A wide-button key structure

Abstract

This utility model discloses a wide-key button structure, aiming to provide a simple structure with enhanced strength and support of the scissor-switch mechanism through the use of stepped grooves, resulting in a better overall pressing feel. The utility model includes a base plate, a membrane circuit board, a scissor-switch module, and keycaps. The membrane circuit board is disposed on the upper surface of the base plate, and the keycaps are connected to the upper surface of the base plate via the scissor-switch module. A support platform on the lower surface of the keycap cooperates with an elastic element on the upper surface of the membrane circuit board. This utility model applies to the technical field of keyboard buttons.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of keyboard keys, and particularly to a key structure with wide keys. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous development of information technology, keyboards have become widely used as a typical input device for electronic products such as laptops, tablets, and mobile phones. Currently, computer keyboard key layouts are generally divided into five types: American English, British English, Brazilian English, Japanese, and Korean. Among them, the Enter key for British English, Brazilian English, and Japanese is usually designed in a "7" or "L" shape according to their respective national usage habits. Because scissor-switch keyboards are relatively thin, to improve the feel of the "7" or "L" shaped Enter key when pressing the corners, one or more balance bars are usually added inside the "7" or "L" shaped Enter key. For example, Chinese patent application number "CN200320131880.3" discloses a thin keyboard with an L-shaped Enter key. This patent implementation not only has one or more balance bars but also a two-scissor-switch implementation. This results in a complex structure, many parts, high production and assembly costs, and when the Enter key is pressed, the impact between the metal balance bar and the keycap or mounting plate can easily produce abnormal noise from the balance bar. If a simple button structure with yin-yang stepped grooves can be designed to enhance the strength and support of the scissor-switch mechanism and improve the overall pressing feel, the above problems can be solved. Utility Model Content

[0003] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a wide button structure with a simple structure, a scissor foot structure with a male and female stepped groove to make the structure stronger and more supportive, and a better overall pressing feel.

[0004] The technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows: This utility model includes a base plate, a thin film circuit board, a scissor-switch module, and a keycap. The thin film circuit board is disposed on the upper surface of the base plate, and the keycap is connected to the upper surface of the base plate through the scissor-switch module. The support platform on the lower surface of the keycap cooperates with the elastic element on the upper surface of the thin film circuit board.

[0005] Furthermore, the scissor leg module includes an outer scissor leg and an inner scissor leg. The outer scissor leg has a clearance opening in the middle, and central shaft holes are provided at both ends of the clearance opening. The inner scissor leg has a central shaft at both ends. The central shafts at both ends of the inner scissor leg are rotatably engaged with the central shaft holes at both ends of the clearance opening. The inner scissor leg has a trigger through hole in the middle, and the support platform engages with the elastic element through the trigger through hole.

[0006] Furthermore, a plurality of base plate sliding buckles are provided on one side of the upper surface of the base plate, and a plurality of base plate rotating buckles are provided on the other side of the upper surface of the base plate. A plurality of first rotating shafts are provided on the side of the outer scissor leg corresponding to the base plate, and the plurality of first rotating shafts are rotatably engaged with the plurality of base plate rotating buckles. A plurality of first sliding shafts are provided on the side of the inner scissor leg corresponding to the base plate, and the plurality of first sliding shafts are slidably engaged with the plurality of base plate sliding buckles.

[0007] Furthermore, a plurality of keycap rotation latches are provided on one side of the lower end face of the keycap, and a plurality of keycap sliding latches are provided on the other side of the lower end face of the keycap. A plurality of second sliding shafts are provided on the side of the outer scissor leg corresponding to the keycap, and the plurality of second sliding shafts slide in cooperation with the plurality of keycap sliding latches. A plurality of second rotating shafts are provided on the side of the inner scissor leg corresponding to the keycap, and the plurality of second rotating shafts rotate in cooperation with the plurality of keycap rotation latches.

[0008] Furthermore, a positive step is provided on one side of the upper end face of the inner scissor leg, and a positive step groove is provided on one side of the lower end face of the outer scissor leg. The positive step and the positive step groove are conformally matched. A reverse step is provided on the lower end face of the inner scissor leg away from the positive step, and a reverse step groove is provided on the upper end face of the outer scissor leg away from the positive step groove. The reverse step and the reverse step groove are conformally matched.

[0009] Furthermore, the thin-film circuit board is provided with a plurality of clearance grooves, which cooperate with a plurality of base plate sliding buckles and a plurality of base plate rotating buckles.

[0010] Furthermore, the keycap is configured with an L-shaped wide-body structure, and the base plate and the thin-film circuit board are adapted to the L-shaped wide-body structure of the keycap.

[0011] Furthermore, the support platform is located in the middle of the lower end face of the keycap, near the long side of the keycap.

[0012] Furthermore, the distance between the support platform and the center of the keycap is 2-6mm.

[0013] Furthermore, the base plate is provided with a pressing relief hole, which cooperates with the lower end of the elastic element.

[0014] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: The external scissor feet of this application adopt a U-shaped structure, and the left and right sides of the external scissor feet are respectively designed with yin and yang stepped grooves to enhance the strength of the external scissors and make the torsional strength of the external and internal scissor feet more acceptable, thereby achieving a better feel at the corners of the keys. The sliding shaft and rotating shaft on the blade foot are designed with more than three connection points, which can reduce the deterioration of the feel caused by deformation of the keycap, scissors, or base plate, and at the same time increase the pull force of the key, preventing the keycap from easily falling off. The support point of the elastic element is designed at the upper left of the center of the scissor feet. This allows for a better feel when pressing the corners of the protruding part of the 7-shaped Enter key. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the base plate; Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the external scissor feet; Figure 5 A three-dimensional view of the outer scissor foot from another perspective; Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the inner scissor foot; Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional view of the inner scissor foot from another perspective; Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the keycap; Figure 9 This is a plan view of the keycap. Detailed Implementation

[0016] like Figures 1 to 9 As shown, in this embodiment, the present invention includes a base plate 1, a thin-film circuit board 2, a scissor-switch module 3, and a keycap 4. The thin-film circuit board 2 is disposed on the upper surface of the base plate 1. The keycap 4 is connected to the upper surface of the base plate 1 through the scissor-switch module 3. The support platform 5 on the lower surface of the keycap 4 cooperates with the elastic element 6 on the upper surface of the thin-film circuit board 2. Therefore, by pressing the keycap 4, the support platform 5 contacts the elastic element 6, triggering the downward stroke. The scissor-switch module 3 makes the downward pressing process more stable.

[0017] like Figures 1 to 6As shown, in this embodiment, the scissor leg module 3 includes an outer scissor leg 31 and an inner scissor leg 32. The outer scissor leg 31 has a clearance opening 33 in the middle, and central shaft holes 34 are provided at both ends of the clearance opening 33. The inner scissor leg 32 has central shafts 35 at both ends, and the central shafts 35 at both ends of the inner scissor leg 32 rotatably engage with the central shaft holes 34 at both ends of the clearance opening 33. A trigger through hole 36 is provided in the middle of the inner scissor leg 32, and the support platform 5 engages with the elastic element 6 through the trigger through hole 36. Therefore, the relative rotation of the central shaft 35 and the central shaft hole 34 allows the inner scissor leg 32 to rotate relative to the clearance opening 33 in the middle of the outer scissor leg 31, thereby achieving cross-rotation support for pressing down or resetting.

[0018] like Figures 3 to 8 As shown, in this embodiment, a plurality of base plate sliding latches 7 are provided on one side of the upper surface of the base plate 1, and a plurality of base plate rotating latches 8 are provided on the other side of the upper surface of the base plate 1. A plurality of first rotating shafts 9 are provided on the side of the outer scissor legs 31 corresponding to the base plate 1, and the plurality of first rotating shafts 9 are rotatably engaged with the plurality of base plate rotating latches 8. A plurality of first sliding shafts 10 are provided on the side of the inner scissor legs 32 corresponding to the base plate 1, and the plurality of first sliding shafts 10 are slidably engaged with the plurality of base plate sliding latches 7. It can be seen that the base plate 1 is designed with three sets of sliding latches and four sets of rotating latches, which can increase the linkage performance between the scissor legs and the keycaps and reduce the hidden danger of deterioration of key feel due to elastic deformation of the keycaps and scissor legs. The outer scissor legs 31 and the inner scissor legs 32 are arranged in a cross manner, with one end rotating and the other end sliding. The angle between the outer scissor legs 31 and the inner scissor legs 32 is adjusted by adjusting the sliding distance, thereby achieving the lifting effect.

[0019] like Figures 3 to 8 As shown, in this embodiment, a plurality of keycap rotation latches 11 are provided on one side of the lower end face of the keycap 4, and a plurality of keycap sliding latches 12 are provided on the other side of the lower end face of the keycap 4. A plurality of second sliding shafts 13 are provided on the side of the outer scissor-switch leg 31 corresponding to the keycap 4, and the plurality of second sliding shafts 13 are slidably engaged with the plurality of keycap sliding latches 12. A plurality of second rotating shafts 14 are provided on the side of the inner scissor-switch leg 32 corresponding to the keycap 4, and the plurality of second rotating shafts 14 are rotatably engaged with the plurality of keycap rotation latches 11. Thus, the keycap 4 is provided with four sets of sliding latches and three sets of rotating latches. By pressing the keycap 4, the second rotating shafts 14 are rotated, and the second sliding shafts 13 slide laterally, moving synchronously with the first rotating shaft 9 and the first sliding shaft 10 to achieve a downward pressing effect.

[0020] like Figures 1 to 6As shown, in this embodiment, a forward step 15 is provided on one side of the upper end face of the inner scissor leg 32, and a forward step groove 16 is provided on one side of the lower end face of the outer scissor leg 31. The forward step 15 and the forward step groove 16 are conformally fitted. A reverse step 17 is provided on the lower end face of the inner scissor leg 32 away from the forward step 15, and a reverse step groove 18 is provided on the upper end face of the outer scissor leg 31 away from the forward step groove 16. The reverse step 17 and the reverse step groove 18 are conformally fitted. Therefore, the steps and grooves are matched so that during the pressing process, the inner scissor leg 32 can be retracted into the outer scissor leg 31 and remain horizontal. This allows for a thinner scissor leg design while increasing the pressing stroke and improving the pressing trigger feel.

[0021] like Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the thin-film circuit board 2 is provided with a plurality of clearance grooves 19, which cooperate with a plurality of base plate sliding latches 7 and a plurality of base plate rotating latches 8. Thus, the clearance grooves 19 connect the scissor-leg module 3 to the latching structure on the base plate 1.

[0022] like Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the keycap 4 is configured with an L-shaped wide-body structure, and the base plate 1 and the thin-film circuit board 2 are adapted to the L-shaped wide-body structure of the keycap 4. Therefore, the L-shaped wide-body structure of the keycap can be adapted to the Enter key on the keyboard, resulting in a larger overall key area and a lower possibility of accidental key presses during use.

[0023] like Figure 9 As shown, in this embodiment, the support platform 5 is located at the center of the lower end face of the keycap 4, near the long side of the keycap 4, and the distance between the support platform 5 and the center of the keycap 4 is 2-6mm. Therefore, the support platform 5 is positioned on the upper half of the keycap 4, with a vertical distance 'a' from the center of the keycap 4, where 'a' = 2-6mm. The off-center design of the support platform 5 allows for better tactile feedback when pressing the protruding corners of the keycap 4.

[0024] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the base plate 1 is provided with a pressing relief hole 20, which cooperates with the lower end of the elastic element 6. Therefore, the pressing relief hole 20 can provide downward pressure for the elastic element 6, thereby reducing the overall height of the button and making it thinner and lighter.

[0025] The working principle of this utility model is as follows: The keycap 4 is driven to press down. The rotating shaft structure on the outer scissor legs 31 and the inner scissor legs 32 rotates relative to the rotating buckle structure on the base plate 1 and the keycap 4. The sliding shaft structure on the outer scissor legs 31 and the inner scissor legs 32 slides laterally within the sliding buckle structure on the base plate 1 and the keycap 4, causing the outer scissor legs 31 and the inner scissor legs 32 to rotate relative to each other. The keycap 4 then undergoes a downward stroke. The support platform 5 contacts the upper end of the elastic element 6 and drives the elastic element 6 to press down. When the stepped groove structure on the outer scissor legs 31 and the stepped structure on the inner scissor legs 32 are in contact, the elastic element 6 achieves complete pressing to trigger the downward pressure signal. When the keycap 4 is released, the elastic element 6 drives the keycap 4 to reset, and the outer scissor legs 31 and the inner scissor legs 32 return to their initial positions, thereby achieving a key press trigger for a wide key.

[0026] 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. A wide key key structure, comprising a bottom plate (1), a thin film circuit board (2), a scissor foot module (3) and a key cap (4), characterized in that: The thin film circuit board (2) is disposed on the upper surface of the base plate (1). The keycap (4) is connected to the upper surface of the base plate (1) through the scissor-foot module (3). The support platform (5) on the lower surface of the keycap (4) cooperates with the elastic element (6) on the upper surface of the thin film circuit board (2).

2. The wide key key structure according to claim 1, wherein: The scissor leg module (3) includes an outer scissor leg (31) and an inner scissor leg (32). The outer scissor leg (31) has a clearance opening (33) in the middle and central shaft holes (34) at both ends of the clearance opening (33). The inner scissor leg (32) has a central shaft (35) at both ends. The central shaft (35) at both ends of the inner scissor leg (32) is rotatably engaged with the central shaft holes (34) at both ends of the clearance opening (33). The inner scissor leg (32) has a trigger through hole (36) in the middle. The support platform (5) engages with the elastic element (6) through the trigger through hole (36).

3. The wide key key structure according to claim 2, wherein: The base plate (1) has several base plate sliding buckles (7) on one side of its upper surface and several base plate rotating buckles (8) on the other side of its upper surface. The outer scissor foot (31) has several first rotating shafts (9) on the side corresponding to the base plate (1). The several first rotating shafts (9) are rotatably engaged with the several base plate rotating buckles (8). The inner scissor foot (32) has several first sliding shafts (10) on the side corresponding to the base plate (1). The several first sliding shafts (10) are slidably engaged with the several base plate sliding buckles (7).

4. The wide key key structure according to claim 3, wherein: The keycap (4) has several keycap rotating latches (11) on one side of its lower end face and several keycap sliding latches (12) on the other side of its lower end face. The outer scissor leg (31) has several second sliding shafts (13) on the side corresponding to the keycap (4). The several second sliding shafts (13) are slidably engaged with the several keycap sliding latches (12). The inner scissor leg (32) has several second rotating shafts (14) on the side corresponding to the keycap (4). The several second rotating shafts (14) are rotatably engaged with the several keycap rotating latches (11).

5. The wide key key structure according to claim 2, wherein: A forward step (15) is provided on one side of the upper end face of the inner scissor leg (32), and a forward step groove (16) is provided on one side of the lower end face of the outer scissor leg (31). The forward step (15) and the forward step groove (16) are fitted together. A reverse step (17) is provided on the lower end face of the inner scissor leg (32) away from the forward step (15), and a reverse step groove (18) is provided on the upper end face of the outer scissor leg (31) away from the forward step groove (16). The reverse step (17) and the reverse step groove (18) are fitted together.

6. The wide key key structure according to claim 3, wherein: The thin-film circuit board (2) is provided with a plurality of clearance grooves (19), which cooperate with a plurality of base plate sliding buckles (7) and a plurality of base plate rotating buckles (8).

7. The wide key key structure according to claim 1, wherein: The keycap (4) is configured as an L-shaped wide-body structure, and the base plate (1) and the thin film circuit board (2) are adapted to the L-shaped wide-body structure of the keycap (4).

8. The wide key key structure according to claim 7, wherein: The support platform (5) is located in the middle of the lower end face of the keycap (4) near the long side of the keycap (4).

9. The wide key key structure according to claim 8, wherein: The distance between the support platform (5) and the middle of the keycap (4) is 2-6mm.

10. The wide key key structure according to claim 1, wherein: The base plate (1) is provided with a pressing avoidance hole (20), which is engaged with the lower end of the elastic element (6).

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