A new keyboard

Abstract

The utility model relates to a novel keyboard, including keyboard base, the sliding key is slidably connected on keyboard base, and the sliding key can move in the plane parallel to keyboard base, the sliding key has an initial center position that is kept under the action of reset mechanism, a plurality of position sensors are arranged on keyboard base, and the arrangement position of a plurality of position sensors corresponds to a plurality of discrete distribution target key position when the sliding key is triggered one to one, for detecting whether the sliding key moves to the corresponding target key position and produces corresponding key position signal, the utility model discloses the movement of a row of sliding keys 4 identifies four groups of different key positions, in its triggerable range, only rely on the push sliding key 4 movement can realize the input of corresponding character, greatly reduces the number of keys, reduces the distance of finger displacement, effectively avoids pressing wrong or pressing more at the same time, and basically uses the existing input habit, has the advantages of improving input efficiency, greatly reducing the wrist suspension input length, easy to use, reducing the volume of keyboard.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of computer external input devices, and specifically to a novel keyboard. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, traditional keyboard devices, including mechanical keyboards and membrane keyboards, have their keys mounted in a fixed array on a keyboard base. This design is based on a standardized keyboard layout (such as the QWERTY layout), and the keyboard primarily inputs uppercase and lowercase English characters, Arabic numerals, control symbols, etc. Because the keyboard keys are arranged in a flat plane, arranging so many keys requires a large area, which leads to two problems with current keyboards: First, it severely impacts input efficiency.

[0003] Because current keyboards have a large number of keys, when typing, people have to move their fingers up, down, left, and right on the keyboard to find the keys before pressing them. "Touch typing" is only possible with professional training. Furthermore, wrist fatigue due to the hands being suspended on the keyboard remains a persistent problem. While "ergonomic keyboards" exist, they haven't reduced the number of keys or changed the layout; the method of moving fingers to press other keys remains the same, limiting their effectiveness.

[0004] Secondly, the large number of keys prevents the keyboard from being miniaturized, making it inconvenient to carry.

[0005] Many human-computer interactive electronic devices can be reduced in size through technological advancements, but the keyboard—the main component for letters and symbols—has remained large and has been unable to be miniaturized. This has been particularly true since the advent of laptops, wearable computers, and handheld tablets, where the keyboard has become a major bottleneck. Utility Model Content

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a new type of keyboard to solve the technical problems of the existing technology where the keys are installed in a fixed array on the keyboard base, which affects input efficiency, causes wrist fatigue, and cannot reduce the size.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: A novel keyboard includes a keyboard base with sliding keys slidably connected to the keyboard base, the sliding keys being able to move in a plane parallel to the keyboard base; The slide key has an initial center position that is maintained by a reset mechanism; The keyboard base is equipped with multiple position sensors, and the positions of the multiple position sensors correspond one-to-one with the multiple discrete target keys when the slide key is triggered. These sensors are used to detect whether the slide key has moved to the corresponding target key and generate the corresponding key signal.

[0008] Furthermore, the slide key is mounted on the keyboard base via a guide mechanism, the guide mechanism including a slide groove disposed on the keyboard base and a slider that slides in cooperation with the slide groove, the slide key being mounted on the slider to guide its movement along the extension direction of the slide groove.

[0009] Furthermore, the reset mechanism is a spring, which is arranged between the slider and the keyboard base, and at least one of the springs is arranged in each direction in which the slider moves along the keyboard base.

[0010] Furthermore, the slider has a frame structure with a grid in its middle, which divides the inside of the slider into two cavities. The extension direction of the grid is consistent with the length direction of the slide groove. Two fixing blocks are set in the slide groove, each of which is located in one of the cavities. One fixing block is connected to the upper end of the slider with a spring, and the other fixing block is connected to the lower end of the slider with another spring.

[0011] Furthermore, the upper surface of the slide key is provided with friction texture, or a shallow pit or protrusion for the finger to sink into so that the finger can push the slide key to move horizontally; the slide groove is a recessed groove.

[0012] Furthermore, when the slide key is pushed upward along the slide groove, the slide key can be displaced relative to the initial center position and thus be in the first key position and the second key position respectively; when the slide key is pushed downward along the slide groove, the slide key can be displaced relative to the initial center position and thus be in the third key position and the fourth key position respectively.

[0013] Furthermore, the keyboard base is provided with a slider that can be omnidirectionally translated along the plane of the keyboard base. The slider key is mounted on the slider key and can be pushed by a finger to selectively translate the slider key to the target key located in the four directions of up, down, left and right of the slider key.

[0014] Furthermore, a fixing block is provided on the keyboard base, and the slider is a frame type. The slider can move along the keyboard base in any direction. Four springs are provided between the fixing block and the slider. The four springs are evenly distributed around the fixing block and extend along the upper right 45 degrees, upper left 45 degrees, lower left 45 degrees, and lower right 45 degrees respectively.

[0015] Furthermore, the sliding direction of the key is consistent with the tilt direction of the trajectory line formed by the four keys 1, q, and az in the QWERTY layout keyboard.

[0016] Furthermore, when the slide key is in its initial center position, it can be triggered by pressing down. A lifting spring is provided between the slide key and the keyboard base or between the slide key and the slider to drive the pressed slide key to rise and reset.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are: Because this invention uses the up, down, left, and right movement of a row of slide keys 4 to realize four different key positions, within its triggerable range, the corresponding character can be input simply by pushing the slide keys 4, which greatly reduces the number of keys and continues the existing input habits. It has the advantages of improving input efficiency, greatly reducing the time of wrist suspension for input, being easy to use, and reducing the size of the keyboard.

[0018] In this invention, the key selection of the initial center position is achieved by pressing the slide key, so that each slide key can correspond to five different key positions, further reducing the number of keys. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate the present invention and form part of the specification. They are used together with the embodiments of the present invention to explain the present invention, but do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of one embodiment of a novel keyboard according to this utility model; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure when a slider key is installed on a partial keyboard base; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure after the slide key has been removed; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the slider's structure; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a fourth embodiment of a novel keyboard according to this utility model; Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the local structure at point A in the middle.

[0020] In the diagram, 1 is the keyboard base; 2 is the slider; 3 is the spring; 4 is the sliding key; 5 is the lifting spring; 11 is the slide groove; 12 is the fixing block; 13 is the guide hole; 14 is the guide post; 21 is the grid; 22 is the cavity; 23 is the protrusion; and 24 is the magnetic marker. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0022] Embodiment 1 of a novel keyboard according to this utility model: A new type of keyboard, some of whose structures are as follows Figure 1 As shown, the keyboard base 1 is provided with multiple sliding grooves 11 with the same direction. Each sliding groove 11 is a recessed groove with an open top. Each sliding groove 11 has two fixing blocks 12 at the bottom, and the two fixing blocks 12 are staggered in the width direction of the sliding groove 11.

[0023] Each slide 11 is equipped with a slider 2 that can slide along it. The slider 2 has a frame structure, and the fixing block 12 protrudes from it. Two springs 3 are installed in the same slider 2. Both springs 3 are installed between the fixing block 12 and the slider 2. The difference is that one spring 3 abuts between the upper end of one fixing block 12 and the upper end of the slider 2, and the other spring 3 abuts between the lower end of another fixing block 12 and the lower end of the slider 2.

[0024] In this embodiment, the slider 2 includes a central grid 21, which divides the interior of the slider 2 into two cavities 22. The extension direction of each cavity 22 is consistent with the length direction of the slide groove 11. A spring 3 is installed in each cavity 22 between the edge of the cavity 22 and the fixing block 12 so that the spring 3 can slide along the length direction of the slide groove 11.

[0025] Each groove 11 is fitted with a slide key 4, which is fixed to the slider 2 to move the slider 2. Specifically, the slider 2 has an upwardly extending protrusion 23, and the lower end of the slide key 4 has a recess corresponding to the protrusion 23. The slide key 4 is inserted into the slider.

[0026] Under normal conditions, neither spring 3 is under any force and is in a naturally extended state. The position of slide key 4 at this point is defined as the initial center position. When slide key 4 is pushed upwards by 3mm, slider 2 moves upwards by 3mm. The position of slide key 4 at this point is defined as the first key position. When slide key 4 is pushed upwards by 10mm, slider 2 moves upwards by 10mm. The position of slide key 4 at this point is defined as the second key position. When slide key 4 is pushed downwards by 3mm, slider 2 moves downwards by 3mm. The position of slide key 4 at this point is defined as the third key position. When slide key 4 is pushed downwards by 10mm, slider 2 moves downwards by 10mm. The position of slide key 4 at this point is defined as the fourth key position. The two springs 3 are used to reset slide key 4 after it has moved upwards and to reset slide key 4 after it has moved downwards, respectively.

[0027] Therefore, each slide key 4 in this invention can correspond to 4 keys. To illustrate its advantages more intuitively, taking a QWERTY keyboard layout as an example, the existing keyboard's number row, Q row, A row, and Z row can be implemented using only one row of 13 slide keys 4. For the leftmost slide key 4, which is the second diagonal from the left, it triggers the character Q when it is in the first key position, the character 1 when it is in the second key position, the character A when it is in the third key position, and the character Z when it is in the fourth key position. The characters triggered by the other 12 slide keys 4 follow the same pattern. To press the 1 key in the row of letters 1-9 in the letter key area, the finger originally needed to lift off the A key and move diagonally upwards and to the left by 2 standard key distances (…). The original method involved pressing down, then lifting, moving two key distances, and gently returning to the A key. Now, you only need to push the A key upwards by 10mm to the top, and then release the force to allow your finger to automatically return to its original position. Similarly, for the Q row, where the finger originally needed to move one standard key distance (19.05mm) from the A row, now you only need to push the key upwards by 3mm; for the A row, where the finger originally needed to press the key (3-4mm), now you need to push the key downwards by 3mm; and for the Z row, where the finger originally needed to move one standard key distance (19.05mm) from the A row, now you only need to push the key downwards by 10mm. This method, where the finger doesn't leave the key and automatically returns to its original position after sliding, significantly reduces the distance the finger needs to move compared to the standard fingering method—moving from the home key to the target key, pressing, releasing, and returning. This effectively avoids incorrect or excessive key presses and reduces the need for finger lifting and pressing. While innovative, this embodiment largely maintains the keyboard operation habits. Additionally, the entire keyboard can be tilted by pressing the 1, Q, A, and Z keys.

[0028] In this embodiment, a magnetic marker 24 is fixed on the slider 2. When the slider 4 slides to different key positions, the magnetic marker 24 is detected by the corresponding Hall element on the keyboard base 1 to identify the position of the slider 4.

[0029] In other embodiments, the detection method for triggering the corresponding character when the slide key 4 is in different key positions can also be other methods such as light triggering or contact triggering. Since this utility model does not involve the improvement of the triggering method, its structure will not be described in detail.

[0030] Since row Z contains only 12 characters from the character "Shift" to the rightmost character "Shift", it can be defined that the shift key is triggered when the last column and the second-to-last column from left to right are in the fourth key position. It can also be defined that the slide key 4 in the last column only has the first, second, and third key positions, and does not have a fourth key position.

[0031] For other rows besides the number row, Q row, A row, and Z row, as well as other functional character keys, some keys of the existing keyboard can be retained, and only the sliding key 4 involved in this utility model is used to achieve the triggering of the character "~" to the character "+", the character "Tab" to the character "]", the character "CapsLock" to the character "\", and the character "Shift" to the character "Shift".

[0032] Because this invention uses the up-and-down movement of a row of slide keys 4 to realize multiple sets of different keys, within its triggerable range, the corresponding characters can be input simply by pushing the slide keys 4 up and down, reducing the range of finger movement, greatly reducing the number of keys, and continuing the existing input habits, it has the advantages of improving input efficiency, greatly reducing the time of wrist suspension input, being easy to use, and reducing the size of the keyboard.

[0033] Embodiment 2 of the novel keyboard of this utility model: The difference between Embodiment 2 and Embodiment 1 is that each slide key 4 can trigger 5 keys. When slide key 4 is in the initial center position, it corresponds to the character in row A. Slide key 4 in the initial center position is triggered by pressing, and its triggering method is the same as that of existing keyboard keys.

[0034] When slide key 4 is pushed upwards by 3mm, slider 2 moves upwards by 3mm. The position of slide key 4 at this time is defined as the first key, corresponding to the Q row of an existing computer keyboard. When slide key 4 is pushed upwards by 10mm, slider 2 moves upwards by 10mm. The position of slide key 4 at this time is defined as the second key, corresponding to the number row of the letter key area of ​​an existing computer keyboard. When slide key 4 is pushed downwards by 3mm, slider 2 moves downwards by 3mm. The position of slide key 4 at this time is defined as the third key, corresponding to the Z row of an existing computer keyboard. When slide key 4 is pushed downwards by 10mm, slider 2 moves downwards by 10mm. The position of slide key 4 at this time is defined as the fourth key, corresponding to the SPACE row of an existing computer keyboard.

[0035] This embodiment can further reduce the size of the keyboard of this utility model.

[0036] To enable the function of pressing and triggering the slide key 4 in the initial center position, the slide key 4 can be floatingly mounted on the slider 2 in the up and down direction, and a magnetic marker that can be sensed and identified by the Hall sensor element in the initial center position is set on the slide key 4 to detect whether the slide key 4 is pressed.

[0037] Embodiment 3 of a novel keyboard of this utility model: The difference between Example 3 and Example 1 is as follows: The slider 4 provides a tactile feedback when sliding to different keys. Specifically, a downward-protruding spherical surface is provided at the lower end of the slider 2, or an outward-protruding spherical surface is provided on the outer side of the slider 2. Adaptive recesses corresponding to the target keys are provided on the slide groove 11. When the slider 2 slides to the target key, part of the spherical surface will sink into the adaptive recess, thus providing a tactile feedback.

[0038] Embodiment four of a novel keyboard of this utility model: The difference between Example 4 and Example 1 is as follows: The slider 4 has five positions: initial center position, first position, second position, third position, and fourth position. The initial center position is identified by pressing down on the slider 4, the first position is identified by pushing up on the slider 4, the second position is identified by pushing the slider 4 to the left, the third position is identified by pushing down on the slider 4, and the fourth position is identified by pushing the slider 4 to the right.

[0039] The slider 2 can be placed on the keyboard base 1 in any horizontal direction. The fixed block 12 fixed on the keyboard base 1 is square in shape, and the slider 2 is in the form of a frame. Four springs 3 are respectively installed between the four sides of the fixed block 12 and the slider 2, so the slider 4 can move in four directions: up, down, left and right.

[0040] Four springs 3 are evenly distributed around the fixed block 12. The extension direction of the springs 3 is 45 degrees away from the sliding direction of the slide key 4. The sliding direction of the slide key 4 is defined as up, down, left, and right. The four springs 3 extend in the directions of upper right, upper left, lower left, and lower right at 45 degrees respectively. When the slide key 4 is moved in any direction, two springs 3 are compressed simultaneously. After the finger releases its force, both springs 3 simultaneously reset, causing the slide key 4 to reset.

[0041] A guide hole 13 is provided in the middle of the fixing block 12. A guide post 14 that can float in the vertical direction is provided on the keyboard base 1. The guide post 14 passes through the guide hole 13. The slide key 4 is mounted on the slider 2 but can float in the vertical direction. A lifting spring 5 is provided between the guide post 14 and the keyboard base 1. The function of the lifting spring 5 is to drive the pressed guide post 14 to return to its original position upward. The slide key 4 is driven to return to its original position upward by the guide post 14. The two ends of the spring 3 are fixed to the fixing block 12 and the slider 2 respectively, which can prevent the slider 2 from detaching from the keyboard base 1. When the finger pushes in the direction of the target key, the slider 2 can slide smoothly on the keyboard base 1.

[0042] In other embodiments, the lifting spring 5 may also be positioned between the slide key 4 and the slider 2.

[0043] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that it can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of this invention. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered illustrative and non-limiting in all respects, and the scope of this invention is defined by the appended claims and not by the foregoing description. Thus, all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within this invention. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A novel keyboard, characterized in that: Includes a keyboard base, on which slide keys are connected, and the slide keys can move in a plane parallel to the keyboard base; The slide key has an initial center position maintained by a reset mechanism; The keyboard base is equipped with multiple position sensors, and the positions of the multiple position sensors correspond one-to-one with the multiple discrete target keys when the slide key is triggered. These sensors are used to detect whether the slide key has moved to the corresponding target key and generate the corresponding key signal.

2. The novel keyboard according to claim 1, characterized in that: The slide key is mounted on the keyboard base via a guide mechanism, which includes a slide groove disposed on the keyboard base and a slider that slides in cooperation with the slide groove. The slide key is mounted on the slider to guide and move along the extension direction of the slide groove.

3. A novel keyboard according to claim 2, characterized in that: The reset mechanism is a spring, which is arranged between the slider and the keyboard base. At least one spring is arranged in each direction in which the slider moves along the keyboard base.

4. A novel keyboard according to claim 3, characterized in that: The slider has a frame structure with a grid in the middle that divides the inside of the slider into two cavities. The grid extends in the same direction as the length of the slide groove. Two fixing blocks are installed in the slide groove, each located in one of the cavities. One fixing block is connected to the upper end of the slider with a spring, and the other fixing block is connected to the lower end of the slider with another spring.

5. A novel keyboard according to claim 4, characterized in that: The upper surface of the slide key is provided with friction texture, or a shallow pit or protrusion for the finger to sink into so that the finger can push the slide key to move horizontally; the slide groove is a recessed groove.

6. A novel keyboard according to claim 3, characterized in that: When the slide key is pushed upward along the slide groove, the slide key can be displaced relative to the initial center position and be in the first key position and the second key position respectively; when the slide key is pushed downward along the slide groove, the slide key can be displaced relative to the initial center position and be in the third key position and the fourth key position respectively.

7. A novel keyboard according to claim 2, characterized in that: The keyboard base is provided with a slider that can be omnidirectionally translated along the plane of the keyboard base. The slider key is mounted on the slider key and can be pushed by a finger to selectively translate the slider key to the target key located in the four directions of up, down, left and right of the slider key.

8. A novel keyboard according to claim 7, characterized in that: A fixed block is provided on the keyboard base. The slider is a frame type and can move along the keyboard base in any direction. Four springs are provided between the fixed block and the slider. The four springs are evenly distributed around the fixed block and extend in the directions of upper right 45 degrees, upper left 45 degrees, lower left 45 degrees, and lower right 45 degrees, respectively.

9. A novel keyboard according to any one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that: The sliding direction of the key is consistent with the tilt direction of the trajectory line formed by the four keys 1, q, and az in a QWERTY layout keyboard.

10. A novel keyboard according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the slide key can be triggered by pressing down when it is in the initial center position, and a lifting spring is provided between the slide key and the keyboard base or between the slide key and the slider for driving the pressed slide key to rise and reset.

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