KEY STRUCTURE, KEYBOARD AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE

Abstract

 Embodiments of this application provide a key structure, a keyboard, and an electronic device. The key structure includes a key cap (10), a support assembly (20), and a base plate (50). The base plate (50) includes a membrane circuit board (40). Two ends of the support assembly (20) are respectively movably connected to the base plate (50) and the key cap (10). The support assembly (20) includes a frustum-shaped elastic part (30), and the elastic part (30) is disposed between the membrane circuit board (40) and the key cap (10). The elastic part (30) stores energy when the key cap (10) is pressed, and resets the key cap (10) when the key cap (10) is released. When an upper bottom part (33) of the elastic part (30) abuts against the membrane circuit board (40) on the base plate (50), a contact part (41) of the membrane circuit board (40) is triggered. A first avoidance groove (11) is provided on a back surface of the key cap (10). When the elastic part (30) is compressed and deformed, an upward protrusion part (31a) of the elastic part (30) may be accommodated in the first avoidance groove (11), to reduce fatigue damage of the elastic part (30) caused by interference between the elastic part (30) and the key cap (10), improve a service life of the elastic part (30), and reduce impact on a key function caused by thinning of the elastic part (30). This ensures that the key structure has a long enough key travel when the electronic device is light and thin, and improves a touch feeling of the key structure.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202110716213.4, filed with the China National Intellectual Property Administration on June 25, 2021 and entitled "KEY STRUCTURE, KEYBOARD, AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE", which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] Embodiments of this application relate to the field of key technologies, and in particular, to a key structure, a keyboard, and an electronic device.

BACKGROUND

[0003] A keyboard is an instruction and data input apparatus for operating an electronic device. A user who frequently uses a computer may perform a large quantity of keyboard input operations. A feeling of tapping a keyboard is very important, and a key travel that directly affects a user's keystroke feeling is an important parameter of a keyboard design. The key travel is a distance taken by a key after the key is pressed. A keyboard with a moderate key travel makes user feel soft and comfortable. With miniaturization and thinning of an electronic device, a keyboard becomes thinner, and a thinner keyboard correspondingly shortens a key travel, which affects a user's keystroke feeling. Therefore, how to provide a key structure that has a long enough key travel when an electronic device is light and thin is an urgent problem to be resolved in the industry.

SUMMARY

[0004] Embodiments of this application provide a key structure, a keyboard, and an electronic device, to resolve a prior-art problem that it is difficult to ensure a long enough key travel in a key structure when an electronic device is light and thin.

[0005] To achieve the foregoing objective, the following technical solutions are used in embodiments of this application.

[0006] According to a first aspect, a key structure is provided, including a key cap, a support assembly, and a base plate. The base plate includes a membrane circuit board, and the membrane circuit board is provided with a contact part. A first avoidance groove is provided on a surface that is of the key cap and that faces the membrane circuit board. Two ends of the support assembly are respectively movably connected to the base plate and the key cap, and the support assembly is configured to support the key cap in moving relative to the base plate. The support assembly includes a frustum-shaped elastic part, and the elastic part is disposed between the membrane circuit board and the key cap. The elastic part includes an upper bottom part and a lower bottom part, and a projection of the upper bottom part on the key cap is located in a projection of the lower bottom part on the key cap. When the elastic part is compressed as the key cap is pressed, the upper bottom part of the compressed elastic part abuts between the key cap and the contact part, and an upward protrusion part of the compressed elastic part is accommodated in the first avoidance groove.

[0007] A frustum shape is a three-dimensional shape between two parallel planes after a tapered body such as a circular cone, an elliptic cone, or a pyramid is cut by the two parallel planes. The frustum-shaped elastic part means that the elastic part is roughly frustum-shaped in appearance. The elastic part has only a top surface area and a side surface area of a frustum, and does not have a bottom surface area of the frustum. The bottom surface of the frustum is provided with an opening part. According to the key structure provided in this embodiment of this application, in a process of pressing or releasing the key cap, the support assembly plays a role of supporting the key cap in moving relative to the base plate. The elastic part stores energy when the key cap is pressed, and resets the key cap when the key cap is released. When the upper bottom part of the elastic part abuts against the membrane circuit board on the base plate, the contact part of the membrane circuit board is triggered. The first avoidance groove is provided on a back surface of the key cap. When the elastic part is compressed and deformed, the upward protrusion part of the elastic part may be accommodated in the first avoidance groove, to reduce fatigue damage of the elastic part caused by interference between the elastic part and the key cap, improve a service life of the elastic part, and reduce impact on a key function caused by thinning of the elastic part. This ensures that the key structure has a long enough key travel when the electronic device is light and thin, and improves a touch feeling of the key structure.

[0008] With reference to the first aspect, in a first possible implementation of the first aspect, a second avoidance groove is provided on the base plate. When the elastic part is compressed as the key cap is pressed, a downward protrusion part of the compressed elastic part is accommodated in the second avoidance groove. Fatigue damage of the downward protrusion part caused by interference between the elastic part and the base plate or the membrane circuit board is reduced, and a service life of the elastic part is increased. This further ensures that the key structure has a long enough key travel when the electronic device is light and thin.

[0009] With reference to the first possible implementation of the first aspect, in a second possible implementation of the first aspect, a first annular part is included between the upper bottom part and the lower bottom part. The first annular part is a part that is of the elastic part and that protrudes upwards and is in contact with the key cap after the elastic part is compressed, and a position of the first avoidance groove is corresponding to a position of the first annular part. A second annular part is included between the upper bottom part and the lower bottom part. The second annular part is a part that is of the elastic part and that protrudes downwards and is in contact with the base plate after the elastic part is compressed, and a position of the second avoidance groove is corresponding to a position of the second annular part. When the upper bottom part abuts against the contact part as the key cap is pressed, the first annular part protrudes towards the key cap to form the upward protrusion part, and the upward protrusion part is at least partially accommodated in the first avoidance groove, to reduce fatigue damage of the elastic part caused by interference between the elastic part and the key cap. In addition, the second annular part protrudes towards the base plate to form the downward protrusion part, and the downward protrusion part is at least partially accommodated in the second avoidance groove, to reduce fatigue damage of the elastic part caused by interference between the elastic part and the base plate.

[0010] With reference to the second possible implementation of the first aspect, in a third possible implementation of the first aspect, a shape of the second avoidance groove matches a shape of the second annular part, and the second avoidance groove is in an annular shape. When the key cap is pressed, the second annular part bends downwards and is deformed, to form the downward protrusion part with a convex surface facing the base plate and a concave surface facing the key cap, so that a part of the downward protrusion part in an annular shape is accommodated in the second avoidance groove, and a case in which the second annular part interferes with the membrane circuit board or the base plate because the second avoidance groove is not provided can be effectively reduced.

[0011] With reference to the second possible implementation of the first aspect, in a fourth possible implementation of the first aspect, the second avoidance groove includes a plurality of arc-shaped grooves distributed by using the contact part as a center. When the key cap is pressed, the second annular part bends downwards and is deformed, so that a plurality of parts of the downward protrusion part is respectively accommodated in different arc-shaped grooves, and a case in which the second annular part interferes with the membrane circuit board or the base plate because the second avoidance groove is not provided is reduced.

[0012] With reference to any one of the first possible implementation to the fourth possible implementation of the first aspect, in a fifth possible implementation of the first aspect, the second avoidance groove is provided by penetrating the base plate; or a depth of the second avoidance groove is less than a thickness of the base plate. Both the manners can ensure that the second annular part of the elastic part is at least partially accommodated in the second avoidance groove when the key cap is pressed.

[0013] With reference to any one of the first possible implementation to the fifth possible implementation of the first aspect, in a sixth possible implementation of the first aspect, a projection of the first avoidance groove on the key cap surrounds a projection of the second avoidance groove on the key cap. In a top-view direction, the first avoidance groove is provided outside the second avoidance groove, so that when the elastic part is compressed, the first annular part on an outer side of the elastic part enters the first avoidance groove of the key cap, and the first annular part on an inner side enters the second avoidance groove of the base plate or the membrane circuit board.

[0014] With reference to any one of the second possible implementation to the fourth possible implementation of the first aspect, in a seventh possible implementation of the first aspect, a shape of the first avoidance groove matches a shape of the first annular part, and the first avoidance groove is in an annular shape. When the key cap is pressed, the first annular part bends upwards and is deformed, to form the upward protrusion part with a convex surface facing the key cap and a concave surface facing the base plate, so that a part of the upward protrusion part in an annular shape is accommodated in the first avoidance groove, and a case in which the first annular part interferes with the back surface of the key cap because the first avoidance groove is not provided can be effectively reduced.

[0015] With reference to any one of the first aspect to the seventh possible implementation of the first aspect, in an eighth possible implementation of the first aspect, a depth of the first avoidance groove is less than a thickness of the key cap. The first avoidance groove is provided on the back surface of the key cap to avoid the first annular part when the elastic part is compressed, and the first avoidance groove is not provided by penetrating the key cap, which affects an appearance of the key cap and user's touch feeling.

[0016] With reference to any one of the first aspect to the eighth possible implementation of the first aspect, in a ninth possible implementation of the first aspect, the support assembly further includes a first scissor leg and a second scissor leg that are pivotally connected to each other. Two ends of the first scissor leg are respectively movably connected to the base plate and the key cap, two ends of the second scissor leg are respectively movably connected to the base plate and the key cap, and the elastic part is disposed by penetrating through a middle part of the first scissor leg and a middle part of the second scissor leg. The first scissor leg and the second scissor leg are arranged in an X-shaped manner. The first scissor leg and the second scissor leg are matched, to play a role of supporting and balancing the key cap.

[0017] With reference to any one of the first aspect to the eighth possible implementation of the first aspect, in a tenth possible implementation of the first aspect, the support assembly includes bent rods arranged in pairs. First ends of the bent rods are pivotally connected to the key cap, second ends of the bent rods are slidably mounted on the base plate, and the elastic part is located between the bent rods arranged in pairs. The bent rods arranged in pairs are matched, to play a role of supporting and balancing the key cap.

[0018] According to a second aspect, a keyboard is provided, including the foregoing key structure. Because the keyboard provided in this embodiment of this application uses the foregoing key structure, the keyboard also has all beneficial effects brought by the technical solutions in the foregoing embodiment.

[0019] According to a third aspect, an electronic device is provided, including the foregoing key structure. Because the electronic device provided in this embodiment of this application uses the foregoing key structure, the electronic device also has all beneficial effects brought by the technical solutions in the foregoing embodiment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0020] 

FIG. 1 is a schematic exploded view of a keyboard according to a conventional technology;

FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded view of a key structure of the keyboard in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a three-dimensional structural view of an elastic part in the key structure in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of compressive deformation of the key structure in FIG. 3 in a pressing process;

FIG. 5 is a three-dimensional assembly view of a key structure according to an embodiment of this application;

FIG. 6 is a three-dimensional exploded view of the key structure in FIG. 5;
(a) in FIG. 7 is a three-dimensional structural view of a key cap in the key structure in FIG. 6, (b) in FIG. 7 is a three-dimensional structural view of the key cap from another perspective, (c) in FIG. 7 is a front view of the key cap, (d) in FIG. 7 is a sectional view along a line A-A in (c) in

FIG. 7, and (e) in FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of B in (d) in FIG. 7;

FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view of the key structure in FIG. 5;

(a) and (b) in FIG. 9 are schematic cross-sectional views of compressive deformation of the key structure in FIG. 8 in a pressing process; and

(a) and (b) in FIG. 10 are schematic views of a structure of a base plate in the key structure in FIG. 8 from different perspectives.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0021] A key structure provided in the following embodiments of this application may be applied to an electronic device having a keyboard, for example, a notebook computer, a desktop computer, a mobile phone terminal, a wearable product, a tablet computer, a smart home terminal, or an automobile electronic device.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a schematic exploded view of a keyboard according to a conventional technology. FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded view of a key structure of the keyboard in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a three-dimensional structural view of an elastic part in the key structure in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of compressive deformation of the elastic part in FIG. 3 in a pressing process. As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, a conventional key structure includes a key cap 10', a scissors-type support assembly 20', an elastic part 30', a membrane circuit board 40', and a base plate 50'. The membrane circuit board 40' is disposed on the base plate 50'. The scissors-type support assembly 20' is connected between the base plate 50' and the key cap 10', and plays a role of supporting and balancing the key cap 10'. The elastic part 30' is disposed in the scissors-type support assembly 20' and is located between the base plate 50' and the key cap 10', and is configured to provide a restoring spring force for the key cap 10'. The base plate 50' may be made of metal or another hard material. With reference to FIG. 4, when the key cap 10' is not pressed, the key cap 10' and the base plate 50' are separated by a specific distance. When the key cap 10' is pressed, the elastic part 30' is compressed and deformed, and the scissors-type support assembly 20' rises and falls. When an upper bottom part 33' of the elastic part 30' abuts against a contact part 41' of the membrane circuit board 40', the contact part 41' generates a trigger signal. When the key cap 10' is released, the key cap 10' is reset to be in an unpressed state with the elastic part 30' under an elastic action of the elastic part 30', and drives the scissors-type support assembly 20' to be reset.

[0023] For the key structure shown in FIG. 2, to make an overall structure thinner, thicknesses of components that are sequentially arranged in a longitudinal direction may be reduced on the premise of ensuring a sufficient key travel. The longitudinal direction herein is a Z direction, that is, a pressing direction of the key structure. However, some components have an extreme thickness, and cannot be excessively thinned; and some components are limited by functions, and size reduction may cause other problems.

[0024] For example, a height of the elastic part 30' shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 is H when the elastic part 30' is not compressed. When the key cap 10' is pressed, the elastic part 30' is compressed and deformed, a first part 31' of the elastic part 30' protrudes and bends upwards, a second part 32' protrudes and bends downwards, and a height of the elastic part 30' is h when the elastic part 30' is completely compressed. When the elastic part 30' is thinned, the height h of the elastic part 30' is reduced when the elastic part 30' is completely compressed, and a compression ratio of the elastic part 30' is increased. The compression ratio of the elastic part 30' is a ratio (H/h) of the height when the elastic part is not compressed to the height when the elastic part is fully compressed. For example, after the elastic part 30' is thinned, the compression ratio of the elastic part 30' is increased from 2.73 to 3.72. When the key cap 10' is pressed, the first part 31' of the elastic part 30' is folded and cracks in fatigue due to interference with the key cap 10', and the second part 32' cracks in extrusion due to interference with the membrane circuit board 40' or the base plate 50'. After a plurality of times of compression, the elastic part 30' cracks in fatigue, and a use function of the elastic part 30' is affected.

[0025] FIG. 5 is a three-dimensional assembly view of a key structure according to an embodiment of this application, and FIG. 6 is a three-dimensional exploded view of the key structure in FIG. 5. (a) in FIG. 7 is a three-dimensional structural view of a key cap in the key structure in FIG. 6, (b) in FIG. 7 is a three-dimensional structural view of the key cap from another perspective, (c) in FIG. 7 is a front view of the key cap, (d) in FIG. 7 is a sectional view along a line A-A in (c) in FIG. 7, and (e) in FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of B in (d) in FIG. 7. FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view of the key structure in FIG. 5. FIG. 9 is schematic cross-sectional views of compressive deformation of the key structure in FIG. 8 in a pressing process.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, an embodiment of this application provides a key structure, including a key cap 10, a support assembly 20, and a base plate 50, to ensure that the key structure has a long enough key travel when an electronic device is light and thin, and reduce fatigue damage caused by interference between an elastic part and another component due to a plurality of times of compressive deformation. The base plate 50 includes a membrane circuit board 40, and the membrane circuit board 40 is provided with a contact part 41. With reference to (a) to (e) in FIG. 7, a first avoidance groove 11 is provided on a surface that is of the key cap 10 and that faces the membrane circuit board 40. Two ends of the support assembly 20 are respectively movably connected to the base plate 50 and the key cap 10, and the support assembly 20 is configured to support the key cap 10 in moving relative to the base plate 50. With reference to FIG. 8, the support assembly 20 includes a frustum-shaped elastic part 30. The elastic part 30 is disposed between the membrane circuit board 40 and the key cap 10, the elastic part 30 includes an upper bottom part 33 and a lower bottom part 34, and a projection of the upper bottom part 33 on the key cap 10 is located in a projection of the lower bottom part 34 on the key cap 10. With reference to (a) and (b) in FIG. 9, when the elastic part 30 is compressed as the key cap 10 is pressed, the upper bottom part 33 of the compressed elastic part 30 abuts between the key cap 10 and the contact part 41, and an upward protrusion part 31a of the compressed elastic part 30 is accommodated in the first avoidance groove 11.

[0027] A frustum shape is a three-dimensional shape between two parallel planes after a tapered body such as a circular cone, an elliptic cone, or a pyramid is cut by the two parallel planes. Depending on whether the tapered body is a circular cone, an elliptic cone, or a pyramid, the frustum shape may be a circular truncated cone, an elliptical truncated cone, or a truncated pyramid. Rounded corners may be configured for edges of the truncated pyramid. In this application, as shown in FIG. 8, the frustum-shaped elastic part 30 means that the elastic part 30 is roughly frustum-shaped in appearance. The elastic part 30 has only a top surface area and a side surface area of a frustum, and does not have a bottom surface area of the frustum. The bottom surface of the frustum is provided with an opening part 341. A transverse section of the elastic part 30 may be a circle, an ellipse, a polygon, a rounded rectangle, or the like.

[0028] According to the key structure provided in this embodiment of this application, in a process of pressing or releasing the key cap 10, the support assembly 20 plays a role of supporting the key cap 10 in moving relative to the base plate 50. The elastic part 30 stores energy when the key cap 10 is pressed, and resets the key cap 10 when the key cap 10 is released. When the upper bottom part 33 of the elastic part 30 abuts against the membrane circuit board 40 on the base plate 50, the contact part 41 of the membrane circuit board 40 is triggered. The first avoidance groove 11 is provided on a back surface 10b of the key cap 10. When the elastic part 30 is compressed and deformed, the upward protrusion part 31a of the elastic part 30 may be accommodated in the first avoidance groove 11, to reduce fatigue damage of the elastic part 30 caused by interference between the elastic part 30 and the key cap 10, improve a service life of the elastic part 30, and reduce impact on a key function caused by thinning of the elastic part 30. This ensures that the key structure has a long enough key travel when the electronic device is light and thin, and improves a touch feeling of the key structure.

[0029] For disposing of the key cap 10, as shown in (a) and (b) in FIG. 7, the key cap 10 has a structural appearance to be pressed by a user, and the key cap 10 is disposed above the base plate 50 by using the support assembly 20. A front surface 10a of the key cap 10 is a side facing the user, and the back surface 10b of the key cap 10 is a side that is of the key cap 10 and that faces the base plate 50. The key cap 10 may be an injection molding part, which facilitates batch molding.

[0030] For disposing of the elastic part 30, as shown in FIG. 8, in a process of using the key structure, the elastic part 30 needs to be compressed and deformed, and the elastic part 30 may be made of rubber or another elastic material. The elastic part 30 may be disposed as a frustum having the opening part 341 on the bottom surface. During assembly of the elastic part 30, the opening part 341 of the elastic part 30 faces the base plate 50, the upper bottom part 33 faces the key cap 10, and the lower bottom part 34 is connected to the base plate 50 or the membrane circuit board 40. During connection of the lower bottom part 34 to the base plate 50, a hole may be drilled at a corresponding position of the membrane circuit board 40, so that the lower bottom part 34 is connected to the base plate 50.

[0031] As shown in (a) and (b) in FIG. 9, in a process of pressing the key cap 10, the elastic part 30 is compressed and deformed, the upper bottom part 33 moves to a middle position of the lower bottom part 34, a part of an area of the elastic part 30 close to the lower bottom part 34 bends upwards and is deformed, and is referred to as the upward protrusion part 31a, and a part of an area of the elastic part 30 close to the upper bottom part 33 bends downwards and is deformed, and is referred to as a downward protrusion part 32a.

[0032] In some embodiments, to reduce fatigue crack of the downward protrusion part 32a caused by interference between the downward protrusion part 32a of the elastic part 30 and the base plate 50 or the membrane circuit board 40 when the elastic part 30 is compressed, similar to providing the first avoidance groove 11 on the back surface 10b of the key cap 10 to avoid the upward protrusion part 31a of the elastic part 30, as shown in (a) and (b) in FIG. 9, a second avoidance groove 51 is provided on the base plate 50. When the elastic part 30 is compressed as the key cap 10 is pressed, the downward protrusion part 32a of the compressed elastic part 30 is accommodated in the second avoidance groove 51. Fatigue damage of the downward protrusion part 32a caused by interference between the elastic part 30 and the base plate 50 or the membrane circuit board 40 is reduced, and a service life of the elastic part 30 is increased. This further ensures that the key structure has a long enough key travel when the electronic device is light and thin.

[0033] A third avoidance groove may be provided at a position that is of the membrane circuit board 40 and that is corresponding to the second avoidance groove 51, so that the downward protrusion part 32a at least partially passes through the third avoidance groove and is accommodated in the second avoidance groove 51. In addition, the third avoidance groove may not be provided at the position that is of the membrane circuit board 40 and that is corresponding to the second avoidance groove 51, and the downward protrusion part 32a pushes a part of the membrane circuit board 40 located in the second avoidance groove 51 and enters the second avoidance groove 51. Both the manners can reduce fatigue damage of the downward protrusion part 32a when the elastic part 30 is compressed and deformed.

[0034] In some embodiments, a first annular part 31 is included between the upper bottom part 33 and the lower bottom part 34. The first annular part 31 is a part that is of the elastic part 30 and that protrudes upwards and is in contact with the key cap 10 after the elastic part 30 is compressed. A position of the first avoidance groove 11 is corresponding to a position of the first annular part 31. A second annular part 32 is included between the upper bottom part 33 and the lower bottom part 34. The second annular part 32 is a part that is of the elastic part 30 and that protrudes downwards and is in contact with the base plate 50 after the elastic part 30 is compressed. A position of the second avoidance groove 51 is corresponding to a position of the second annular part 32. In other words, the elastic part 30 is disposed as the lower bottom part 34, the first annular part 31, the second annular part 32, and the upper bottom part 33 that are sequentially connected, and the lower bottom part 34 is provided with the opening part 341. The lower bottom part 34, the first annular part 31, the second annular part 32, and the upper bottom part 33 may be an integral structure. With reference to (a) and (b) in FIG. 9, when the upper bottom part 33 abuts against the contact part 41 as the key cap 10 is pressed, the first annular part 31 protrudes towards the key cap 10 to form the upward protrusion part 31a, and the upward protrusion part 31a is at least partially accommodated in the first avoidance groove 11, so that fatigue damage of the elastic part 30 caused by interference between the elastic part 30 and the key cap 10 is reduced. In addition, the second annular part 32 protrudes towards the base plate 50 to form the downward protrusion part 32a, and the downward protrusion part 32a is at least partially accommodated in the second avoidance groove 51, so that fatigue damage of the elastic part 30 caused by interference between the elastic part 30 and the base plate 50 is reduced.

[0035] For disposing of the first avoidance groove 11, a shape of the first avoidance groove 11 matches a shape of the first annular part 31, and the first avoidance groove 11 is in an annular shape. An axis of the first avoidance groove 11 and an axis of the elastic part 30 are approximately coaxially provided. When the key cap 10 is pressed, the first annular part 31 bends upwards and is deformed, to form the upward protrusion part 31a with a convex surface facing the key cap 10 and a concave surface facing the base plate 50, so that the upward protrusion part 31a in an annular shape is partially accommodated in the first avoidance groove 11, and a case in which the first annular part 31 interferes with the back surface 10b of the key cap 10 because the first avoidance groove 11 is not provided can be effectively reduced. The first avoidance groove 11 is in an annular shape, and is specifically configured as a matched shape, such as a circle, an ellipse, or a rounded rectangle, depending on the shape of the first annular part 31.

[0036] In some embodiments, a depth of the first avoidance groove 11 is less than a thickness of the key cap 10. The thickness of the key cap 10 is a wall thickness of the key cap 10. The first avoidance groove 11 is provided on the back surface 10b of the key cap 10 to avoid the first annular part 31 when the elastic part 30 is compressed, and the first avoidance groove 11 is not provided by penetrating the key cap 10, which affects an appearance of the key cap 10 and user's touch feeling. In addition, a chamfer may be configured between a bottom surface and an inner side surface of the first avoidance groove 11, to facilitate mold stripping of the key cap 10 during injection molding.

[0037] There is a plurality of implementations for providing the second avoidance groove 51. A first implementation of the second avoidance groove is as follows: As shown in (a) and (b) in FIG. 9, a shape of the second avoidance groove 51 matches a shape of the second annular part 32, the second avoidance groove 51 is in an annular shape, and the second avoidance groove 51 is continuous. An axis of the second avoidance groove 51 and an axis of the elastic part 30 are approximately coaxially provided. When the key cap 10 is pressed, the second annular part 32 bends downwards and is deformed, to form the downward protrusion part 32a with a convex surface facing the base plate 50 and a concave surface facing the key cap 10, so that a part of the downward protrusion part 32a in an annular shape is accommodated in the second avoidance groove 51, and a case in which the second annular part 32 interferes with the membrane circuit board 40 or the base plate 50 because the second avoidance groove 51 is not provided can be effectively reduced. The second avoidance groove 51 is in an annular shape, and is specifically configured as a matched shape, such as a circle, an ellipse, or a rounded rectangle, depending on the shape of the second annular part 32.

[0038] For example, the elastic part 30 is in a shape of a circular truncated cone with an opening part 341, both the upper bottom part 33 and the lower bottom part 34 are circles, a diameter of the upper bottom part 33 is less than a diameter of the lower bottom part 34, and the lower bottom part 34 is provided with the opening part 341. The first annular part 31 and the second annular part 32 each are an annular structure extending along a circle, and the first avoidance groove 11 and the second avoidance groove 51 are configured as circles, so that the first annular part 31 that protrudes and bends upwards enters the circular first avoidance groove 11, and the second annular part 32 that protrudes and bends downwards enters the circular second avoidance groove 51.

[0039] For example, the elastic part 30 is in a shape of an elliptical truncated cone with an opening part 341, both the upper bottom part 33 and the lower bottom part 34 are ellipses, a projection of the upper bottom part 33 on the key cap 10 is located in a projection of the lower bottom part 34 on the key cap 10, and the lower bottom part 34 is provided with the opening part 341. The first annular part 31 and the second annular part 32 each are an annular structure extending along an ellipse, and the first avoidance groove 11 and the second avoidance groove 51 are configured as ellipses, so that the first annular part 31 that protrudes and bends upwards enters the elliptical first avoidance groove 11, and the second annular part 32 that protrudes and bends downwards enters the elliptical second avoidance groove 51.

[0040] For example, the elastic part 30 is in a shape of a square truncated pyramid with an opening part 341, rounded corners are configured for edges, both the upper bottom part 33 and the lower bottom part 34 are rounded rectangles, a projection of the upper bottom part 33 on the key cap 10 is located in a projection of the lower bottom part 34 on the key cap 10, and the lower bottom part 34 is provided with the opening part 341. The first annular part 31 and the second annular part 32 each are an annular structure extending along a rounded rectangle, and the first avoidance groove 11 and the second avoidance groove 51 are configured as rounded rectangles, so that the first annular part 31 that protrudes and bends upwards enters the rounded rectangular first avoidance groove 11, and the second annular part 32 that protrudes and bends downwards enters the rounded rectangular second avoidance groove 51.

[0041] A second implementation of the second avoidance groove is as follows. (a) and (b) in FIG. 10 are schematic views of a structure of a base plate in the key structure in FIG. 8 from different perspectives. As shown in FIG. 8 and (a) and (b) in FIG. 10, the second avoidance groove 51 includes a plurality of arc-shaped grooves 511 distributed by using the contact part 41 as a center, and the second avoidance groove 51 is discontinuous. An axis of the plurality of arc-shaped grooves 511 and an axis of the elastic part 30 are approximately coaxially provided. When the key cap 10 is pressed, the second annular part 32 bends downwards and is deformed, so that a plurality of parts of the downward protrusion part 32a is respectively accommodated in different arc-shaped grooves 511, and a case in which the second annular part 32 interferes with the membrane circuit board 40 or the base plate 50 because the second avoidance groove 51 is not provided is reduced.

[0042] The base plate 50 or the membrane circuit board 40 using the plurality of arc-shaped grooves 511 is easy to manufacture and assemble.

[0043] In some embodiments, the second avoidance groove 51 is provided by penetrating the base plate 50; or a depth of the second avoidance groove 51 is less than a thickness of the base plate 50. Both the manners can ensure that the second annular part 32 of the elastic part 30 is at least partially accommodated in the second avoidance groove 51 when the key cap 10 is pressed. Which manner is used is specifically determined as required.

[0044] In some embodiments, to enable different bent and deformed parts of the elastic part 30 to fully enter the avoidance grooves, as shown in (a) and (b) in FIG. 9, a projection of the first avoidance groove 11 on the key cap 10 surrounds a projection of the second avoidance groove 51 on the key cap 10. The lower bottom part 34, the first annular part 31, the second annular part 32, and the upper bottom part 33 in the elastic part 30 are sequentially arranged inwards along a radial direction. In a top-view direction, the first avoidance groove 11 is provided outside the second avoidance groove 51, so that when the elastic part 30 is compressed, the first annular part 31 on an outer side of the elastic part 30 enters the first avoidance groove 11 of the key cap 10, and the first annular part 31 on an inner side enters the second avoidance groove 51 of the base plate 50 or the membrane circuit board 40. In addition, when the key cap 10 is pressed, on the back surface 10b of the key cap 10, a pressing surface with a relatively large area is formed in a middle area of the first avoidance groove 11, so that pressure passing through the key cap 10 is evenly transferred to a top surface of the upper bottom part 33 of the elastic part 30, thereby facilitating stable compressive deformation of the elastic part 30 and improving reproducibility of deformation of the elastic part 30.

[0045] There are different implementations for disposing the support assembly. A first implementation of the support assembly is a scissors-type support assembly. As shown in to FIG. 6, the support assembly 20 includes a first scissor leg 21 and a second scissor leg 22 that are pivotally connected to each other, two ends of the first scissor leg 21 are respectively movably connected to the base plate 50 and the key cap 10, two ends of the second scissor leg 22 are respectively movably connected to the base plate 50 and the key cap 10, and the elastic part 30 is disposed by penetrating through a middle part of the first scissor leg 21 and a middle part of the second scissor leg 22. The first scissor leg 21 and the second scissor leg 22 are arranged in an X-shaped manner. A first end 21a of the first scissor leg 21 is pivotally connected to the key cap 10, and a second end 21b of the first scissor leg 21 is slidably mounted on the base plate 50. A first end 22a of the second scissor leg 22 is pivotally connected to the key cap 10, and a second end 22b of the second scissor leg 22 is slidably mounted on the base plate 50. Axes of the first end 21a and the second end 21b of the first scissor leg 21 and the first end 22a and the second end 22b of the second scissor leg 22 are parallel to each other. In a process in which the key cap 10 moves up and down relative to the base plate 50, a sliding direction of the second end 21b of the first scissor leg 21 and a sliding direction of the second end 22b of the second scissor leg 22 are the same, and both are perpendicular to a pressing direction of the key cap 10. The first scissor leg 21 and the second scissor leg 22 are matched, to play a role of supporting and balancing the key cap 10.

[0046] For disposing of the first scissor leg 21 and the second scissor leg 22, the first scissor leg 21 is of an inner ring structure, the second scissor leg 22 is of an outer ring structure, and the first scissor leg 21 is pivotally connected to an inner side of the second scissor leg 22. With reference to (b) in FIG. 7, first pivot connecting bases 12 are provided on the back surface 10b of the key cap 10, and the first end 21a of the first scissor leg 21 is pivotally connected to the key cap 10 by using the first pivot connecting bases 12. First sliding grooves 13 are provided on the back surface 10b of the key cap 10, and the second end 22b of the second scissor leg 22 is slidably mounted in the first sliding grooves 13. Second sliding grooves 53 are provided on the base plate 50, and the second end 21b of the first scissor leg 21 is slidably mounted in the second sliding grooves. Second pivot connecting bases 52 are provided on the base plate 50, and the first end 22a of the second scissor leg 22 is pivotally connected to the base plate 50 by using the second pivot connecting bases. In this way, the first scissor leg 21 and the second scissor leg 22 are easily assembled between the base plate 50 and the key cap 10.

[0047] A second implementation of the support assembly is a butterfly-shaped support assembly. The support assembly includes bent rods arranged in pairs. First ends of the bent rods are pivotally connected to the key cap, second ends of the bent rods are slidably mounted on the base plate, and the elastic part is located between the bent rods arranged in pairs. In a single bent rod, an axis of the first end and an axis of the second end of the bent rod are parallel to each other. In a process in which the key cap moves up and down relative to the base plate, the first end of the bent rod rotates relative to the key cap, and the second end of the bent rod slides relative to the base plate. The bent rods arranged in pairs are matched, to play a role of supporting and balancing the key cap. During assembly of the bent rods, a plurality of pivot connecting bases is provided on the back surface of the key cap, for pivotal connection of the first ends of the bent rods. A plurality of sliding grooves is provided on the base plate, for sliding assembly of the second ends of different bent rods. In this way, the bent rods are easily assembled between the base plate and the key cap.

[0048] There are different implementations for disposing the membrane circuit board. A first implementation of the membrane circuit board is as follows: The membrane circuit board 40 includes a first membrane and a second membrane that are stacked on each other, and the first membrane and the second membrane may be made of a resin or a soft material. The two membranes are provided with a conductive circuit. As shown in (a) and (b) in FIG. 9, when the key cap 10 is pressed, the elastic part 30 is compressed and deformed, and when the upper bottom part 33 of the elastic part 30 abuts against the contact part 41 of the membrane circuit board 40, corresponding electrical contacts that are provided on the first membrane and the second membrane are in contact with each other to implement electrical connection, to implement closing of the key structure. When the key cap 10 is released, the elastic part 30 and the membranes are reset under an action of the elastic part 30 and the membranes, and the corresponding electrical contacts on the first membrane and the second membrane are separated, to implement disconnection of the key structure.

[0049] A second implementation of the membrane circuit board is as follows: An independent switch, for example, a touch switch, is disposed on the membrane circuit board 40 as the contact part 41. When the key cap 10 is pressed, the elastic part 30 is compressed and deformed, and the upper bottom part 33 of the elastic part 30 abuts against the independent switch, to implement closing of the key structure. When the key cap 10 is released, the independent switch is reset, to implement disconnection of the key structure.

[0050] In some embodiments, to enable the key structure to have a light emitting function, a light source such as an LED is disposed on the base plate 50, the light source is electrically connected to the membrane circuit board 40, a light entering area is disposed on the base plate 50, and the membrane circuit board 40 may be made of a transparent material. During working, light generated by the light source passes through the light entering area of the base plate 50 and the membrane circuit board 40, and is emitted upwards around the key cap 10. Alternatively, a light entering area is provided on the key cap 10, and light generated by the light source is emitted upwards through the light entering area of the key cap 10.

[0051] An embodiment of this application provides a keyboard, including the foregoing key structure. Because the keyboard provided in this embodiment of this application uses the foregoing key structure, the keyboard also has all beneficial effects brought by the technical solutions in the foregoing embodiment. When a plurality of key structures is disposed, a plurality of groups of the key cap 10, the support assembly 20, and the elastic part 30 may share a same base plate 50 and a same membrane circuit board 40, so that a quantity of components is reduced, and assembly efficiency is improved.

[0052] An embodiment of this application provides an electronic device, including the foregoing key structure. Because the electronic device provided in this embodiment of this application uses the foregoing key structure, the electronic device also has all beneficial effects brought by the technical solutions in the foregoing embodiment. The electronic device having the key structure may be a notebook computer, a desktop computer, a mobile phone terminal, a wearable product, a tablet computer, a smart home terminal, an automobile electronic device, or the like.

[0053] It should be finally noted that foregoing descriptions are merely specific implementations of this application, but the protection scope of this application is not limited thereto. Any variation or replacement readily figured out by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application shall fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this application shall be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A key structure, comprising: a key cap, a support assembly, and a base plate, wherein

the base plate comprises a membrane circuit board, and the membrane circuit board is provided with a contact part;

two ends of the support assembly are respectively movably connected to the base plate and the key cap, and the support assembly is configured to support the key cap in moving relative to the base plate;

the support assembly comprises a frustum-shaped elastic part, wherein the elastic part is located between the membrane circuit board and the key cap, the elastic part comprises an upper bottom part and a lower bottom part, and a projection of the upper bottom part on the key cap is located in a projection of the lower bottom part on the key cap;

a first avoidance groove is provided on a surface that is of the key cap and that faces the membrane circuit board; and

when the elastic part is compressed as the key cap is pressed, the upper bottom part of the compressed elastic part abuts between the key cap and the contact part, and an upward protrusion part of the compressed elastic part is accommodated in the first avoidance groove.

2. The key structure according to claim 1, wherein a second avoidance groove is provided on the base plate, and when the elastic part is compressed as the key cap is pressed, a downward protrusion part of the compressed elastic part is accommodated in the second avoidance groove.

3. The key structure according to claim 2, wherein a first annular part is comprised between the upper bottom part and the lower bottom part, the first annular part is a part that is of the elastic part and that protrudes upwards and is in contact with the key cap after the elastic part is compressed, and a position of the first avoidance groove is corresponding to a position of the first annular part; and
a second annular part is comprised between the upper bottom part and the lower bottom part, the second annular part is a part that is of the elastic part and that protrudes downwards and is in contact with the base plate after the elastic part is compressed, and a position of the second avoidance groove is corresponding to a position of the second annular part.

4. The key structure according to claim 3, wherein a shape of the second avoidance groove matches a shape of the second annular part, and the second avoidance groove is in an annular shape; or
the second avoidance groove comprises a plurality of arc-shaped grooves distributed by using the contact part as a center.

5. The key structure according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the second avoidance groove is provided by penetrating the base plate; or a depth of the second avoidance groove is less than a thickness of the base plate.

6. The key structure according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein a projection of the first avoidance groove on the key cap surrounds a projection of the second avoidance groove on the key cap.

7. The key structure according to claim 3 or 4, wherein a shape of the first avoidance groove matches a shape of the first annular part, and the first avoidance groove is in an annular shape.

8. The key structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a depth of the first avoidance groove is less than a thickness of the key cap.

9. The key structure according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the support assembly further comprises a first scissor leg and a second scissor leg that are pivotally connected to each other, two ends of the first scissor leg are respectively movably connected to the base plate and the key cap, two ends of the second scissor leg are respectively movably connected to the base plate and the key cap, and the elastic part is disposed by penetrating through a middle part of the first scissor leg and a middle part of the second scissor leg; or
the support assembly further comprises bent rods arranged in pairs, first ends of the bent rods are pivotally connected to the key cap, second ends of the bent rods are slidably mounted on the base plate, and the elastic part is located between the bent rods arranged in pairs.

10. A keyboard, comprising the key structure according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. An electronic device, comprising the key structure according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

Drawing