An ultra-thin laptop keyboard

Abstract

The present invention relates to the technical field of keyboards, and in particular to an ultra-thin notebook keyboard, which includes a circuit board and a plurality of keys mounted on the circuit board. The keys include keycaps and key shafts. The key shafts include upper covers, bottom covers connected to the upper covers, and core shafts connected to the keycaps. The core shafts pass through the upper covers and are slidably connected to the bottom covers. A signal member for outputting a signal when the core shafts slide downwards is provided on the circuit board. Guide columns are fixed to the bottom covers, guide holes are provided in the core shafts, and the guide columns pass through the guide holes and are slidably connected to the core shafts. A reset member for resetting the core shafts after sliding is sleeved on the guide columns. A first force-bearing assembly for maintaining the balance of the core shafts during up-and-down sliding is detachably installed between the core shafts and the bottom covers. A second force-bearing assembly for maintaining the balance of the keycaps during up-and-down sliding along with the core shafts is detachably installed between the keycaps and the bottom covers. The ultra-thin notebook keyboard provided by the present invention has high sensitivity and a good user experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of keyboards, and more particularly to an ultra-thin notebook keyboard. Background Art

[0002] A mechanical keyboard is a type of keyboard. Structurally, each key of a mechanical keyboard has a separate switch to control closing, and this switch is also called a "shaft". Exactly because each key is composed of an independent microswitch, the key has a strong sense of paragraph, thus generating a special feel suitable for game entertainment. Therefore, it is usually used as a relatively expensive high-end game peripheral.

[0003] Currently, most of the notebook computers on the market that are suitable for e-sports games still use thin keyboards suitable for ordinary notebook computers. Such ultra-thin keyboards do not have the performance of mechanical keyboards, and their operation sensitivity is relatively low. Therefore, users usually need to externally connect a mechanical keyboard to meet the game experience.

[0004] So, there are ultra-thin keyboards suitable for notebooks emerging on the market. They have the special feel of mechanical keyboards and also have high sensitivity. However, because the keyboards are relatively thin, when a user's finger presses on the corners of the keys, the corners of the keys reach the bottom, but the key shafts have not yet been pressed down, resulting in a problem that the sensitivity is not as good as that of a normal mechanical keyboard. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention provides an ultra-thin notebook keyboard for the problems of the prior art. By arranging a first force-bearing component and a second force-bearing component for controlling balance inside, the force when the keys of the keyboard are pressed is more uniform, which is beneficial to improving the user's feel and the operation sensitivity of the keyboard.

[0006] To solve the above technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: An ultra-thin notebook keyboard includes a circuit board and a plurality of keys installed on the circuit board. The keys include keycaps and key shafts installed below the keycaps. The key shafts include upper covers, bottom covers connected to the upper covers, and shaft cores connected to the keycaps. The shaft cores pass through the upper covers and are slidably connected to the bottom covers. A signal component for outputting a signal when the shaft cores slide down is provided on the circuit board. Guide posts are fixed to the bottom covers, guide holes are provided in the shaft cores, and the guide posts pass through the guide holes and are slidably connected to the shaft cores. A reset component for resetting the shaft cores after sliding is sleeved on the guide posts. A first force-bearing component for maintaining the balance when the shaft cores slide up and down is detachably installed between the shaft cores and the bottom covers. A second force-bearing component for maintaining the balance when the keycaps slide up and down with the shaft cores is detachably installed between the keycaps and the bottom covers.

[0007] Among them, the first force-bearing component includes two first connecting rods symmetrically arranged on both sides of the shaft core. The first connecting rod includes a first cylindrical bar, a first clamping bar, and a first support bar for connecting the first cylindrical bar and the first clamping bar. First clamping grooves for accommodating the first clamping bar are provided on both sides of the shaft core, and the first cylindrical bar abuts against the bottom of the bottom cover.

[0008] Among them, the second force-bearing component includes a second connecting rod. The second connecting rod includes a second cylindrical bar, a second clamping bar, and a second support bar for connecting the second cylindrical bar and the second clamping bar. First grooves for slidably connecting with the second cylindrical bar are provided on both sides of the shaft core, and a second clamping groove for accommodating the second clamping bar is provided on one side of the bottom cover.

[0009] Preferably, the signal component is a photosensitive device electrically connected to the circuit board.

[0010] Preferably, a baffle is provided on one side of the shaft core. The upper cover is provided with a third clamping groove for accommodating the baffle, and the bottom cover is provided with a second groove for clamping with the baffle. When the baffle slides down, it can be embedded in the middle gap of the photosensitive device.

[0011] Among them, a first mounting groove is provided on the bottom cover, and a spring block is embedded in the first mounting groove. The spring block includes a U-shaped spring piece and a fixing piece connected to the middle of the U-shaped spring piece. Both sides of the opening of the U-shaped spring piece are provided with outwardly inclined slopes. The upper cover is provided with a notch, and the notch is located above the U-shaped spring piece. A diamond-shaped block is provided above the spring block, and the diamond-shaped block is fixed on the shaft core.

[0012] Preferably, the notebook keyboard further includes an iron plate. The iron plate is provided with a second mounting groove for installing the key shaft, and the circuit board is provided with a third mounting groove for installing the key shaft. The iron plate is detachably connected to the key shaft.

[0013] Among them, clamping platforms for abutting against the iron plate are provided on both sides of the upper cover.

[0014] Preferably, rectangular bumps are provided at the four corners of the bottom cover, and L-shaped notches for clamping the bumps are provided at the four corners of the upper cover.

[0015] Preferably, a light-emitting diode is electrically connected to the back of the circuit board, and both the upper cover and the bottom cover are made of transparent light-guiding materials.

[0016] Beneficial effects:

[0017] An ultra-thin notebook keyboard provided by the present invention makes the force on the entire key more uniform by arranging a first force-bearing component and a second force-bearing component in the key shaft. When the user strikes the edge of the key, the entire key can also be pressed down, effectively improving the sensitivity of the keyboard. At the same time, the key paragraph feeling of the mechanical keyboard is maintained, improving the user's usage experience. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] Figure 1 It is a schematic exploded view of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 It is a schematic structural view of the upper cover of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 3 It is a schematic structural view of the bottom cover of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 4 It is a schematic structural view of the shaft core of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 5 It is a schematic structural view of the elastic block of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 6 It is a schematic assembled structural view of the shaft core and the bottom cover of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 7 It is a schematic assembled structural view of the shaft core, the upper cover and the bottom cover of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 8 It is a schematic assembled structural view of the circuit board and the signal component of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 9 It is a schematic assembled structural view of the iron plate and the key shaft of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 10 is Figure 9 a cross-sectional view taken at AA' in

[0028] In Figures 1 to 10 the reference numerals included are:

[0029] 1 - Circuit board, 11 - Signal component, 12 - Third installation groove, 13 - Light - emitting diode, 2 - Button, 21 - Keycap, 22 - Key shaft, 23 - Upper cover, 24 - Bottom cover, 25 - Shaft core, 231 - Third card slot, 232 - Notch, 233 - Clamping platform, 234 - L - shaped notch, 241 - Guide post, 242 - Reset component, 243 - Second card slot, 244 - Second groove, 245 - First installation groove, 246 - Elastic block, 247 - U - shaped elastic sheet, 248 - Fixed sheet, 249 - Inclined plane, 2401 - Rectangular convex block, 2402 - Limit groove, 251 - Guide hole, 252 - First card slot, 253 - First groove, 254 - Baffle, 255 - Kit, 256 - Rhombic block, 257 - Fixed column, 3 - First force - receiving component, 31 - First connecting rod, 32 - First cylindrical bar, 33 - First clamping bar, 34 - First support bar, 4 - Second force - receiving component, 41 - Second connecting rod, 42 - Second cylindrical bar, 43 - Second clamping bar, 44 - Second support bar, 5 - Iron plate, 51 - Second installation groove. Detailed implementation mode

[0030] For the convenience of those skilled in the art to understand, the present invention will be further described below in combination with embodiments and the accompanying drawings. The content mentioned in the implementation mode does not limit the present invention. The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] In this embodiment, as Figure 1 and Figure 7 , it includes a circuit board 1 and a plurality of buttons 2 installed on the circuit board 1. The button 2 includes a keycap 21 and a key shaft 22 installed below the keycap 21. The key shaft 22 includes an upper cover 23, a bottom cover 24 connected to the upper cover 23, and a shaft core 25 connected to the keycap 21. The shaft core 25 passes through the upper cover 23 and is slidably connected to the bottom cover 24. A signal component 11 for outputting a signal when the shaft core 25 slides down is provided on the circuit board 1. A guide post 241 is fixed on the bottom cover 24, and a guide hole 251 is provided on the shaft core 25. The guide post 241 passes through the guide hole 251 and is slidably connected to the shaft core 25. A reset component 242 for resetting the shaft core 25 after sliding is sleeved on the guide post 241. A first force - receiving component 3 for maintaining the balance of the shaft core 25 during up - and - down sliding is detachably installed between the shaft core 25 and the bottom cover 24. A second force - receiving component 4 for maintaining the balance of the keycap 21 during up - and - down sliding with the shaft core 25 is detachably installed between the keycap 21 and the bottom cover 24.

[0032] Preferably, as Figure 1 , Figure 6 and Figure 7The first force-bearing component 3 includes two first connecting rods 31 symmetrically arranged on both sides of the shaft core 25, the first connecting rod 31 includes a first cylindrical bar 32, a first clamping bar 33 and a first supporting bar 34 for connecting the first cylindrical bar 32 and the first clamping bar 33, and first clamping grooves 252 for accommodating the first clamping bar 33 are provided on both sides of the shaft core 25, and the first cylindrical bar 32 abuts against the bottom of the bottom cover 24.

[0033] Preferably, Figure 1 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 The second force-bearing component 4 includes a second connecting rod 41, the second connecting rod 41 includes a second cylindrical bar 42, a second snap-in bar 43 and a second supporting bar 44 for connecting the second cylindrical bar 42 and the second snap-in bar 43, both sides of the shaft core 25 are provided with a first groove 253 slidably connected to the second cylindrical bar 42, and one side of the bottom cover 24 is provided with a second snap-in groove 243 for accommodating the second snap-in bar 43.

[0034] Specifically, the notebook keyboard adopts the method of connecting the upper cover 23, the bottom cover 24 and the shaft core 25. When the user presses the key cap 21, the key cap 21 drives the shaft core 25 to press down at the same time. When the shaft core 25 is pressed down, the signal member 11 on the circuit board 1 is controlled to send a signal, and then the shaft core 25 and the key cap 21 are controlled to reset through the reset member 242. Preferably, the reset member 242 is a spring. When the shaft core 25 is pressed down, the guide column 241 of the bottom cover 24 passes through the guide hole 251 and squeezes the spring. When the shaft core 25 is not under force, the spring recovers and drives the shaft core 25 to reset. Figure 6 and Figure 7, in order to make the force on the button 2 more uniform when it is pressed down, a first connecting rod 31 and a second connecting rod 41 are installed in the key shaft 22. The first connecting rod 31 and the second connecting rod 41 are both, but not limited to, rectangular shapes with openings. Each part of the first connecting rod 31 and the second connecting rod 41 is cylindrical. The first card slots 252 on both sides of the shaft core 25 are both, but not limited to, T-shaped. During installation, the first clamping strips 33 on both sides of the opening of the first connecting rod 31 are inserted into the vertical part of the T-shaped first card slot 252, and then snapped into the horizontal part of the T-shaped first card slot 252. Then, the first cylindrical strip 32 of the first connecting rod 31 is abutted against the inner bottom cover 24. When the shaft core 25 slides up and down, the first connecting rods 31 on both sides of the shaft core 25 rotate around the first cylindrical strip 32, and the two first connecting rods 31 rotate synchronously, controlling the uniform force on the shaft core 25 in the direction parallel to the first cylindrical strip 32. Four rectangular bumps 2401 are provided at the four corners of the bottom cover 24. Among them, second card slots 243 are provided between the two bumps on the side of the bottom cover 24 perpendicular to the first cylindrical strip 32 and the bottom cover 24. First, the second cylindrical strip 42 is inserted into the first groove 253 of the shaft core 25, and then the second clamping strips 43 on both sides of the opening of the second connecting rod 41 are respectively inserted into the second card slots 243. When the shaft core 25 is pressed down, the second cylindrical strip 42 slides in the first groove 253, controlling the uniform force on the button 2 in the direction parallel to the second cylindrical strip 42. The first cylindrical strip 32 and the second cylindrical strip 42 are perpendicularly arranged in space, so that the entire button 2 can be uniformly stressed. When the user strikes the edge of the button 2, the entire button 2 can also be pressed down, effectively improving the sensitivity of the keyboard and the user's experience.

[0035] In this embodiment, as Figure 1 and Figure 4 , the signal component 11 is a photosensitive device electrically connected to the circuit board 1. The photosensitive device is arranged on the back of the circuit board 1. A baffle 254 is provided on one side of the shaft core 25. The upper cover 23 is provided with a third card slot 231 for accommodating the baffle 254. The bottom cover 24 is provided with a second groove 244 for clamping the baffle 254. When the baffle 254 slides down, it can be embedded in the middle gap of the photosensitive device.

[0036] Specifically, the photosensitive device is a photodiode, which is fixed on the back of the circuit board 1, which can save installation space on the front of the circuit board 1. A sliding groove is provided at the position opposite to the gap between the circuit board 1 and the photodiode, and a kit 255 is provided on the baffle 254; when the shaft core 25 is pressed down, the baffle 254 is pressed down accordingly and is inserted into the sliding groove to block the middle gap of the photodiode, and the blocked photodiode then sends a control signal. After the shaft core 25 is no longer subject to force recovery, the baffle 254 leaves the sliding groove, and the photodiode stops sending a signal. By adopting the matching structure of the photodiode and the baffle 254, the keyboard can be made thinner, and a keyboard input can be completed by only satisfying the relative displacement of the baffle 254 inserted in the sliding groove.

[0037] In this embodiment, Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 The bottom cover 24 is provided with a first mounting groove, and a spring block 246 is embedded in the first mounting groove 245. The spring block 246 includes a U-shaped spring piece 247 and a fixing piece 248 connected to the middle of the U-shaped spring piece 247. Both sides of the opening of the U-shaped spring piece 247 are provided with outward inclined surfaces 249. The upper cover 23 is provided with a notch 232, and the notch 232 is provided above the U-shaped spring piece 247. A diamond block 256 is provided above the spring block 246, and the diamond block 256 is fixed on the shaft core 25.

[0038] Specifically, one of the characteristics of a mechanical keyboard is the sound of typing. In order to make the sound of the notebook keyboard clearer, a U-shaped spring piece 247 and a structure in which an inclined surface 249 is set at the opening of the U-shaped spring piece 247 are used, and then a diamond block 256 of the shaft core 25 is used. When the shaft core 25 is pressed down, the diamond block 256 is inserted into the U-shaped spring piece 247 along the inclined surface 249, and hits the bottom of the U-shaped spring piece 247 to make a sound. At the same time, when the diamond block 256 is inserted into the connection between the inclined surface 249 and the U-shaped spring piece 247, it can provide the user with a good sense of clicking. When the shaft core 25 is restored, the diamond block 256 moves out of the U-shaped spring piece 247. The structure of the U-shaped spring piece 247 can ensure a longer service life compared to the wire spring in the prior art, and the knocking sound is more beautiful.

[0039] In this embodiment, Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 The notebook keyboard also includes an iron plate 5, the iron plate 5 is provided with a second mounting groove 51 for installing a key shaft 22, the circuit board 1 is provided with a third mounting groove 12 for installing the key shaft 22, the iron plate 5 is detachably connected to the key shaft 22, and both sides of the upper cover 23 are provided with a clamping platform 233 for abutting the iron plate 5.

[0040] Specifically, an iron plate 5 is added to the original circuit board 1. The iron plate 5 is connected to the circuit board 1 in a sunken board manner, that is, the connection and fixing effect is better. Clamping platforms 233 are provided on both sides of the upper cover 23. During installation, the iron plate 5 is clamped on the clamping platforms 233, as Figure 7 , the connected upper cover 23 and bottom cover 24 can be pressed tightly to prevent them from falling off. When the key shaft 22 needs to be taken out, the iron plate 5 can be directly pulled out, and then the key shaft 22 can be taken out. The clamping structure of the iron plate 5 can prevent the key shaft 22 from being installed on the circuit board 1 and easily damaging the circuit board 1.

[0041] In this embodiment, as Figure 2 、 Figure 3 and Figure 7 , rectangular protrusions 2401 are provided at the four corners of the bottom cover 24, L-shaped notches 234 for clamping the protrusions are provided at the four corners of the upper cover 23, fixing columns 257 are provided at the four corners of the shaft core 25, and limiting grooves 2402 for clamping with the fixing columns 257 are provided on the bottom cover 24.

[0042] Specifically, when the upper cover 23 and the bottom cover 24 are assembled together, the rectangular protrusions 2401 at the four corners of the bottom cover 24 are embedded in the L-shaped notches 234 of the upper cover 23, which can prevent the upper cover 23 and the bottom cover 24 from shifting in the horizontal direction. A limiting groove 2402 is provided in the bottom cover 24. When the shaft core 25 moves downward, the fixing column 257 is inserted into the limiting groove 2402, which can prevent the shaft core 25 from shifting.

[0043] In this embodiment, as Figure 1 , a light-emitting diode 13 is electrically connected to the back of the circuit board 1. Both the upper cover 23 and the bottom cover 24 are made of transparent light guide materials, as Figure 8 . Setting the light-emitting diode 13 on the back can save the installation space on the circuit board. The light-emitting diode 13 is arranged on the other side of the circuit board opposite to the signal part 11, that is, the light-emitting diode 13 emits light from the side. Coupled with the use of transparent light guide materials, the keyboard can emit light more evenly, avoid glare, and have a better visual effect.

[0044] The above is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and it does not impose any form of limitation on the present invention. Although the present invention is disclosed above in a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of the technical solution of the present invention, when making some changes or modifications using the above-disclosed technical content as equivalent change equivalent embodiments, but as long as it does not depart from the content of the technical solution of the present invention, any simple modification, equivalent change and modification made to the above embodiments according to the technical means of the present invention shall fall within the scope of the technical solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. An ultra-thin notebook keyboard, comprising a circuit board and a plurality of keys mounted on the circuit board. The keys include keycaps and key shafts mounted below the keycaps. The key shafts include upper covers, bottom covers connected to the upper covers, and core shafts connected to the keycaps. The core shafts pass through the upper covers and are slidably connected to the bottom covers. A signal component for outputting a signal when the core shafts slide downward is provided on the circuit board. It is characterized in that: Guide posts are fixed on the bottom covers. The core shafts are provided with guide holes. The guide posts pass through the guide holes and are slidably connected to the core shafts. A reset component for resetting the core shafts after sliding is sleeved on the guide posts. A first force-bearing component for maintaining the balance of the core shafts during up-and-down sliding is detachably installed between the core shafts and the bottom covers. A second force-bearing component for maintaining the balance of the keycaps during up-and-down sliding with the core shafts is detachably installed between the keycaps and the bottom covers. The first force-bearing component includes two first connecting rods symmetrically arranged on both sides of the core shaft. The first connecting rods include first cylindrical bars, first clamping bars, and first support bars for connecting the first cylindrical bars and the first clamping bars. First card slots for accommodating the first clamping bars are provided on both sides of the core shaft. The first cylindrical bars abut against the bottom of the bottom covers. The second force-bearing component includes a second connecting rod. The second connecting rod includes a second cylindrical bar, a second clamping bar, and a second support bar for connecting the second cylindrical bar and the second clamping bar. First grooves for slidably connecting with the second cylindrical bars are provided on both sides of the core shaft. A second card slot for accommodating the second clamping bar is provided on one side of the bottom cover. The signal component is a photosensitive device electrically connected to the circuit board. A baffle is provided on one side of the core shaft. A third card slot for accommodating the baffle is provided on the upper cover. A second groove for clamping the baffle is provided on the bottom cover. The baffle can be embedded in the middle gap of the photosensitive device when it slides downward. A first installation groove is provided on the bottom cover. A spring block is embedded in the first installation groove. The spring block includes a U-shaped spring piece and a fixing piece connected to the middle of the U-shaped spring piece. Inclined planes are provided on both sides of the opening of the U-shaped spring piece. A notch is provided on the upper cover and is located above the U-shaped spring piece. A diamond-shaped block is provided above the spring block and is fixed on the core shaft. The notebook keyboard further includes an iron plate. The iron plate is provided with a second installation groove for installing the key shafts. The circuit board is provided with a third installation groove for installing the key shafts. The iron plate is detachably connected to the key shafts. Clamping platforms for abutting against the iron plate are provided on both sides of the upper cover. Rectangular protrusions are provided at the four corners of the bottom cover. L-shaped notches for clamping the protrusions are provided at the four corners of the upper cover. A light-emitting diode is electrically connected to the back of the circuit board. Both the upper cover and the bottom cover are made of transparent light-guiding materials.

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