A key structure with an integrally formed elastic element

Abstract

This utility model discloses a button structure with an integrally molded elastic element, comprising a circuit board, an X-shaped bracket, an elastic element, and a keycap arranged sequentially from bottom to top. The elastic element includes a first spring arm and a second spring arm extending inwards to both sides of the X-shaped bracket, protrusions on both sides of the first and second spring arms that deform inwards under pressure, and a spring sheet extending towards the center of the X-shaped bracket with a downward tilting angle. When the keycap is pressed continuously, the protrusions are compressed from the sides, deforming until they are completely inserted into the grooves on both sides of the X-shaped bracket; simultaneously, the protrusions below the spring sheet abut against the circuit board, generating the function. The protrusions are prone to wear and tear due to repeated deformation under pressure. This elastic element is made of a wear-resistant material and integrally molded, making it more durable and providing strong button feedback. The button feedback force generated by the traditional silicone dome structure does not easily overlap with the highest point of the button feedback force generated by the pressure of the protrusions; the spring sheet structure effectively solves this problem.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of button technology, and in particular to a button structure with an integrally molded elastic element. Background Technology

[0002] Scissor-switch keyboards are often used in laptops and ultra-thin external keyboards—situations where space and quiet are critical—due to their thinness, stability, and low noise. However, limited by key travel and tactile characteristics, they don't perform as well as mechanical keyboards or long-travel membrane keyboards for heavy typing, gaming, or when a personalized feel is desired. Scissor-switch keyboards feature an X-shaped support beneath the keycaps, which, along with an elastic element beneath the keycap, provides support. Existing elastic elements are mostly silicone dome-shaped designs. When compressed, the silicone dome has a relatively flat pressure curve, bottoming out immediately upon actuation, lacking the tactile feedback of mechanical keyboards (such as blue or brown switches), resulting in a "linear and stiff" feel. Chinese utility model patent application number "2025205600918" discloses adding raised dots to the scissor-switch support to obtain stronger key feedback; however, the raised dots in this structure are prone to short lifespan due to stress concentration and repeated pressure. Utility Model Content

[0003] Purpose of the utility model: The purpose of this utility model is to provide a button structure that is integrally formed and has strong button feedback.

[0004] Technical solution: The present invention provides a button structure with an integrally molded elastic element, comprising a circuit board, an X-shaped bracket, and an elastic element arranged sequentially from bottom to top. One end of the elastic element is fixedly connected to the X-shaped bracket and extends towards the center of the X-shaped bracket. Both sides of the elastic element are provided with protrusions that deform inward under pressure. When pressed down, the protrusions enter the corresponding grooves in the X-shaped bracket, and the other end of the elastic element presses against the circuit board.

[0005] Preferably, the elastic element includes a first elastic arm and a second elastic arm extending to the inner sides of the X-shaped bracket, and a spring sheet extending towards the center of the X-shaped bracket with a downward tilt angle. Both outer sides of the first and second elastic arms are provided with protrusions that deform inward under pressure. The spring sheet has contact points for connection with the circuit board. The tilt angle of the spring sheet is adjustable; one end of the spring sheet extending inward has a bent contact portion.

[0006] Furthermore, the rebound force of the shrapnel is greater than the combined rebound force of the first and second spring arms.

[0007] Furthermore, a U-shaped bend is provided between the protrusion and the first and second elastic arms to allow the protrusion to deform inward.

[0008] Preferably, the elastic element is made of a wear-resistant metal material.

[0009] Beneficial effects: Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages: (1) The protrusion that deforms inward under pressure is integrated with the traditional silicone bowl structure, so that the button has strong button feedback and can be integrally molded, improving the structural strength and stability, and avoiding the problem of the protrusion being easily damaged due to repeated force deformation; (2) The traditional silicone bowl structure is set separately, and the button feedback force generated is not easy to overlap with the highest point of the button feedback force generated by the protrusion under pressure. The spring and the protrusion are integrally molded, which can solve this problem well; (3) The protrusion is no longer attached to the X-shaped bracket, and a different material than the X-shaped bracket can be used. By selecting a more wear-resistant material, the service life of the button can be increased. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model;

[0011] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the present invention;

[0012] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the elastic element in this utility model;

[0013] Figure 4 This is a side view of the elastic element in this utility model;

[0014] Figure 5 This is a front view of the elastic element in this utility model;

[0015] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the protrusion just entering the groove in this utility model;

[0016] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the protrusion in this utility model when it is fully inserted into the groove. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The technical solution of this utility model will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0018] like Figure 1 As shown, the button structure with an integrally molded elastic element of this utility model includes a base plate 5, which serves to fix and support the various parts of the button; the base plate is provided with a circuit board 1 for realizing the switching of electrical signals, which integrates various electronic components and is mainly responsible for converting the button signal into an electrical signal. The circuit board 1 is a flexible circuit board, which is lightweight and occupies little space. Figure 2 As shown, the X-shaped bracket 2 is formed by bracket 1 21 and bracket 2 22 connected by a rotating shaft 23 to form an X structure, i.e. a scissor-leg structure. Mounting holes 24 are provided on both sides of bracket 1 21 and bracket 2 22. The claws 51 on the base plate are inserted into the mounting holes 24, thereby fixing the X-shaped bracket to the base plate.

[0019] As Figures 3 to 5 shown, the elastic element 3 is in a "mountain" shape. The bottom surface of the "mountain" shape is fixedly connected to one of the brackets of the X-shaped bracket and extends towards the center of the X-shaped bracket. A groove 25 is provided on the inner side of the other bracket for cooperating with the bump on the elastic element. The elastic element 3 includes a first elastic arm 31, a second elastic arm 32, and a spring plate 33. The first elastic arm 31 and the second elastic arm 32 extend towards the two inner sides of the X-shaped bracket respectively, and the extending ends are provided with U-shaped bending portions 37 for providing a margin for the inward deformation of the bump under extrusion force; convex points 34 are provided on the two outer sides of the U-shaped bending portion 37, and the shape of the convex point is adapted to the shape of the groove; the spring plate 33 is arranged on the center line of the elastic element, extends towards the center of the X-shaped bracket and has a downward inclination angle, and a contact point 35 for connecting with the circuit board 1 is provided below the spring plate; the end of the end of the spring plate extending inwards has a bending contact portion 36. The elastic element is made of a wear-resistant metal material, such as stainless steel with a certain elasticity. The upper surface of the keycap 4 is the part directly contacted by the user and is usually made of plastic material, and the surface can have different treatment processes, such as sanding, high gloss, painting, etc., to provide different touch and appearance effects. The entire elastic element integrates the bump and the trigger mechanism to achieve one-piece molding manufacturing, which can improve the structural strength and stability. In the one-time molding process, the internal stress distribution of the material is more uniform, avoiding the stress concentration problem caused by the material differences of each component. In the past design, the bump was connected to the bracket by welding, gluing or other methods, and during the use of the key, the bump was repeatedly stressed and squeezed, which was easy to cause wear. By using the one-piece molding method, the weak connection points can be reduced, and different materials from the X-shaped bracket can be used to extend the service life of the product.

[0020] As Figure 6 shown, when the user presses the keycap, the downward pressure is transmitted to the X-shaped bracket, and the convex point contacts the upper end of the groove; continue to apply the downward pressure, as Figure 7As shown, the protrusion 34 is pressed by the two sides of bracket one and bracket two, and the protrusion presses inward against the U-shaped bend 37, generating resistance until the protrusion is completely inserted into the groove. The U-shaped bend then returns to its original position, and the resistance disappears, creating a sharp, abrupt feedback that provides the user with a clear and crisp mechanical keyboard feel. When the protrusion is completely inserted into the groove, the bent contact part 36 abuts against the inner wall of the X-shaped bracket, preventing the spring from sliding forward and getting stuck. The contact point 35 below the spring presses against the circuit board 1, connecting the circuit and generating the corresponding function. To ensure smooth key rebound, the spring's rebound force needs to be greater than the total rebound force of the first and second spring arms. When the pressure is released, the spring returns to its original shape under the action of the rebound force. The tilt angle of the spring is adjustable, changing according to the size of the key and the required rebound force. Traditional reset mechanisms use a separately designed silicone cup structure, which makes it difficult for the button feedback force to overlap with the highest point of the button feedback force generated by the pressure of the protrusion. In contrast, the spring and the protrusion are molded as one piece, and the feedback force of the spring is a linear curve, which can be superimposed with the button feedback force formed by the protrusion, thus improving the comfort of use.

Claims

1. A key structure with an integrally formed elastic element, comprising, from bottom to top, a circuit board (1), an X-shaped support (2), and an elastic element (3), characterized in that, One end of the elastic element (3) is fixedly connected to the X-shaped bracket and extends to the center of the X-shaped bracket; both sides of the elastic element (3) are provided with protrusions (34) that deform inward under pressure; when pressed down, the protrusions enter the corresponding grooves in the X-shaped bracket, and the other end of the elastic element (3) presses on the circuit board (1).

2. The key structure according to claim 1, wherein The elastic element (3) includes a first elastic arm (31) and a second elastic arm (32) extending to the two inner sides of the X-shaped bracket (2) respectively, and a spring piece (33) extending to the center of the X-shaped bracket (2) and having a downward tilt angle. The two outer sides of the first elastic arm (31) and the second elastic arm (32) are provided with protrusions (34) that deform inward under pressure. The spring piece (33) is provided with contact points (35) for connecting with the circuit board (1).

3. The key structure according to claim 2, wherein The end of the spring (33) extending inward has a bent contact portion (36).

4. The key structure according to claim 2, wherein The rebound force of the spring piece (33) is greater than the total rebound force of the first spring arm (31) and the second spring arm (32).

5. The key structure according to claim 2, wherein The tilt angle of the spring (33) is adjustable.

6. The key structure according to claim 1, wherein The protrusion (34) is provided with a U-shaped bend (37) between itself and the first elastic arm and the second elastic arm, which allows the protrusion to deform inward.

7. The key structure according to claim 1, wherein The elastic element (3) is made of wear-resistant metal.

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