of the outer scissor-shaped feet are provided with hollowed-out portions that cooperate with the central metal strip.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the first connecting frame includes an upper frame and a lower frame, which are respectively distributed on both sides of the central metal strip.

[0016] The mold includes an upper mold and a lower mold. The cavity of the lower mold is provided with a limiting support that cooperates with the first connecting frame, the second connecting frame and the central metal strip. The cavity of the upper mold is provided with a limiting block that cooperates with the limiting support to limit the position. When the mold is closed, the cavities of the upper mold and the lower mold, as well as the first connecting frame, the second connecting frame and the central metal strip, cooperate to form a plurality of the inner scissor-leg parts and a plurality of the outer scissor-leg parts for injection molding, and each of the injection molding cavities formed is independent of each other.

[0017] As can be seen from the above scheme, the cavities set in the upper and lower molds limit the first and second connecting frames and the central metal strip, while cooperating to form several injection molding cavities. Each injection molding cavity is independent of the others. This ensures a tight bond between the injection-molded outer and inner scissor-leg components and the metal parts, while reducing the bonding area between the plastic and metal parts, thus minimizing the deformation caused by the difference in their coefficients of expansion after injection molding. The independent injection molding cavities eliminate the need to separate the inner and outer scissor-leg components after injection molding, enabling rapid assembly of all parts. After cleaning the injection port, the product is ready, eliminating the need for subsequent transfer and assembly processes in conventional production. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the one-piece molded scissor-switch button structure;

[0019] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the one-piece molded scissor-switch button structure;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a further exploded structural diagram of the one-piece molded scissor-switch button structure;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the integrated scissor-switch button structure in conjunction with the keycap and base;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the one-piece molded scissor-switch button structure in conjunction with the keycap and base;

[0023] Figure 6 This is a first structural schematic diagram of the mold;

[0024] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the second structure of the mold. Detailed Implementation

[0025] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the one-piece molded scissor-switch button structure includes an inner scissor-switch assembly 1 and an outer scissor-switch assembly 2. The inner scissor-switch assembly 1 includes a plurality of inner scissor-switch pieces 11, and the outer scissor-switch assembly 2 includes a plurality of outer scissor-switch pieces 21. The plurality of inner scissor-switch pieces 11 are connected to each other via a first connecting frame 12, and the plurality of outer scissor-switch pieces 21 are connected to each other via a second connecting frame 22. A central metal strip 3 is also provided on the plurality of inner scissor-switch pieces 11. The plurality of outer scissor-switch pieces 21 are hinged to the plurality of inner scissor-switch pieces 11 via the central metal strip 3. The plurality of inner scissor-switch pieces 11 and the plurality of outer scissor-switch pieces 21 are injection molded on the first connecting frame 12, the second connecting frame 22, and the central metal strip 3. The first connecting frame, the second connecting frame, and the central metal strip 3 are all made of metal.

[0026] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the one-piece molded scissor-switch key structure is a scissor-switch structure for long keys such as the space bar, with three inner scissor-switch pieces 11 and five outer scissor-switch pieces 21. The inner scissor-switch pieces 11 located in the middle of the key cooperate with the elastic element b of the key structure to avoid interference, allowing the elastic element b of the key structure to cooperate with the keycap a of the key structure, realizing the automatic rebound of the key structure. The two outermost outer scissor-switch pieces 21 located at both ends are adapted to the shape of the first connecting frame 12. At the same time, these two outer scissor-switch pieces 21 are provided with non-through rotation holes that cooperate with the ends of the central axis metal strip 3, realizing the limiting of the central axis metal strip 3. The central axis metal strip 3 passes through all the inner scissor-switch pieces 11 and the remaining outer scissor-switch keys 21, realizing the rotation of the key structure when it is pressed.

[0027] In this embodiment, several of the outer scissor-foot components 21 are provided with hollowed-out portions 212 that cooperate with the central metal strip 3. The portion of the central metal strip 3 that contacts the outer scissor-foot component 21 is cylindrical. By providing hollowed-out portions 212, the contact area between the outer scissor-foot component 21 and the central metal strip 3 is reduced, thereby ensuring that the outer scissor-foot component 21 can rotate smoothly relative to the inner scissor-foot component 11 after injection molding, thus ensuring a good tactile feel when pressing the button. At the same time, the cylindrical shape of the portion of the central metal strip 3 that contacts the outer scissor-foot component 21 allows for smooth rotation between them without eccentricity or wobbling.

[0028] like Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the central metal strip 3 is fixedly engaged with several inner scissor-leg components 11. The portion of the central metal strip 3 in contact with the inner scissor-leg components 11 can be cylindrical, have a rough surface, be prismatic, or be curved. This design ensures a more stable connection between the central metal strip 3 and the inner scissor-leg components 11, allowing the central metal strip 3 to rotate relative to the outer scissor-leg components 21 when the button structure is pressed. Alternatively, another embodiment involves the central metal strip 3 being fixedly engaged with several outer scissor-leg components 21, with a hollow structure on the inner scissor-leg components 11, and the central metal strip 3 employing a more stable connection shape at the point of engagement with the outer scissor-leg components 21.

[0029] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the rods on the same side of the first connecting frame 12 and the second connecting frame 22 are rotatably engaged with the keycap a and the keyboard base c, while the rods on the other side of the first connecting frame 12 and the second connecting frame 22 are slidably engaged with the keycap a and the keyboard base c. Both the keycap a and the keyboard base c are provided with rotating latches 8 and sliding latches 9 corresponding to the first connecting frame 12 and the second connecting frame 22, thereby satisfying the limiting and movement avoidance requirements of the one-piece molded scissor-switch key structure during pressing. A plurality of inner scissor-switch components 11 and a plurality of outer scissor-switch components 21 are correspondingly provided with first avoidance grooves 4 that engage with the keycap a and the keyboard base c. By correspondingly providing the first avoidance grooves 4, the corresponding rotating latches 8 and sliding latches 9 are avoided, thereby ensuring that the one-piece molded scissor-switch key structure does not interfere with the structure on the keycap a and the keyboard base c during the pressing motion, thus ensuring that the one-piece molded scissor-switch key structure does not interfere with the structure on the keycap a and the keyboard base c, affecting the smoothness of the action.

[0030] like Figures 1 to 4As shown, in this embodiment, a plurality of inner scissor-foot components 11 and a plurality of outer scissor-foot components 21 are alternately arranged in sequence, with a gap 5 between each inner scissor-foot component 11 and an adjacent outer scissor-foot component 21. This alternating arrangement ensures more even force distribution during pressing of the integrated scissor-foot button structure, enabling better linkage. The gaps between adjacent scissor-foot components prevent mutual interference and allow the scissor-foot components to be injection molded into multiple independent injection cavities within the mold.

[0031] like Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the outer scissor-leg component 21 is provided with a second clearance groove 211 that is adapted to the first connecting frame 12. By providing the second clearance groove 211, it is ensured that the one-piece molded scissor-leg button structure will not cause interference between components during the process of pressing down, thus ensuring the smoothness of button pressing.

[0032] like Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, one of the inner scissor-switch components 11 is provided with an elastic member clearance hole 111, and the central metal strip 3 is provided with a curved portion 31 that matches the elastic member clearance hole 111. The elastic member clearance hole 111 is used to allow the elastic member b to pass through, thereby ensuring that the elastic member b can always be in contact with the keycap a and provide elasticity when the one-piece molded scissor-switch key structure is in use. In addition to allowing the elastic member b to pass through, the curved portion 31 also makes the connection between the central metal strip 3 and the inner scissor-switch component 11 more secure.

[0033] In this embodiment, the outer surface of the central metal strip 3 is either smooth or matte. The smooth surface design ensures that the friction between the central metal strip 3 and the components that rotate relative to each other is as low as possible, making the operation smooth during use. Although the matte surface design is slightly inferior to the smooth surface, the components are joined by injection molding, and after the initial rotation, the joint state can be overcome by friction and provide a sufficiently smooth user experience.

[0034] like Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the first connecting frame 12 includes an upper frame 121 and a lower frame 122, which are respectively distributed on both sides of the central metal strip 3. By adopting a split first connecting frame 12, the central metal strip 3 can be avoided, while ensuring the connection reliability and linkage of the plurality of inner scissor-foot components 11.

[0035] like Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, the mold includes an upper mold 6 and a lower mold 7. The cavity of the lower mold 7 is provided with a limiting support member 71 that cooperates with the first connecting frame 12, the second connecting frame 22, and the central metal strip 3. The cavity of the upper mold 6 is provided with a limiting block 61 that cooperates with the limiting support member 71 for limiting. When the mold is closed, the cavities of the upper mold 6 and the lower mold 7, together with the first connecting frame 12, the second connecting frame 22, and the central metal strip 3, cooperate to form a plurality of inner scissor-foot parts 11 and a plurality of outer scissor-foot parts 21 injection molding cavities, and each injection molding cavity is independent of the others. The limiting support member 71 and the limiting block 61 support the metal parts, so that the metal parts are located inside the injection molded parts when they are joined. At the same time, the cooperation between the limiting support member 71, the limiting block 61, and the cavity forms hollow and clearance groove structures, thereby meeting the movement requirements of the one-piece molded scissor-foot button structure.

[0036] The working principle of the mold:

[0037] First, the first connecting frame 12, the second connecting frame 22, and the central metal strip 3 are placed in the limiting grooves of the limiting support 71. After placement, the injection molding equipment is controlled to perform the mold closing action of the upper mold 6 and the lower mold 7. After mold closing, injection molding is started to melt the plastic and allow it to enter each injection molding cavity. In one mold closing process, all the inner scissor-leg parts 11 and all the outer scissor-leg parts 21 are injection molded, and all the inner scissor-leg parts 11 and all the outer scissor-leg parts 21 are attached to the surfaces of the first connecting frame 12, the second connecting frame 22, and the central metal strip 3. By using one mold closing to complete the injection molding of all injection molding cavities, an integrally molded scissor-leg button structure that does not require assembly is obtained, which greatly improves the production efficiency of the product. Furthermore, the injection molding connection method greatly reduces the gap between moving parts. The smooth surface design of the metal parts ensures that the injection molded parts also have a smooth surface. Combined with the metal rod-shaped structure, the moving parts and the central metal strip can rotate naturally and smoothly. At the same time, the almost gapless feature ensures the consistency of the overall movement of the button structure, which reduces the wobble between the inner and outer scissor feet inside the button and greatly improves the feel.

[0038] The one-piece molded scissor-foot button structure and mold provided by this utility model can achieve high overall structural strength of the scissor-foot button, and good linkage between the inner and outer scissor-foot components, enabling overall synchronous movement. At the same time, no post-assembly process is required, reducing labor costs and improving production efficiency.

[0039] Although the embodiments of this utility model are described with reference to actual solutions, they do not constitute a limitation on the meaning of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, modifications to the implementation schemes and combinations with other schemes based on this specification are obvious.

Claims

1. An integrally formed scissor foot key structure, characterized by: It includes an inner scissor leg assembly (1) and an outer scissor leg assembly (2). The inner scissor leg assembly (1) includes a plurality of inner scissor leg pieces (11), and the outer scissor leg assembly (2) includes a plurality of outer scissor leg pieces (21). The plurality of inner scissor leg pieces (11) are connected to each other through a first connecting frame (12), and the plurality of outer scissor leg pieces (21) are connected to each other through a second connecting frame (22). The plurality of inner scissor leg pieces (11) are also provided with a central metal strip (3). The plurality of outer scissor leg pieces (21) are hinged to the plurality of inner scissor leg pieces (11) through the central metal strip (3). The plurality of inner scissor leg pieces (11) and the plurality of outer scissor leg pieces (21) are injection molded on the first connecting frame (12), the second connecting frame (22), and the central metal strip (3).

2. The one-piece molded scissor-switch button structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rods on the same side of the first connecting frame (12) and the second connecting frame (22) are rotatably engaged with the keycaps and the keyboard base, while the rods on the other side of the first connecting frame (12) and the second connecting frame (22) are slidably engaged with the keycaps and the keyboard base.

3. The integrally formed scissor foot key structure of claim 2, wherein: The inner scissor-switch members (11) and the outer scissor-switch members (21) are respectively provided with a first clearance groove (4) that cooperates with the keycap and the keyboard base.

4. The integrally formed scissor foot key structure of claim 1, wherein: A plurality of inner scissor legs (11) and a plurality of outer scissor legs (21) are arranged alternately in sequence, and a gap (5) is provided between the inner scissor legs (11) and the adjacent outer scissor legs (21).

5. The integrally formed scissor foot key structure of claim 1, wherein: The outer scissor foot component (21) is provided with a second clearance groove (211) that is adapted to the first connecting frame (12).

6. The one-piece molded scissor-switch button structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: One of the inner scissor feet (11) is provided with an elastic member clearance hole, and the central metal strip (3) is provided with a curved part (31) that is adapted to the elastic member clearance hole.

7. The one-piece molded scissor-switch button structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: Several of the external scissor feet (21) are provided with hollowed-out portions (212) that cooperate with the central metal strip (3).

8. The one-piece molded scissor-switch button structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first connecting frame (12) includes an upper frame (121) and a lower frame (122), which are respectively distributed on both sides of the central metal strip (3).

9. A mold for preparing an integrally molded scissor-type button structure as described in any one of claims 1-8, the mold comprising an upper mold (6) and a lower mold (7), characterized in that: The cavity of the lower mold (7) is provided with a limiting support (71) that cooperates with the first connecting frame (12), the second connecting frame (22) and the central metal strip (3). The cavity of the upper mold (6) is provided with a limiting block (61) that cooperates with the limiting support (71) for limiting. When the mold is closed, the cavities of the upper mold (6) and the lower mold (7), as well as the first connecting frame (12), the second connecting frame (22) and the central metal strip (3), cooperate to form a plurality of the inner scissor foot parts (11) and a plurality of the outer scissor foot parts (21) injection molding cavities, and each of the injection molding cavities formed is independent of each other.

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