Visual keyboard

By using a magnet reset module in a visual keyboard, the durability and precision issues of elastic materials and thin-film circuits are solved, achieving stable key reset and improved durability.

CN224005812UActive Publication Date: 2026-03-17SHENZHEN AN RUI XIN TECH CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202520414966.3
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-03-07
Publication Date
2026-03-17
Estimated Expiration
2035-03-07

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In existing visual keyboards, elastic materials are prone to aging and wear, and membrane circuits have poor triggering accuracy and short lifespan, resulting in unresponsive key feedback or failure to reset properly.

Method used

A magnetic reset module is adopted, which uses the magnetic force between the first and second magnets to keep the button in its initial state when it is not pressed and automatically resets it when it is pressed, replacing the traditional elastic film structure and achieving stable reset.

Benefits of technology

It improves the durability and reliability of the buttons, avoids the problems of aging of elastic materials and low precision of thin film circuits, and optimizes the button feedback force and operating feel.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

A visual keyboard comprises a face shell, at least one containing hole is formed in the face shell, and at least one key made of light-transmitting materials is arranged in the containing hole and can reciprocate up and down relative to the containing hole. The display module is arranged below the surface shell and is used for providing visual images for a user through the keys; the reset module comprises a first magnet and a second magnet, a first groove is formed in at least one side close to the accommodating hole, and the first magnet is arranged in the first groove; the key comprises a plurality of side faces, at least one side face of the key is provided with a second groove, the second magnet is arranged in the second groove, when the key is not pressed, the top face of the key is higher than the top face of the face shell, the key is kept in an initial state through the magnetic force between the first magnet and the second magnet, and when a user presses the key, the magnetic force provides force for resetting the key. According to the embodiment of the utility model, additional mechanical elastic elements are not needed, a traditional elastic film structure is replaced, and the problems of aging and abrasion of elastic materials and low triggering precision and short service life of a film circuit are avoided.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of keyboard technology, specifically to a visual keyboard. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous development of technology, visual keyboards have received widespread attention due to their intuitive and vivid key design, powerful customization functions, and high playability. The customizable function of backlit keys allows users to adjust function settings in real time according to actual needs, providing a more intuitive and convenient control interface.

[0003] Existing visual keyboards typically use elastic materials and membrane circuits to achieve key feedback and reset. However, elastic materials are prone to aging, wear, or failure during long-term use, resulting in unresponsive key feedback or failure to reset properly. Membrane circuits, on the other hand, suffer from poor triggering accuracy and short key lifespan. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a reset structure with long-term stability to overcome the limitations of existing elastic materials and membrane circuits in terms of durability and accuracy. Utility Model Content

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide a visual keyboard that overcomes the limitations of existing elastic materials and thin film circuits in terms of durability and accuracy in traditional visual keyboards.

[0005] The purpose of this utility model is to address the shortcomings and deficiencies of existing technologies by providing a visual keyboard, comprising:

[0006] A face shell, having at least one receiving hole;

[0007] At least one light-transmitting button is placed in the receiving hole and can move up and down relative to the receiving hole;

[0008] The display module, located below the front panel, is used to provide a visual image to the user via buttons;

[0009] The reset module includes a first magnet and a second magnet.

[0010] A first groove is formed on at least one side near the receiving hole, and a first magnet is placed in the first groove; the button includes multiple sides, and a second groove is formed on at least one side of the button, and a second magnet is placed in the second groove, wherein:

[0011] When the button is not pressed, its top surface is higher than the top surface of the casing and is kept in its initial state by the magnetic force between the first magnet and the second magnet. When the user presses the button, the magnetic force provides the force to reset the button.

[0012] Furthermore, at least one side of the button is provided with a guide strip, and the inner wall of the receiving hole is provided with a guide groove that cooperates with the guide strip. When the user presses the button, the guide strip slides along the guide groove.

[0013] Furthermore, at least one inner wall of the receiving hole is provided with a first limiting part, and at least one side of the button is provided with a second limiting part. When the button is in the unpressed state, the second limiting part abuts against the first limiting part.

[0014] Furthermore, the first limiting part includes a first sliding surface, a first cross-section, and a second sliding surface, with the first cross-section connected between the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface; the second limiting part includes a third sliding surface, a second cross-section, and a fourth sliding surface, with the second cross-section connected between the third sliding surface and the fourth sliding surface; when the button is in the unpressed state, the second cross-section abuts against the first cross-section.

[0015] Furthermore, it also includes a support and a bottom shell, the bottom shell and the top shell are detachably connected, and the support is provided with a limiting member for fixing the circuit board.

[0016] Furthermore, it also includes a detection module, which is used to sense button actions.

[0017] Furthermore, the detection module includes a touch panel located between the display module and the button. When pressed, the touch panel can detect the button input signal through the touch of the button.

[0018] Furthermore, the detection module includes a light-sensing panel and an optical sensor mounted on the light-sensing panel. When pressed, the optical sensor can detect the button input signal through the intensity, reflection, refraction, or obstruction of light.

[0019] Furthermore, the detection module includes a magnetic field strength sensor, which can detect the button input signal by detecting changes in the magnetic field when the button is pressed.

[0020] Furthermore, it also includes a PVC cover, which is located between the display module and the front cover.

[0021] This utility model embodiment uses the interaction between the second magnet on the side of the button and the first magnet in the groove of the shell to keep the button in its initial position when it is not pressed, and automatically reset it after the user presses and releases it. The reset module does not require additional mechanical elastic elements, replacing the traditional elastic film structure, realizing stable button reset, avoiding the problems of elastic material aging and wear, as well as low triggering accuracy and short life of film circuit, and improving the durability and reliability of the button.

[0022] In addition, the magnetic force can be adjusted to optimize the button feedback and improve the feel of operation. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first embodiment of the present utility model;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram from another perspective of the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a top view of the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 AA cross-section view;

[0028] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Enlarged diagram of part A in the diagram;

[0029] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 BB cross-section in the initial state;

[0030] Figure 7 yes Figure 3 BB cross-section under pressure;

[0031] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second embodiment of the present utility model;

[0032] Figure 9 This is a structural schematic diagram of the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure label:

[0034] 1. Face; 11. Top surface;

[0035] 2. Receiving hole; 21. First groove; 22. First limiting part; 221. First sliding surface; 222. First cross-section; 223. Second sliding surface; 23. Guide groove;

[0036] 3. Button; 31. Second groove; 32. Second limiting part; 321. Third sliding surface; 322. Second cross-section; 323. Fourth sliding surface; 33. Guide bar;

[0037] 4. Reset module; 41. First magnet; 42. Second magnet;

[0038] 5. Display module;

[0039] 6. Support component; 61. Mounting post; 62. Receiving groove; 63. Limiting component; 64. Limiting post; 65. Cable routing groove;

[0040] 7. Bottom shell; 71. Through hole;

[0041] 8. Circuit board;

[0042] 9. Detection module; 91. Touch panel; 92. Light sensor panel; 93. Optical sensor; 94. Magnetic field strength sensor;

[0043] 10. PVC cover. Detailed Implementation

[0044] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0045] This specific embodiment is merely an explanation of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. After reading this specification, those skilled in the art can make modifications to this embodiment without contributing any inventive element, but as long as they are within the scope of the claims of the present utility model, they are protected by patent law.

[0046] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this utility model described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0047] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0048] First embodiment:

[0049] Reference Figure 1-7 This utility model embodiment provides a visual keyboard, including a front cover 1, a reset module 4, and a display module 5.

[0050] Reference Figure 1-2This embodiment includes a faceplate 1, which has at least one receiving hole 2. A first groove 21 is provided on at least one side near the receiving hole 2. At least one light-transmitting button 3 is provided in the receiving hole 2. The button 3 can move up and down relative to the receiving hole 2. The button 3 includes multiple sides, and at least one side of the button 3 has a second groove 31.

[0051] This embodiment uses the example of having at least one receiving hole 2 on the faceplate 1 for illustration. However, this embodiment is not limited to this. Multiple receiving holes 2 can be provided on the faceplate 1, and some receiving holes 2 can be empty without installing buttons 3. Furthermore, the shape of the receiving hole 2 is not limited to square, but can also be polygonal, circular, or elongated elliptical, or other shapes suitable for specific application scenarios.

[0052] Furthermore, the empty receiving hole 2 can be directly used to display the content shown by the display module 5, and the internal components are protected by a transparent material. The empty receiving hole 2 can also serve as an indicator light window, a heat dissipation hole, an optical sensor 93 window, or be used to embed other functional components to expand the device's functionality. These functional components can be QR codes or NFC tags.

[0053] In this embodiment, the second groove 31 is provided on at least one side of the button 3 as an example. However, this embodiment is not limited to this. When the number of sides of the button 3 is even, the arrangement of the second groove 31 may include, but is not limited to, being provided on only one side, on two adjacent sides, on opposite sides, every other side, on all sides, or on any number of sides. When the number of sides of the button 3 is odd, the arrangement of the second groove 31 may include, but is not limited to, being provided on only one side, every other side, on all sides, or on any number of sides. This embodiment allows for flexible adjustment of the number and position of the second groove 31 according to specific application requirements to optimize structural performance and usability.

[0054] It should be noted that the shape of button 3 is not limited to polygons, but can also be round, elliptical or other shapes. In this case, the magnet is not limited to being installed on the side of button 3, but is fixed in the position of button 3, such as being installed on opposite sides of button 3, or the magnet having a polygonal structure relative to button 3.

[0055] In this embodiment, the second groove 31 can be formed by recessing outward along the inner wall of the side of the button 3, recessing inward along the outer wall of the side of the button 3, recessing upward along the bottom of the side of the button 3, or recessing downward along the top of the side of the button 3. The shape of the second groove 31 can be optimized as needed. In addition to rectangular grooves, arc grooves, wedge grooves, stepped grooves, or other contour structures can be used to enhance the fixing effect of the second magnet 42.

[0056] In this embodiment, the light-transmitting button 3 is used to achieve light transmission, so that the button 3 can display internal indicator information or backlight effect when illuminated by a light source, thereby improving the visualization effect and user experience. The light-transmitting material of the button 3 can be a transparent or semi-transparent material, such as acrylic, polycarbonate, glass or other high light transmittance materials suitable for keyboard structure. In addition, the light-transmitting button 3 can be made of frosted, coated, etched or laser engraved process to optimize light distribution, reduce glare or improve visual effect.

[0057] In this embodiment, a light-transmitting button 3 is used as an example. However, this embodiment is not limited to this. Both the faceplate 1 and the button 3 can be made of transparent material, and the shape of the button 3 is not limited to square; it can also be polygonal, circular, or elongated elliptical, or other shapes suitable for specific application scenarios.

[0058] In this embodiment, the first groove 21 is located on the top surface 11 of the shell 1 and is formed by recessing upward along the lower surface of the top surface 11. However, this embodiment is not limited to this. The first groove 21 may also be formed by recessing downward along the upper surface of the top surface 11, or by recessing inward along the inner wall of the receiving hole 2. The shape of the first groove 21 may also be optimized as needed. In addition to rectangular grooves, arc-shaped grooves, wedge-shaped grooves, stepped grooves, or other contoured structures may be used to enhance the fixing effect of the first magnet 41.

[0059] In this embodiment, the example is described with a first groove 21 provided on at least one side near the receiving hole 2. However, this embodiment is not limited to this. The first groove 21 can be provided on any side of the receiving hole 2, or on opposite sides, adjacent sides, or even on multiple sides surrounding the receiving hole 2; the number and position of the first groove 21 can be consistent with the second groove 31.

[0060] This embodiment also includes a reset module 4, which includes a first magnet 41 and a second magnet 42. The first magnet 41 is placed in the first groove 21, and the second magnet 42 is placed in the second groove 31. The first magnet 41 and the second magnet 42 can be strong magnets. The shape of the first magnet 41 can be consistent with the first groove 21, and the shape of the second magnet 42 can be consistent with the second groove 31.

[0061] refer to Figure 4-7In this embodiment, the first magnet 41 is disposed in the first groove 21, and the second magnet 42 is disposed in the second groove 31. The magnetic force between the two provides an upward attractive or repulsive force, allowing the button 3 to remain suspended or in a standby state when no external force is applied, without sinking due to its own weight. When the user applies external force to press the button 3, the button 3 moves downward against the magnetic force between the first magnet 41 and the second magnet 42, causing the top surface of the button 3 to gradually approach or fall below the top surface 11 of the faceplate 1. When the external force is removed, the magnetic force between the first magnet 41 and the second magnet 42 provides a force to reset the button 3, causing the button 3 to automatically spring back to its initial height without additional external force intervention, thus realizing the reset function of the button 3.

[0062] Furthermore, the magnetic force between the first magnet 41 and the second magnet 42 can be optimized by adjusting the magnet material, size, shape, and pole arrangement. Specifically, the first magnet 41 and the second magnet 42 can be arranged with the same poles facing each other or with opposite poles facing each other to control the rebound characteristics of the button 3, achieving an operating feel that simulates or surpasses that of a mechanical axis.

[0063] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the structural layout requirements for resetting the first magnet 41 and the second magnet 42 through attraction or repulsion are different. Specifically, when attraction is used, to obtain a better resetting effect, the first magnet 41 should be placed at a higher position, that is, close to the top surface of the receiving hole 2, so that in the initial state, the first magnet 41 and the second magnet 42 are on the same horizontal plane or the first magnet 41 is slightly lower than the second magnet 42, ensuring that the button 3 is stably suspended when not subjected to external force. Conversely, when repulsion is used to achieve resetting, by placing the first magnet 41 in the lower region of the receiving hole 2 and placing the second magnet 42 at a higher position, the effective interaction distance between the first magnet 41 and the second magnet 42 is greatly reduced. Since the magnetic field strength between the magnets increases exponentially as the distance between them decreases, when the distance between the first magnet 41 and the second magnet 42 is shortened, the magnetic field strength increases sharply, thereby generating sufficient resetting force in a limited space. In other words, the compact magnet layout reduces the minimum magnetic field distance required for reset, which not only improves the efficiency of magnet interaction but also significantly reduces the thickness of the faceplate 1 and button 3. Furthermore, button 3 can be placed closer to the display module 5, optimizing the device's appearance and display effect.

[0064] Preferably, in the embodiment, a repulsive force is used between the first magnet 41 and the second magnet 42.

[0065] refer to Figure 1-2This embodiment also includes a display module 5, located below the front cover 1, for providing a visual image to the user via the button 3. The display module 5 can be one of a TFT display screen, an LCD display screen, an OLED display screen, or an LED dot matrix module.

[0066] In this embodiment of the invention, the interaction between the second magnet 42 on the side of the button 3 and the first magnet 41 in the groove of the face shell 1 allows the button 3 to maintain its initial position when not pressed and automatically reset after the user presses and releases it. The reset module 4 does not require additional mechanical elastic elements, replacing the traditional elastic film structure, thus achieving stable reset of the button 3. This avoids the problems of aging and wear of elastic materials and low triggering accuracy and short lifespan of thin film circuits, thereby improving the durability and reliability of the button 3.

[0067] In this embodiment, the magnetic force between the first magnet 41 and the second magnet 42 keeps the button 3 in its initial state under normal conditions. When the user presses the button 3, the magnetic force provides a force to reset the button 3. However, this invention is not limited to this.

[0068] refer to Figure 4-5 Furthermore, at least one inner wall of the receiving hole 2 is provided with a first limiting portion 22, and at least one side of the button 3 is provided with a second limiting portion 32. The first limiting portion 22 includes a first sliding surface 221, a first cross-sectional surface 222, and a second sliding surface 223, with the first cross-sectional surface 222 connecting the first sliding surface 221 and the second sliding surface 223; the second limiting portion 32 includes a third sliding surface 321, a second cross-sectional surface 322, and a fourth sliding surface 323, with the second cross-sectional surface 322 connecting the third sliding surface 321 and the fourth sliding surface 323. The first sliding surface 221 and the second sliding surface 223 can be inclined to allow the button 3 to slide along its surface, thereby achieving a smooth reset; the first sliding surface 221 and the second sliding surface 223 can also be perpendicular. When button 3 is not pressed, the second section 322 abuts against the first section 222 to limit button 3 from moving upward and ensure that button 3 is in the initial state. When button 3 is pressed, the third sliding surface 321 slides along the first sliding surface 221, and during the process of button 3 rebounding and resetting, the fourth sliding surface 323 slides along the second sliding surface 223 to reset button 3 to the initial state.

[0069] Preferably, a limiting structure is formed on each of the two opposing inner wall surfaces of the receiving hole 2 and on each of the two sides of the button 3; alternatively, it may be formed on all the inner wall surfaces. This embodiment is not limited to a specific limiting structure; the specific shape and arrangement can be adjusted according to actual application requirements to optimize the rebound performance and durability of the button 3.

[0070] In this embodiment, the button 3 can reciprocate up and down within the receiving hole 2 by sliding the third sliding surface 321 along the first sliding surface 221. However, this utility model is not limited to this.

[0071] refer to Figure 6-7 Furthermore, at least one side of the button 3 is provided with a guide strip 33, and the inner wall of the receiving hole 2 is provided with a guide groove 23 that cooperates with the guide strip 33. When the user presses the button 3, the guide strip 33 slides along the guide groove 23.

[0072] In this embodiment, the example is that at least one side of the button 3 has a guide strip 33. However, this embodiment is not limited to this. The shape of the guide strip 33 includes, but is not limited to, a semi-circle, a pointed triangle, a rectangle, a trapezoid, or a wedge. A suitable shape of the guide strip 33 can be selected according to the actual usage scenario to optimize the sliding effect and durability. In addition, the shape of the guide groove 23 corresponds to the guide strip 33.

[0073] Furthermore, the guide bar 33 can be disposed on the third sliding surface 321, the fourth sliding surface 323, or both of the third sliding surface 321 and the fourth sliding surface 323 of the button 3, to ensure that the button 3 moves smoothly along the guide groove 23 during pressing and resetting. The guide bar 33 can be positioned at the center of the third sliding surface 321 or the fourth sliding surface 323 to improve sliding stability, or it can be positioned on both sides of the third sliding surface 321 or the fourth sliding surface 323 to provide additional lateral restraint and prevent the button 3 from wobbling laterally. In addition, the position of the guide groove 23 corresponds to that of the guide bar 33.

[0074] Furthermore, the guide strip 33 can be provided on only one side of the button 3, or guide strips 33 can be provided on opposite sides of the button 3, or multiple sides of the button 3, to further prevent the button 3 from shifting or shaking during movement. The structure of the guide strip 33 in this embodiment can be flexibly adjusted according to actual application requirements to optimize the sliding accuracy, stability, and service life of the button 3. In this embodiment, guide strips 33 are provided on multiple sides of the button 3, so that if one or more guide strips 33 are damaged or fail, the other guide strips 33 can continue to be used, increasing the service life of the button 3. In addition, the number of guide grooves 23 corresponds to the number of guide strips 33.

[0075] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, taking the example of guide strips 33 respectively arranged on opposite sides of button 3, second magnets 42 respectively arranged on opposite sides of button 3, and first magnets 41 respectively arranged on opposite sides of receiving hole 2, since the first magnet 41 and the second magnet 42 rely on magnetic force to realize the reset function of button 3, when button 3 is installed in the wrong direction, the magnetic force may not be generated normally or its effect may be significantly weakened, thus affecting the reset performance of button 3. Therefore, in this embodiment, two guide strips 33 are arranged on opposite sides of button 3, and the spacing between the two guide strips 33 on opposite sides of button 3 is different, thus forming a foolproof structure. This design ensures that button 3 can only be installed correctly in the predetermined direction during production assembly, use, and maintenance, thereby avoiding functional failure caused by reverse installation of button 3, improving assembly accuracy, and reducing additional production and maintenance costs.

[0076] In this embodiment, the example is illustrated by having guide strips 33 with different spacings on opposite sides of the button 3. However, this embodiment is not limited to this. The number and arrangement of the guide strips 33 can be adjusted according to specific needs to further improve the installation accuracy and error-proofing effect of the button 3.

[0077] Reference Figure 1-7 Furthermore, it also includes a support member 6 and a bottom shell 7. The bottom shell 7 is detachably connected to the top shell 1. The support member 6 is provided with a limiting member 63, which is used to fix the circuit board 8.

[0078] Specifically, the bottom shell 7 includes four through holes 71, and the support member 6 includes four mounting posts 61 corresponding to the through holes 71. The through holes 71 and the mounting posts 61 are connected by means of screwing, riveting, or snap-fitting. The bottom shell 7 and the support member 6 directly form a space for accommodating the circuit board 8.

[0079] Furthermore, the support member 6 is also provided with a receiving groove 62 and multiple limiting members 63. The receiving groove 62 is used to accommodate part or all of the circuit board 8, and the limiting members 63 are used to further fix the circuit board 8, so that it is stably installed between the bottom shell 7 and the support member 6, preventing displacement or loosening during use. In this embodiment, the limiting member 63 adopts a snap-fit ​​structure. The limiting member 63 may include multiple elastic buckles or rigid limiting blocks. When the circuit board 8 is installed, it can be embedded into the buckle by pressing or sliding, and its edges are fixed by the limiting blocks, so as to achieve stable installation and convenient disassembly.

[0080] Furthermore, the support member 6 is also provided with a plurality of limiting posts 64. The limiting posts 64 are located at the edge of the receiving groove 62 and are used to further limit and fix the circuit board 8. The height of the limiting posts 64 can match the thickness of the circuit board 8, so that the circuit board 8 is attached between the limiting posts 64 and the support member 6 when it is installed, forming a stable limiting support.

[0081] Furthermore, a wiring groove 65 is provided on one side of the support member 6. The display module 5 is located on the side of the support member 6 close to the face shell 1. The ribbon cable of the display module 5 can be electrically connected to the circuit board 8 through the wiring groove 65. The wiring groove 65 is set along the lower or upper surface of the support member 6 so that the ribbon cable can pass through smoothly.

[0082] Furthermore, it also includes a detection module 9, which is used to sense the action of the button 3. The detection module 9 includes a touch panel 91 located between the display module 5 and the button 3. When pressed, the touch panel 91 can detect the input signal of the button 3 through the touch of the button 3.

[0083] In this embodiment, the touch panel 91 is a resistor TP or a capacitor TP. When the user presses button 3, the bottom surface of button 3 will contact or approach the surface of touch panel 91, thereby triggering signal detection. For a resistor TP, pressing button 3 will cause the upper and lower conductive films to contact, allowing touch panel 91 to detect a change in resistance at a specific location, thereby generating an input signal for button 3. For a capacitor TP, the approach or pressing of button 3 will change the electric field distribution on the surface of touch panel 91, causing the panel to detect a change in capacitance and determine the input state of button 3 accordingly.

[0084] It should be noted that resistive TP and capacitive TP are two touch sensing technologies, both of which can be used to detect the input signal of button 3; resistive TP mainly relies on the contact change between two conductive films to sense the signal, while capacitive TP senses the touch operation by detecting the change of electric field.

[0085] Furthermore, the touch panel 91 is made of a transparent material, allowing it to be mounted on the display module 5 without obstructing or affecting the display effect. At the same time, the touch panel 91 is thin, allowing it to fit snugly between the display module 5 and the button 3, thus enabling button 3 input detection without increasing the device's size.

[0086] Second embodiment:

[0087] Reference Figure 8 The difference between this embodiment and the above embodiment is that the detection module 9 includes a light-sensing light panel 92 and an optical sensor 93; the light-sensing light panel 92 is located above the display module 5 and surrounds the display module 5, or only surrounds the display area of ​​the display module 5; the optical sensor 93 is disposed on the light-sensing light panel 92 and corresponds to the position of the button 3; when pressed, the optical sensor 93 can detect the input signal of the button 3 through the intensity, reflection, refraction or obstruction of light.

[0088] Specifically, the light-sensing panel 92 surrounds the area of ​​a single row or column of buttons 3, and at least one optical sensor 93 is arranged on the side of each button 3, so that the light source and the receiving end can cover the single row or column of buttons 3. Each button 3 has a light emitter and a light receiver on its two opposite sides. When the button 3 is not pressed, the light signal can propagate or reflect normally. When the user presses the button 3, the optical path on the side of the button 3 will change, and the optical sensor 93 will detect the change in the light signal, thereby determining the input state of the button 3.

[0089] Preferably, when the number of buttons 3 is six or less, the transmitting and receiving ends of the optical sensor 93 can be integrated and installed on the horizontal and vertical sides of the button 3 matrix. When the optical sensor 93 emits light, the unpressed buttons 3 reflect less light, forming a reference reflection signal; when a button 3 is pressed, the surface of the button 3 approaches the optical sensor 93, increasing the intensity of the reflected light. By detecting changes in the amount of reflected light in the horizontal and vertical rows and combining the light signal data from different sensors, the optical sensor 93 can accurately determine the position of the pressed button 3 and supports the recognition of multiple buttons 3 being pressed simultaneously. This method achieves button 3 input detection through changes in reflection, reducing the number of optical sensors 93 compared to traditional light occlusion detection methods, while improving detection accuracy and anti-interference capability.

[0090] Furthermore, this embodiment also includes a PVC cover 10, which is disposed between the display module 5 and the housing 1, covering at least the non-display area of ​​the display module 5, and is attached or fixed to the lower surface of the top surface 11 to provide structural support and protection. The PVC cover 10 can prevent damage to the display module 5 from external impacts, dust, and moisture, improving the durability of the device, while optimizing optical characteristics, reducing ambient light interference, and improving the clarity of the screen display. In addition, the PVC cover 10 can enhance the overall structural stability of the device, preventing the display module 5 from loosening or deforming due to long-term use or external forces, ensuring the reliability and service life of the device.

[0091] Third embodiment:

[0092] Reference Figure 9 The difference between this embodiment and the above embodiment is that the detection module 9 includes a magnetic field strength sensing device 94. When pressed, the magnetic field strength sensing device 94 can detect the input signal of the button 3 through the change of magnetic field.

[0093] In this embodiment, the magnetic field strength sensing device 94 can employ magnetic field detection elements such as a Hall sensor, a magnetoresistive sensor (MR sensor), or a magnetic induction coil. The Hall sensor, based on the Hall effect, detects input to button 3 by measuring changes in the vertical direction of the magnetic field; the magnetoresistive sensor determines the state of button 3 by detecting changes in the direction or intensity of the magnetic field; and the magnetic induction coil senses changes in magnetic flux, converting them into electrical signals for detection.

[0094] In this embodiment, a Hall sensor is preferred. Hall sensors have advantages such as high sensitivity, non-contact detection, long service life, and strong anti-interference ability.

[0095] Furthermore, the magnetic field strength sensing device 94 can be arranged below or to the side of the button 3, or it can be directly mounted on the circuit board 8 and electrically connected to the circuit board 8, close to the second magnet 42 inside the button 3, to ensure accurate detection of magnetic field changes when the button 3 is pressed. In addition, the number and layout of the magnetic field sensing devices can be optimized according to the structure of the button 3 matrix. For example, a single button 3 can correspond to a single sensing device, or the state of multiple buttons 3 can be detected by row and column scanning to improve detection efficiency.

[0096] In this embodiment, each button 3 is equipped with a second magnet 42, which is disposed opposite to the magnetic field strength sensing device 94. When the button 3 is not pressed, the distance between the second magnet 42 and the magnetic field sensing device is large, and the magnetic field strength detected by the magnetic field sensing device remains at a reference level. When the user presses the button 3, the second magnet 42 moves downward or laterally, causing the magnetic field strength received by the magnetic field sensing device to change. In the vertical pressing scheme, the second magnet 42 moves closer to the magnetic field sensing device, resulting in an increase in magnetic field strength. In the horizontal sliding scheme, the direction of the second magnet 42 changes, resulting in a change in the magnetic field direction or magnetic flux density.

[0097] In this embodiment, the magnetic field strength sensing device 94 detects changes in magnetic field strength in real time and converts the magnetic signal into an electrical signal to identify the pressed state of button 3. Taking a Hall sensor as an example, when button 3 is not pressed, the magnetic field strength sensed by the Hall sensor is at its initial value; when button 3 is pressed, the second magnet 42 approaches the Hall sensor, the magnetic field strength increases, and the voltage signal output by the Hall sensor changes, thereby generating a button 3 trigger signal.

[0098] Furthermore, a threshold for the magnetic field strength can be set to ensure that the signal change is sufficiently obvious when button 3 is pressed, avoiding problems such as accidental touches or low sensitivity. For multi-button 3 matrices, the magnetic field sensing device can also employ row and column scanning technology to reduce the number of sensors, improve detection efficiency, and ensure accurate identification of the input state of each button 3 even when multiple buttons 3 are pressed simultaneously. The magnetic field detection method in this embodiment not only provides non-contact, highly durable button 3 input detection but also reduces mechanical wear, improving the service life and reliability of the equipment.

[0099] The above is only used to illustrate the technical solution of this utility model and not to limit it. Any other modifications or equivalent substitutions made by those skilled in the art to the technical solution of this utility model, as long as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the technical solution of this utility model, should be covered within the scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A visual keyboard, comprising: a face shell (1) provided with at least one accommodating hole (2); at least one key (3) made of light-transmitting material and arranged in the accommodating hole (2) and capable of reciprocating up and down relative to the accommodating hole (2); a display module (5) arranged below the face shell (1) and used for providing a visual image to a user through the key (3); characterized in that the visual keyboard further comprises a reset module (4) including a first magnet (41) and a second magnet (42); a first groove (21) is formed on at least one side of the accommodating hole (2) close to the accommodating hole (2), and the first magnet (41) is arranged in the first groove (21); the key (3) includes a plurality of side surfaces, at least one side surface of the key (3) is provided with a second groove (31), and the second magnet (42) is arranged in the second groove (31), wherein: when the key (3) is not pressed, the top surface (11) of the key (3) is higher than the top surface (11) of the face shell (1), and the initial state is maintained by the magnetic force between the first magnet (41) and the second magnet (42), and when the user presses the key (3), the magnetic force provides a force for resetting the key (3).

2. The visual keyboard of claim 1, wherein, At least one side surface of the key (3) is provided with a guide strip (33), and the inner wall of the accommodating hole (2) is provided with a guide groove (23) matched with the guide strip (33), and when the user presses the key (3), the guide strip (33) slides along the guide groove (23).

3. The visual keyboard according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, At least one inner wall of the accommodating hole (2) is further provided with a first limiting portion (22), and at least one side surface of the key (3) is further provided with a second limiting portion (32), and when the key (3) is in an unpressed state, the second limiting portion (32) abuts against the first limiting portion (22).

4. The visual keyboard of claim 3, wherein, The first limiting portion (22) includes a first sliding surface (221), a first cut-off surface (222) and a second sliding surface (223), the first cut-off surface (222) is connected between the first sliding surface (221) and the second sliding surface (223); the second limiting portion (32) includes a third sliding surface (321), a second cut-off surface (322) and a fourth sliding surface (323), the second cut-off surface (322) is connected between the third sliding surface (321) and the fourth sliding surface (323); and when the key (3) is in the unpressed state, the second cut-off surface (322) abuts against the first cut-off surface (222).

5. The visual keyboard of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The visual keyboard further comprises a support member (6) and a bottom shell (7), the bottom shell (7) is detachably connected with the face shell (1), and the support member (6) is provided with a limiting member (63) for fixing a circuit board (8).

6. The visual keyboard of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The visual keyboard further comprises a detection module (9) for sensing the action of the key (3).

7. The visual keyboard of claim 6, wherein, The detection module (9) includes a touch panel (91) arranged between the display module (5) and the key (3), and in a pressed state, the touch panel (91) can detect the input signal of the key (3) through the touch of the key (3).

8. The visual keyboard of claim 6, wherein, The detection module (9) includes a light sensing lamp panel (92) and an optical sensor (93) arranged on the light sensing lamp panel (92), and in the pressed state, the optical sensor (93) can detect the input signal of the key (3) through the intensity, reflection, refraction or shielding of light.

9. The visual keyboard of claim 6, wherein, The detection module (9) comprises a magnetic field intensity sensing device (94), which can detect the input signal of the key (3) through the change of the magnetic field in the pressed state.

10. The visual keyboard of any of claims 7-9, wherein, The PVC cover (10) is arranged between the display module (5) and the face shell (1).