Key module and input structure comprising the same

Abstract

A key module and an input structure including the same, including a base, a lifting circuit board, an alphabet key board, a first key element, a slider, a main gear, and a screw rod. The base includes an upper surface and a side surface. The side surface is connected to the upper surface. The side surface has a groove, which has a height difference in a first direction. The first direction is parallel to the normal direction of the upper surface. The lifting circuit board is disposed on the upper surface of the base. The alphabet key board is disposed on the lifting circuit board and has an opening. The first key element is disposed on the alphabet key board and passes through the opening. The slider is slidable in a second direction and includes a body portion and a sliding portion. The sliding portion protrudes from the body portion. The body portion has a through hole. The sliding portion extends into the groove of the base. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. The main gear is adjacent to the through hole. The screw rod passes through the through hole and is connected to the main gear.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to an input device for electronic products, and more particularly to a key module and a keyboard including the same. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, electronic devices have become indispensable products for modern people. When using electronic devices, the design of the input device affects the user's work efficiency and user experience. Therefore, there is still an urgent need to research an improved input device to meet the user's needs. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention is an improvement on the input structure, particularly by designing the button module to be height adjustable.

[0004] According to some embodiments, the present invention provides a key module. The key module includes a base, a lifting circuit board, a keypad, a first key element, a slider, a main gear, and a screw. The base includes an upper surface and a side surface. The side surface is connected to the upper surface. The side surface has a groove, and the groove has a height difference in a first direction. The first direction is parallel to the normal direction of the upper surface. The lifting circuit board is disposed on the upper surface of the base. The keypad is disposed on the lifting circuit board and has an opening. The first key element is disposed on the keypad and passes through the opening. The slider is slidable in a second direction and includes a body portion and a sliding portion. The sliding portion protrudes from the body portion. The body portion has a through hole. The sliding portion extends into the groove of the base. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction and parallel to the upper surface of the base. The main gear is adjacent to the through hole. The screw passes through the through hole and is connected to the main gear.

[0005] According to some embodiments, this utility model provides an input structure. The input structure includes a base plate and the aforementioned button module. The base plate has a top surface. The button module is disposed on the top surface of the base plate.

[0006] To provide a better understanding of the above and other aspects of this utility model, specific embodiments are described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings: Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1A A top view of an input structure according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0008] Figure 1B Draw Figure 1A The input structure is a local side view in the first state;

[0009] Figure 1C Draw Figure 1A The input structure is shown in a partial side view in the second state.

[0010] Figure 2An exploded view of a portion of a button module according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0011] Figure 3A A perspective view of a base according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0012] Figure 3B A perspective view of a lifting circuit board integrated with a base according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0013] Figure 4 The illustration shows a guide sleeve coupled to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 The shown is a bottom-view perspective view of part of the button module.

[0014] Figure 5A A perspective view of a button module in a first state according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0015] Figure 5B A perspective view of a button module in a second state according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0016] Figure 6A A partial perspective view of a slider in a first state according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0017] Figure 6B A partial perspective view of the slider in a second state according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0018] Figure 7A A partial perspective view of a button module integrated with a base plate according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0019] Figure 7B A bottom view of a button module according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0020] Figure 7C A bottom view of a button module according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0021] Figure 7D A bottom view of a button module according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0022] Figure 7E Draw Figure 7D Side view of the button module;

[0023] Figure 7F A bottom view of a button module according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0024] Figure 8A A partial top view of an input structure according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; and

[0025] Figure 8BA cross-sectional view along the line connecting Figure 8A, 8B, and 8B' is shown.

[0026] The attached figures are labeled as follows:

[0027] 10: Input structure 100, 100', 100'', 100''': Keypad module

[0028] 110: Base plate 110a, 152a, KYa: Top surface

[0029] 112: Hollow column; 114: Slide groove

[0030] 120: Base 120a: Upper surface

[0031] 120b: Side surface; 120H1: First hole

[0032] 120H2: Second hole; 122: Groove

[0033] 124: Hook structure; 130: Lifting circuit board

[0034] 140: Keypad 140h: Opening

[0035] 142: Plate portion 144: First extension column

[0036] 146: Second extension post; 152, 1521~1524: First button element

[0037] 160: Slider 160s: Bottom surface

[0038] 162: Body part; 164: Sliding part

[0039] 166: Through hole; 168: Transmission section

[0040] 172: Main gear; 174: Screw

[0041] 174E1: First end; 174E2: Second end

[0042] 176: Guide sleeve; 178: Fastener

[0043] 182, 282, 382, ​​482: Drive components; 184: Limiting components

[0044] 230: Fixed circuit board 1161: First fixing part

[0045] 1162: Second fixing part; 1221: First parallel segment

[0046] 1221i, 1221ii: End 1222: Second parallel segment

[0047] 1223: Height difference section; 1821, 4821: Secondary gear

[0048] 1822: Connecting shaft; 1823: Motor

[0049] 1824: Wire; 1825: Control chip

[0050] 1826: Switching element; 2821: Worm gear

[0051] 2822: Threaded part; 2823, 3824, 4823: Hand-held part

[0052] 3821: Bevel gear; 3822: Bottom shaft

[0053] 3823: Extended shaft; 4822: Long shaft

[0054] BM: Bottom D1: First Direction

[0055] D2: Second direction; D3: Third direction

[0056] DT1,DT2,DT3,D1221,D1222,D1221i,D1221ii: Distance

[0057] EG: Edge GP: Gap

[0058] HA, HB: Altitude; HD: Height Difference

[0059] IL: Isolator P1: High-level section

[0060] P2: Lower part; X, Y, Z: Coordinate axes Detailed Implementation

[0061] The following description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, details various embodiments. The description and drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limiting. For clarity, some elements and / or symbols may be omitted in some drawings. Furthermore, elements in the drawings may not be drawn to scale. It is anticipated that elements and features in one embodiment can be advantageously incorporated into another embodiment without further repetition.

[0062] Please refer to Figures 1A-1C , Figure 1A A top view of an input structure 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 1B Draw Figure 1A The input structure 10 is a partial side view in the first state. Figure 1C Draw Figure 1A The input structure 10 is a partial side view of the second state.

[0063] In this embodiment, the input structure 10 is illustrated using a keyboard as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The input structure of the present invention can be used in other input structures with buttons or keys, such as the input structures of electronic devices such as mobile phones and home appliances.

[0064] The input structure 10 includes a base plate 110 and a button module 100. The base plate 110 has a top surface 110a. The button module 100 is disposed on the top surface 110a and includes a first button element 152. In this embodiment, the first button element 152 includes four first button elements 1521 to 1524, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The number of first button elements 152 in the button module 100 can be one, two, three, or more than four.

[0065] The input structure 10 also includes a second button element KY, which is disposed on the top surface 110a. In the first state, the distance DT1 between the top surface 152a of the first button element 152 of the button module 100 and the top surface 110a of the base plate 110 in the first direction D1 (Z direction) is equal to the distance DT2 between the top surface KYa of the second button element KY and the top surface 110a of the base plate 110 in the first direction D1, such as... Figure 1B As shown. In the second state, the distance DT3 between the top surface 152a of the first button element 152 and the top surface 110a of the base plate 110 in the first direction D1 is greater than the distance DT2 between the top surface KYa of the second button element KY and the top surface 110a of the base plate 110 in the first direction D1, as shown. Figure 1C As shown. According to some embodiments, the first button element 152 may include a keypad and a mechanical shaft. The keypad is disposed on the mechanical shaft. The top surface 152a of the first button element 152 may represent the top surface of the keypad.

[0066] If the user uses the first button element 152 frequently, to avoid interference from the second button element KY during use, the button module 100 can be adjusted to raise the first button element 152, switching it from the first state to the second state. If the user deems it unnecessary to maintain the raised second state, the button module 100 can be adjusted to lower the first button element 152, switching it back from the second state to the first state. In other words, the height of the first button element 152 in the first direction D1 is adjustable, while the height of the second button element KY in the first direction D1 is fixed.

[0067] Figure 2 An exploded view of a portion (corresponding to the portion movable in the first direction D1) of a button module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 3A A perspective view of a base 120 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 3BA perspective view of a lifting circuit board 130 attached to a base 120 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 4 The illustration shows a guide sleeve 176 according to an embodiment of the present invention, coupled to... Figure 2 The above-view perspective view of part of the button module 100. Figure 5A A perspective view of a button module 100 in a first state according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 5B A perspective view of a button module 100 in a second state according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0068] Please refer to Figures 2-5B The key module 100 includes a base 120, a lifting circuit board 130, a keypad 140, the aforementioned first key element 152, a slider 160, a main gear 172, and a screw 174. The base 120 includes an upper surface 120a and a side surface 120b. The side surface 120b is connected to the upper surface 120a. The side surface 120b has a groove 122 with a height difference HD in a first direction D1, which is parallel to the normal direction of the upper surface 120a. The lifting circuit board 130 is disposed on the upper surface 120a of the base 120. The keypad 140 is disposed on the lifting circuit board 130 and has an opening 140h. The first key element 152 is disposed on the keypad 140 and passes through the opening 140h. The slider 160 is slidable in a second direction D2 and includes a body portion 162 and a sliding portion 164. A sliding portion 164 protrudes from the body portion 162. The body portion 162 has a through hole 166. The sliding portion 164 extends into a groove 122 of the base 120. The second direction D2 is perpendicular to the first direction D1 and parallel to the upper surface 120a of the base 120. The main gear 172 is adjacent to the through hole 166. The screw 174 passes through the through hole 166 and is connected to the main gear 172.

[0069] Because the groove 122 has a height difference HD in the first direction D1, when the main gear 172 is rotated to drive the screw 174 to rotate, thereby further driving the slider 160 to slide in the second direction D2, the sliding of the slider 164 in the groove 122 can change the overall height of the base 120, the lifting circuit board 130, the keypad 140, and the first button element 152 in the first direction D1. Therefore, the button module 100 can be adjusted according to the user's needs, so that the height of the first button element 152 in the first direction D1 can be adjusted to a more suitable state for the user. For example, when the user uses the first button element 152 frequently, the height of the first button element 152 in the first direction D1 can be increased by adjusting the button module 100, thereby improving the user's work efficiency and providing a better user experience.

[0070] like Figure 2 and3A As shown in ~3B, the base 120 also includes a first hole 120H1 and a second hole 120H2. The first hole 120H1 and the second hole 120H2 are separate from each other and pass through the upper surface 120a of the base 120 along a first direction D1. The diameter of the first hole 120H1 is larger than the diameter of the second hole 120H2. The base 120 also has a hook structure 124. The hook structure 124 protrudes from the upper surface 120a. When the lifting circuit board 130 is assembled on the base 120, it can be welded to the lifting circuit board 130 through the hook structure 124, so that the lifting circuit board 130 can be firmly fixed on the base 120. The lifting circuit board 130 also has a plurality of holes 130H, some of which correspond to the first hole 120H1 and the second hole 120H2. According to some embodiments, the upper surface 120a of the base 120 may be parallel to the top surface 110a of the base plate 110.

[0071] The keypad 140 also includes a plate-shaped portion 142, two first extension posts 144, and two second extension posts 146. The first extension posts 144 and second extension posts 146 are connected to the bottom of the plate-shaped portion 142 and extend towards the base 120. An opening 140h passes through the plate-shaped portion 142 along a first direction D1, separating from the first extension posts 144 and second extension posts 146 in the first direction D1. The length of the first extension post 144 in the first direction D1 is greater than the length of the second extension post 146 in the first direction D1. The first extension posts 144 and second extension posts 146 overlap with the first hole 120H1 and the second hole 120H2 respectively in the first direction D1. The first extension post 144 passes through the corresponding hole and the first hole 120H1 in the lifting circuit board 130, and the second extension post 146 passes through the corresponding hole and the second hole 120H2 in the lifting circuit board 130.

[0072] According to some embodiments, the keypad 140 may be made of metal, and the base 120 may be made of plastic.

[0073] like Figure 4As shown, the key module 100 also includes a fastener 178 and a guide sleeve 176. The fastener 178 secures the keypad 140 to the base 120 via a second extension post 146 and a second hole 120H2. For example, the external thread (not shown) of the fastener 178 can be locked to the internal thread (not shown) in the hollow structure of the second extension post 146. The first extension post 144 extends into the guide sleeve 176, which provides the first extension post 144 with a degree of freedom parallel to the first direction D1. That is, the guide sleeve 176 guides the first extension post 144 to move along the first direction D1, restricting the possibility of the first extension post 144 moving perpendicular to the first direction D1, so that the direction of movement of the first extension post 144 can only be parallel to the first direction D1. In detail, the guide sleeve 176 is a hollow tube extending along the first direction D1 with a smooth inner surface and no internal thread. The guide sleeve 176 fits tightly with the first extension post 144, so that the movement direction of the entire assembly of the base 120, the lifting circuit board 130, the keypad 140 and the first button element 152 can only be parallel to the first direction D1, for example, it can only move in the positive Z direction or the negative Z direction.

[0074] like Figure 5A As shown, the groove 122 has a higher portion P1 and a lower portion P2 that are interconnected. The height of the higher portion P1 in the first direction D1 is greater than the height of the lower portion P2 in the first direction D1. The sliding part 164 cooperates with the groove 122. When the sliding part 164 is at the higher portion P1 of the groove 122, the height between the top surface 152a of the first button element 152 and the bottom surface 160s of the slider 160 in the first direction D1 is HA. As the main gear 172 drives the slider 160 to slide in the second direction D2 (for example, to the right), the sliding part 164 moves to the lower portion P2 of the groove 122, as... Figure 5B As shown. Since the movement direction of the entire assembly of the base 120, lifting circuit board 130, keypad 140 and first button element 152 can only be parallel to the first direction D1, when the sliding part 164 moves to the lower part P2 of the groove 122, the entire assembly of the base 120, lifting circuit board 130, keypad 140 and first button element 152 is lifted, so that the height HB between the top surface 152a of the first button element 152 and the bottom surface 160s of the slider 160 in the first direction D1 is greater than the height HA.

[0075] According to some embodiments, the height difference HD of the groove 122 of the base 120 in the first direction D1 is greater than 0 and equal to or less than 10 mm. Please refer back to [reference needed]. Figure 2The trench 122 has a first parallel segment 1221 and a second parallel segment 1222 that are interconnected, and a height difference segment 1223. The height difference segment 1223 is disposed between the first parallel segment 1221 and the second parallel segment 1222. The first parallel segment 1221 corresponds to... Figure 5A The higher part P1 corresponds to the second parallel segment 1222. Figure 5A The lower portion P2. That is, the distance D1221 between the first parallel segment 1221 and the upper surface 120a is shorter than the distance D1222 between the second parallel segment 1222 and the upper surface 120a. In some embodiments, the distance D1221i between the end 1221i of the first parallel segment 1221 farther from the height difference segment 1223 and the upper surface 120a is slightly greater than the distance D1221ii between the end 1221ii of the first parallel segment 1221 closer to the height difference segment 1223 and the upper surface 120a. In other words, the tail (i.e., end 1221i) of the first parallel segment 1221 is slightly lower to use gravity to prevent the slider 160 from slipping back.

[0076] Figure 6A A partial perspective view of the slider 160 in a first state according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 6B A partial perspective view of the slider 160 in a second state according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, with particular emphasis on the portion where the base plate 110 and the slider 160 are joined. Figure 7A A partial perspective view of a button module 100 integrated with a base plate 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 7B A bottom view of a button module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 7C A bottom view of a button module 100' according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 7D A bottom view of a button module 100'' according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 7E Draw Figure 7D Side view of button module 100'' Figure 7F A bottom view of a button module 100''' according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0077] like Figure 6AAs shown, a slider 160 is disposed on the top surface 110a of the base plate 110. The bottom surface 160s of the slider 160 can contact the top surface 110a of the base plate 110. The base plate 110 also includes a hollow column 112 and a sliding groove 114. The hollow column 112 protrudes from the top surface 110a along a first direction D1. The sliding groove 114 protrudes from the top surface 110a along the first direction D1 and extends along a second direction D2. In this embodiment, the two sliding grooves 114 are spaced apart from each other in a third direction D3 and correspond to the two opposite outer sides of the slider 160. The slider 160 is engaged in the sliding groove 114 and is movable in the second direction D2. That is, since the slider 160 is fitted into the groove 114, the movement of the groove 114 in the first direction D1 and the third direction D3 is restricted. Therefore, the slider 160 has no degree of freedom in the first direction D1 or the third direction D3, and can only move parallel to the second direction D2. The guide sleeve 176 is disposed in the hollow column 112. That is, the guide sleeve 176 is located between the hollow column 112 and the first extension column 144. Since the guide sleeve 176 is fixed inside the hollow column 112, the first extension column 144 can only move parallel to the first direction D1 within the guide sleeve 176. The frictional force of the material of the guide sleeve 176 is less than that of the material of the hollow column 112, so the guide sleeve 176 can also make the movement of the first extension column 144 smoother. The material of the guide sleeve 176 may include metal.

[0078] like Figure 7A As shown, the base plate 110 also includes a first fixing portion 1161 and a second fixing portion 1162. The first fixing portion 1161 and the second fixing portion 1162 protrude from the top surface 110a. The first fixing portion 1161 is adjacent to the first end 174E1 of the screw 174, and the second fixing portion 1162 is adjacent to the second end 174E2 of the screw 174. The first end 174E1 of the screw 174 is closer to the main gear 172 than the second end 174E2, and the second end 174E2 is relative to the first end 174E1. The first fixing portion 1161 and the second fixing portion 1162 restrict the movement of the screw 174 in the first direction D1 and the third direction D3.

[0079] The button module 100 also includes a limiting member 184. The limiting member 184 is fixed to the base plate 110 and disposed at the first end 174E1 of the screw 174 to restrict the movement of the screw 174 in the second direction D2. Therefore, through the arrangement of the first fixing part 1161, the second fixing part 1162 and the limiting member 184, the screw 174 can only rotate in its original position.

[0080] The slider 160 also includes a transmission part 168. The transmission part 168 is disposed in the through hole 166. The internal thread (not shown) in the transmission part 168 matches the external thread (not shown) on the screw 174. The screw 174 passes sequentially along the second direction D2 through the second fixing part 1162, the transmission part 168 (i.e., through the through hole 166), the first fixing part 1161, and the axis of the main gear 172. By rotating the main gear 172, the screw 174 rotates with the main gear 172 and drives the slider 160 to slide parallel to the second direction D2.

[0081] like Figure 7B As shown, the button module 100 also includes a driving component 182. The driving component 182 is disposed around the main gear 172. The driving component 182 rotatably drives the main gear 172 to rotate. In this embodiment, the driving component 182 is disposed on the bottom surface 110b of the base plate 110, and the bottom surface 110b is opposite to the top surface 110a, that is, the driving component 182 and the base 120 are disposed on different surfaces of the base plate 110. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the driving component 182 may also be disposed on the top surface 110a.

[0082] The drive assembly 182 includes a secondary gear 1821, a connecting shaft 1822, a motor 1823, a wire 1824, a control chip 1825, and a switching element 1826. The secondary gear 1821 is positioned around the primary gear 172, and its tooth structure matches that of the primary gear 172. The connecting shaft 1822 passes through the axis of the secondary gear 1821. The motor 1823 is connected to the secondary gear 1821 via the connecting shaft 1822. The wire 1824 is electrically connected to the motor 1823. The control chip 1825 is electrically connected to the wire 1824 and the motor 1823. The switching element 1826 is electrically connected to the wire 1824, the control chip 1825, and the motor 1823. The motor 1823 drives the secondary gear 1821 to rotate, which in turn drives the primary gear 172 to rotate. In one embodiment, the main gear 172 has 30 teeth and the secondary gear 1821 has 10 teeth; however, the present invention is not limited thereto. In fact, the number of teeth on the main gear 172 can be greater than, equal to, or less than the number of teeth on the secondary gear 1821 to save space. The control chip 1825 can change the direction of the current to achieve the effect of forward or reverse rotation of the motor 1823, and its internal storage bits are used to confirm whether the button module 100 is in a first state (downward) or a second state (upward). The switching element 1826 can extend beyond the edge EG of the input structure 10 for user operation. The extension direction of the axis of the secondary gear 1821 can be parallel to the extension direction of the axis of the main gear 172.

[0083] Please refer to Figure 7CThe difference between button module 100' and button module 100 is that the drive assembly 282 differs from the drive assembly 182; other similar or identical parts will not be described in detail. The drive assembly 282 includes a worm gear 2821, a threaded portion 2822, and a handle 2823. The worm gear 2821 is disposed around the main gear 172. The threaded portion 2822 is disposed on the worm gear 2821 and corresponds to the main gear 172, and the threaded portion 2822 matches the tooth structure of the main gear 172. The handle 2823 is connected to the end of the worm gear 2821 away from the threaded portion 2822. The handle 2823 can extend beyond the edge EG of the input structure 10 for user operation. The handle 2823 can be, for example, a grip, a knob, or other user-friendly structure. The user can manually rotate the worm gear 2821 using the handle 2823, thereby causing the threaded portion 2822 to rotate the main gear 172. The extension direction of the worm gear 2821 rotation axis can be perpendicular to the extension direction of the main gear 172 axis.

[0084] Please refer to Figures 7D-7E The difference between button module 100'' and button module 100 is that the drive assembly 382 differs from the drive assembly 182; other similar or identical parts will not be described in detail. The drive assembly 382 includes a bevel gear 3821, a base shaft 3822, an extension shaft 3823, and a handheld part 3824. The bevel gear 3821 is disposed around the main gear 172, and the tooth structure of the bevel gear 3821 matches the tooth structure of the main gear 172. The base shaft 3822 is connected to the axis of the bevel gear 3821. The extension shaft 3823 is connected to the axis of the base shaft 3822. The handheld part 3824 is connected to the end of the extension shaft 3823 away from the base shaft 3822. The handheld part 3824 can extend beyond the bottom BM of the input structure 10 for user operation. The handheld part 3824 may be, for example, a grip, a knob, or other structure convenient for user operation. The user can manually rotate the bevel gear 3821 via the handheld part 3824, which in turn drives the main gear 172 to rotate. The direction of extension of the axis of the bevel gear 3821 can be perpendicular to the direction of extension of the axis of the main gear 172.

[0085] Please refer to Figure 7FThe difference between button module 100''' and button module 100 lies in that the drive assembly 482 differs from drive assembly 182; other similar or identical parts will not be described in detail. Drive assembly 482 includes a secondary gear 4821, a long shaft 4822, and a handheld part 4823. The secondary gear 4821 is disposed around the main gear 172, and the tooth structure of the secondary gear 4821 matches the tooth structure of the main gear 172. The long shaft 4822 is connected to the axis of the secondary gear 4821. The handheld part 4823 is connected to the end of the long shaft 4822 away from the main gear 172. The handheld part 4823 can extend beyond the edge EG of the input structure 10 for user operation. The handheld part 4823 can be, for example, a grip, a knob, or other user-friendly structure. The user can manually rotate the secondary gear 4821 via the handheld part 4823, thereby rotating the main gear 172. The axis of the secondary gear 4821 may extend in a direction parallel to the axis of the primary gear 172. In some embodiments, the secondary gear 4821 may be identical to the secondary gear 1821.

[0086] Figure 8A A partial top view of the input structure 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 8B Draw along Figure 8A A cross-sectional view of the line connecting 8B-8B'.

[0087] Please refer to Figures 8A-8B The input structure 10 also includes a fixed circuit board 230 and an isolator IL. The fixed circuit board 230 is disposed on the base plate 110 and located around the button module 100. The second button element KY is disposed on the fixed circuit board 230. A gap GP is provided between the lifting circuit board 130 and the fixed circuit board 230. The isolator IL is adhered to the underside of the lifting circuit board 130 and the fixed circuit board 230 and overlaps the gap GP in the first direction D1. The isolator IL prevents water and dust from seeping into the underside of the lifting circuit board 130 and the fixed circuit board 230 through the gap GP. The material of the isolator IL can be polyester film (Mylar), silicone, rubber, or other suitable waterproof and flexible materials.

[0088] According to some embodiments, the lifting circuit board 130 and the fixed circuit board 230 can be electrically connected to each other via wires (not shown).

[0089] In summary, this utility model provides a button module and an input structure including the same. Users can adjust the button module according to their needs to change the height of the first button element, thus making the first button element more convenient to use, thereby improving work efficiency and providing a better user experience.

[0090] Although the present invention has been disclosed above by way of embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains can make various modifications and refinements without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of this invention shall be determined by the claims.

Claims

1. A button module, characterized in that, include: A base includes an upper surface and a side surface, the side surface being connected to the upper surface, the side surface having a groove having a height difference in a first direction, the first direction being parallel to the normal direction of the upper surface; A lifting circuit board is disposed on the upper surface of the base; A single-key panel, mounted on the lifting circuit board, has an opening; A first key element is disposed on the keypad and passes through the opening; A slider is slidable in a second direction, including a body portion and a sliding portion, the sliding portion protruding from the body portion, the body portion having a through hole, the sliding portion extending into the groove of the base, wherein the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction and parallel to the upper surface of the base. A main gear, adjacent to the through hole; and A screw passes through the through hole and is connected to the main gear.

2. The button module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The keypad includes a plate-shaped portion, a first extension post and a second extension post, the first extension post and the second extension post being connected to the plate-shaped portion and extending toward the base, the length of the first extension post in the first direction being greater than the length of the second extension post in the first direction.

3. The button module as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The base includes a first hole and a second hole, which are separate from each other and pass through the upper surface of the base. The first extension post passes through the first hole and the second extension post passes through the second hole.

4. The button module as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The diameter of the first hole is larger than the diameter of the second hole.

5. The button module as described in claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes a fastener that secures the keypad to the base via the second extension post and the second hole.

6. The button module as described in claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes a guide sleeve in which the first extension post extends, the guide sleeve providing the first extension post with a degree of freedom parallel to the first direction.

7. The button module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The slider also includes a transmission part disposed in the through hole. The internal thread in the transmission part matches the external thread on the screw. By rotating the main gear, the screw rotates with the main gear and drives the slider to slide parallel to the second direction.

8. The button module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A limiting member is disposed at a first end of the screw, the first end being closer to the main gear than a second end of the screw, the second end being relative to the first end; and A drive component is disposed around the main gear, and the drive component can rotatably drive the main gear to rotate.

9. The button module as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The drive component includes: A set of gears is disposed around the main gear, and the tooth structure of the set gear matches the tooth structure of the main gear. A connecting shaft passes through the axis of the secondary gear; A motor is connected to the secondary gear via the connecting shaft; A wire is electrically connected to the motor; A control chip, electrically connected to the wire and the motor; and A switching element is electrically connected to the wire, the control chip, and the motor.

10. The button module as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The drive component includes: A worm gear is positioned around the main gear; A threaded portion is disposed on the worm and corresponds to the main gear, wherein the threaded portion matches the tooth structure of the main gear; and One hand is connected to the end of the worm gear that is away from the threaded part.

11. The button module as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The drive component includes: A bevel gear is disposed around the main gear, the tooth structure of the bevel gear matching the tooth structure of the main gear; A bottom shaft is connected to the axis of the bevel gear; An extension shaft, connected to the axis of the base shaft; and One hand is connected to the end of the extension shaft that is away from the bottom shaft.

12. The button module as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The drive component includes: A set of gears is disposed around the main gear, and the tooth structure of the set gear matches the tooth structure of the main gear. A long shaft, connected to the axis of the secondary gear; and One hand is connected to the end of the long shaft that is away from the main gear.

13. The button module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The height difference is greater than 0 and equal to or less than 10 mm.

14. The button module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The trench has a first parallel section, a second parallel section, and a height difference section, and the distance between the first parallel section and the upper surface is shorter than the distance between the second parallel section and the upper surface.

15. The button module as described in claim 14, characterized in that, The distance between the end of the first parallel segment that is farther from the height difference segment and the upper surface is slightly greater than the distance between the end of the first parallel segment that is closer to the height difference segment and the upper surface.

16. An input structure, characterized in that, include: A base plate with a top surface; as well as The button module as described in claim 1 is disposed on the top surface of the base plate.

17. The input structure as described in claim 16, characterized in that, The base plate includes a hollow column and a sliding groove. The hollow column protrudes from the top surface along the first direction, and the sliding groove protrudes from the top surface along the first direction and extends along the second direction.

18. The input structure as described in claim 17, characterized in that, The slider is engaged in the groove and is movable in the second direction, and a guide sleeve of the button module is disposed in the hollow column.

19. The input structure as described in claim 17, characterized in that, The base plate also includes a first fixing part and a second fixing part, which protrude from the top surface respectively. The first fixing part is adjacent to the first end of the screw, and the second fixing part is adjacent to the second end of the screw. The screw is disposed in the first fixing part and the second fixing part, wherein the first end of the screw is closer to the main gear than the second end of the screw, and the second end is relative to the first end.

20. The input structure as described in claim 17, characterized in that, Also includes: A fixed circuit board is mounted on the base plate and located around the button module; There is a gap between the lifting circuit board and the fixed circuit board.

21. The input structure as described in claim 20, characterized in that, It also includes a separator that is attached to the underside of the lifting circuit board and the fixed circuit board and overlaps the gap in the first direction.

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