A multi-station keyboard pull force testing apparatus
By employing a multi-station design and magnetic protection in the keyboard pull-out force testing equipment, the problem of low testing efficiency in existing keyboard keycap technologies has been solved, achieving efficient and safe keycap pull-out force testing.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SUZHOU OBATEL SOFTWARE SYST ENG CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2023-08-02
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-03
AI Technical Summary
Existing keycap pull-out force testing equipment is inefficient and cannot test multiple keycaps simultaneously, resulting in long testing times and impacting production efficiency.
Design a multi-station keyboard pull-out force testing device. Multiple keyboard pull-out fine-tuning modules are installed on a frame driven by X-axis and Z-axis linear modules. Combined with a dual-fixture transfer mechanism, multiple keycaps can be tested simultaneously, and the keycaps are protected from damage by a magnetic assembly.
It enables simultaneous testing of multiple keycaps, significantly shortening testing time and improving testing efficiency. Furthermore, the keycaps are protected by a magnetic assembly to prevent damage, thereby improving the testing efficiency of the production line.
Smart Images

Figure CN116773177B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of keyboard pull-out force testing technology, specifically a multi-station keyboard pull-out force testing device. Background Technology
[0002] The main known causes of poor keycap elasticity or pull-out force are: 1) Defective incoming materials, such as deformed metal base plate hooks, broken scissor bracket central axis, missing or collapsed material at the inner and outer scissor fitting keycap structure, or defects at the four corners of the keycap and the inner and outer scissor fitting area (also known as the teardrop hole and groove structure); 2) Poor assembly, such as damage to the keyboard or keycap structure due to human error or faulty assembly equipment during the assembly process. These two points are the main reasons for insufficient upward pull force or lack of elasticity in the keyboard keys, which will directly affect the lifespan and mechanical feel of the finished keyboard. Therefore, after the keycaps are installed on the keyboard, it is necessary to test the pull-out force of the assembled keycaps to ensure reliability in subsequent use.
[0003] The existing CN209069576U discloses a fully automatic keycap pull-out testing device with high testing efficiency. The keycap pull-out block has hooks on both sides, which are inserted into the gap between the keycap and the keyboard floor to pull the keycap upward. However, it is only a single-group pull-out structure. Since there are many keycaps on the keyboard, it will inevitably lead to a long testing time for a single keyboard, resulting in relatively low efficiency. Therefore, we propose a multi-station keyboard pull-out force testing device. Summary of the Invention
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a multi-station keyboard pull-out force testing device to solve the problems in the prior art.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a multi-station keyboard pull-out force testing device, comprising a frame, on which a keyboard pull-out mechanism and a dual-fixture transfer mechanism are mounted, and two dual-fixture transfer mechanisms are provided; the keyboard pull-out mechanism includes an X-axis bracket, on which an X-axis linear module is mounted, the X-axis linear module drives a Z-axis bracket, on which a Z-axis linear module is mounted, the Z-axis linear module drives a frame, and multiple keyboard pull-out fine-tuning modules are mounted on the frame.
[0006] Preferably, the keyboard fine-tuning module is provided in 12 groups, with each group of keyboard fine-tuning modules arranged in 2 columns and 6 rows; the keyboard fine-tuning module includes a linear slide rail, with a lead screw stepper motor at both ends of the linear slide rail, the lead screw stepper motor driving a fine-tuning Y-axis assembly, the fine-tuning Y-axis assembly driving a connecting plate, and a hook assembly installed on the connecting plate.
[0007] Preferably, the fine-tuning Y-axis assembly is slidably mounted on a linear guide rail, and the fine-tuning Y-axis assembly is provided with a lead screw nut that cooperates with a lead screw stepper motor; the fine-tuning Y-axis assembly includes a fixed frame, a servo motor, a lead screw, and a nut, the servo motor is mounted on the fixed frame, the connecting plate is slidably connected to the fixed frame through a slider and a guide rail, the nut is installed on the connecting plate, and the servo motor drives the connecting plate to rise and fall through the lead screw and the nut.
[0008] Preferably, the hook assembly includes an upper connecting block, a tension sensor, and a lower connecting block, with the upper and lower connecting blocks respectively installed at both ends of the tension sensor; it also includes a hook fixing block, a hook, and a hook clamping block, with the hook fixed by the hook fixing block and the hook clamping block; the lower connecting block and the hook fixing block are attracted to each other by a first magnet assembly; the first magnet assembly consists of two magnets, which are respectively installed on the lower connecting block and the hook fixing block, with opposite magnetic poles at adjacent ends of the two magnets; a ball-head pin is installed on the lower connecting block, and a pin hole for cooperating with the ball-head pin is provided on the hook fixing block.
[0009] Preferably, the hook assembly further includes a bumper block, and the bumper block and the guide block are attracted to each other by a second magnet assembly; the second magnet assembly consists of two magnets, which are respectively mounted on the bumper block and the guide block, and the magnetic poles of the adjacent ends of the two magnets are opposite; a ball pin is installed on the guide block, and a pin hole that mates with the ball pin is opened on the bumper block.
[0010] Preferably, the dual-fixture transfer mechanism includes a linear module, a base plate, a pressing mechanism, and carriers. The linear module drives the base plate, and a photoelectric sensor is installed at the bottom of the base plate. Two carriers are installed on the base plate, and a pressing mechanism is installed at each of the two carriers. The pressing mechanism includes a rotating shaft, a pressing mesh, and a rotating hinge. The pressing mesh is fixed to the rotating shaft by the rotating hinge. The pressing mechanism also includes a drive mechanism for driving the rotating shaft to rotate.
[0011] Preferably, the pressure mesh includes a fixed frame and pressure strips, with multiple pressure strips installed on the fixed frame and multiple protrusions at the bottom of the pressure strips.
[0012] Preferably, the drive mechanism includes a stepper motor, a synchronous belt, a driven synchronous pulley, and a driving synchronous pulley. The stepper motor drives the driving synchronous pulley, the driven synchronous pulley is mounted on a rotating shaft, and the driven synchronous pulley and the driving synchronous pulley are connected by a synchronous belt.
[0013] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:
[0014] 1. The frame is equipped with multiple keyboard fine-tuning modules. There are 12 sets of keyboard fine-tuning modules arranged in 2 columns and 6 rows, which allows for simultaneous testing of the keycaps on the keyboard. The entire keyboard can be tested in one transfer, which greatly reduces the testing time and improves the testing efficiency. In addition, with the dual fixture transfer mechanism, multiple keyboards can be fixed, and the assembly line testing can be carried out, which greatly improves the efficiency.
[0015] 2. In order to match the spacing between the keyboards, the keyboard adjustment module includes a linear slide rail, and both ends of the linear slide rail are equipped with lead screw stepper motors. The lead screw stepper motors drive the micro-adjustment Y-axis assembly, thereby adjusting the spacing between the hooks to match different keyboard sizes.
[0016] 3. The lower connecting block and the hook fixing block are attracted to each other by a first magnetic assembly. The first magnetic assembly consists of two magnets, which are respectively installed on the lower connecting block and the hook fixing block, with opposite magnetic poles at adjacent ends. Thus, the lower connecting block and the hook fixing block are connected by magnetic attraction. When the pulling force is too large, the two magnets will break, thus ensuring that the keyboard keycaps will not be damaged. The anti-collision block and the guide block are attracted to each other by a second magnetic assembly. The second magnetic assembly consists of two magnets, which are respectively installed on the anti-collision block and the guide block, with opposite magnetic poles at adjacent ends. The principle is the same as above, further ensuring that the two magnets will break when the pulling force is too large, thus ensuring that the keyboard keycaps will not be damaged.
[0017] 4. The pressing mechanism includes a rotating shaft, a pressing mesh, and a rotating hinge. The pressing mesh is fixed to the rotating shaft via the rotating hinge. The pressing mechanism also includes a drive mechanism that drives the rotating shaft to rotate. Through the drive mechanism, the pressing mesh can be directly driven to press the keyboard, which is convenient and efficient. The bottom of the pressing bar is provided with multiple protruding structures, which are mainly used to fit into the gaps between each row of keys on the keyboard. Attached Figure Description
[0018] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate the invention and form part of the specification. They are used in conjunction with embodiments of the invention to explain the invention and do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings:
[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention;
[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the keyboard pull-out mechanism and the dual-fixture transfer mechanism of the present invention;
[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the keyboard pull-out mechanism of the present invention;
[0022] Figure 4 This is the present invention. Figure 3Partial structural diagram;
[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the keyboard fine-tuning module of the present invention;
[0024] Figure 6 This is the present invention. Figure 5 A structural diagram from the rear view;
[0025] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the hook assembly of the present invention;
[0026] Figure 8 This is a front view of the hook assembly of the present invention;
[0027] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the present invention AA;
[0028] Figure 10 This is a side view of the hook assembly of the present invention;
[0029] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of the present invention BB;
[0030] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the dual-fixture transfer mechanism of the present invention;
[0031] Figure 13 This is the present invention. Figure 12 Partial structural diagram;
[0032] Figure 14 This is the present invention. Figure 13 A structural diagram from the bottom view;
[0033] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the pressing mesh of the present invention.
[0034] In the diagram: 1. Frame; 2. Keyboard pulling mechanism; 3. Dual-fixture transfer mechanism; 21. X-axis support; 22. X-axis linear module; 23. Z-axis support; 24. Z-axis linear module; 25. Frame; 26. Keyboard fine-tuning module; 261. Linear guide rail; 262. Lead screw nut; 263. Lead screw stepper motor; 264. Fine-tuning Y-axis assembly; 265. Connecting plate; 266. Hook assembly; 2661. Anti-collision block; 2662. Guide block; 2663. Upper connecting block; 2664. Tension sensor; 2665. Lower connecting block; 266 6. Hook fixing block; 2667. Hook; 2668. Hook clamping block; 2669. Ball pin; 26610. First magnet assembly; 26611. Second magnet assembly; 31. Linear module; 32. Base plate; 33. Pressing mechanism; 34. Photoelectric sensor; 35. Carrier; 331. Stepper motor; 332. Synchronous belt; 333. Driven synchronous pulley; 334. Rotating shaft; 335. Pressing mesh; 336. Rotary hinge; 337. Driven synchronous pulley; 3351. Fixing frame; 3352. Pressing strip; 33521. Protruding structure. Detailed Implementation
[0035] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of them. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention. 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.
[0036] Please see Figure 1-15 In this embodiment of the invention, a multi-station keyboard pull-out force testing device includes a frame 1, on which a keyboard pull-out mechanism 2 and a dual-fixture transfer mechanism 3 are mounted. Two dual-fixture transfer mechanisms 3 are provided. Multiple keyboard pull-out fine-tuning modules are mounted on the frame, with 12 sets arranged in 2 columns and 6 rows, allowing simultaneous testing of keycaps on the keyboard. The entire keyboard can be tested in a single transfer, significantly reducing testing time and improving testing efficiency. Furthermore, in conjunction with the dual-fixture transfer mechanism, multiple keyboards can be fixed, enabling assembly line testing and greatly improving efficiency.
[0037] like Figure 3-6The keyboard pull mechanism 2 includes an X-axis bracket 21, an X-axis linear module 22 mounted on the X-axis bracket 21, a Z-axis bracket 23 driven by the X-axis linear module 22, a Z-axis linear module 24 mounted on the Z-axis bracket 23, a frame 25 driven by the Z-axis linear module 24, and multiple keyboard pull fine-tuning modules 26 mounted on the frame 25.
[0038] like Figure 3-6 The keyboard fine-tuning module 26 is configured with 12 sets, arranged in 2 columns and 6 rows. Each keyboard fine-tuning module 26 includes a linear slide rail 261, with a lead screw stepper motor 263 at both ends. The lead screw stepper motor 263 drives a fine-tuning Y-axis assembly 264, which in turn drives a connecting plate 265. A hook assembly 266 is mounted on the connecting plate 265. The fine-tuning Y-axis assembly 264 is slidably mounted on the linear slide rail 261 and has a lead screw nut 262 that cooperates with the lead screw stepper motor 263. The fine-tuning Y-axis assembly 264 includes a fixed frame, a servo motor, a lead screw, and a nut. The servo motor is mounted on the fixed frame, and the connecting plate 265 is slidably connected to the fixed frame via a slider and a slide rail. A nut is mounted on the connecting plate 265, and the servo motor drives the connecting plate 265 to rise and fall via the lead screw and nut.
[0039] like Figure 7-11The hook assembly 266 includes an upper connecting block 2663, a tension sensor 2664, and a lower connecting block 2665. The tension sensor 2664 has the upper connecting block 2663 and the lower connecting block 2665 mounted at both ends. It also includes a hook fixing block 2666, a hook 2667, and a hook clamping block 2668. The hook 2667 is fixed by the hook fixing block 2666 and the hook clamping block 2668. The lower connecting block 2665 and the hook fixing block 2666 are attracted to each other by a first magnet assembly 26610. The first magnet assembly 26610 consists of two magnets, which are respectively mounted on the lower connecting block 2665 and the hook fixing block 2666. The two magnets are adjacent to each other. The magnetic poles at the ends are opposite; a ball-head pin 2669 is installed on the lower connecting block 2665, and a pin hole is opened on the hook fixing block 2666 to cooperate with the ball-head pin 2669; the hook assembly 266 also includes a bumper block 2661, and the bumper block 2661 and the guide block 2662 are attracted to each other by a second magnet assembly 26611; the second magnet assembly 26611 consists of two magnets, which are respectively installed on the bumper block 2661 and the guide block 2662, and the magnetic poles at the adjacent ends of the two magnets are opposite; a ball-head pin 2669 is installed on the guide block 2662, and a pin hole is opened on the bumper block 2661 to cooperate with the ball-head pin 2669 (the ball-head pin 2669 mainly serves a guiding function). The lower connecting block and the hook fixing block are attracted to each other by a first magnetic assembly. The first magnetic assembly consists of two magnets, which are respectively installed on the lower connecting block and the hook fixing block, with opposite magnetic poles at adjacent ends. Thus, the lower connecting block and the hook fixing block are connected by magnetic attraction. When the pulling force is too large, the two magnets will break, thus ensuring that the keycaps of the keyboard will not be damaged. The anti-collision block and the guide block are attracted to each other by a second magnetic assembly. The second magnetic assembly consists of two magnets, which are respectively installed on the anti-collision block and the guide block, with opposite magnetic poles at adjacent ends. The principle is the same as above, ensuring that the first set of magnets will break the attraction when the pulling force is too large, and that the second set of magnets will break the attraction if there is a foreign object on the keyboard base plate, thus protecting against excessive force in both directions.
[0040] like Figure 12-15The dual-fixture transfer mechanism 3 includes a linear module 31, a base plate 32, a pressing mechanism 33, and carriers 35. The linear module 31 drives the base plate 32. A photoelectric sensor 34 is installed at the bottom of the base plate 32. Two carriers 35 are installed on the base plate 32, and pressing mechanisms 33 are installed at both carriers 35. The pressing mechanism 33 includes a rotating shaft 334, a pressing mesh 335, and a rotating hinge 336. The pressing mesh 335 is fixed to the rotating shaft 334 by the rotating hinge 336. The pressing mechanism 33 also includes a drive mechanism for driving the rotating shaft 334 to rotate. The pressing mesh 335 includes a fixed frame 3351 and pressing strips 3352. Multiple pressing strips 3352 are installed on the fixed frame 3351, and multiple pressing strips 3352 are provided at the bottom of the pressing strips 3352. The protruding structure 33521; the material pressing mechanism includes a rotating shaft, a pressing mesh, and a rotating hinge. The pressing mesh is fixed to the rotating shaft via the rotating hinge. The material pressing mechanism also includes a drive mechanism that drives the rotating shaft to rotate. Through the drive mechanism, the pressing mesh can be directly driven to press the keyboard, which is convenient and efficient. The bottom end of the pressing strip is provided with multiple protruding structures, which are mainly used to fit into the gaps between each row of keys on the keyboard. The drive mechanism includes a stepper motor 331, a synchronous belt 332, a driven synchronous pulley 333, and a driving synchronous pulley 337. The stepper motor 331 drives the driving synchronous pulley 337. The driven synchronous pulley 333 is mounted on the rotating shaft 334. The driven synchronous pulley 333 and the driving synchronous pulley 337 are connected by the synchronous belt 332.
[0041] Finally, it should be noted that the above descriptions are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A multi-station keyboard pull force testing apparatus comprising a frame (1) characterised in that: The frame (1) is equipped with a keyboard pull-out mechanism (2) and a dual-fixture transfer mechanism (3), and there are two dual-fixture transfer mechanisms (3). The keyboard pull mechanism (2) includes an X-axis bracket (21), an X-axis linear module (22) is mounted on the X-axis bracket (21), the X-axis linear module (22) drives a Z-axis bracket (23), a Z-axis linear module (24) is mounted on the Z-axis bracket (23), the Z-axis linear module (24) drives a frame (25), and multiple keyboard pull fine adjustment modules (26) are mounted on the frame (25). The pull-keyboard fine-tuning module (26) is provided in 12 sets, and the 12 sets of pull-keyboard fine-tuning modules (26) are arranged in 2 columns and 6 rows; the pull-keyboard fine-tuning module (26) includes a linear slide rail (261), and both ends of the linear slide rail (261) are provided with a lead screw stepper motor (263). The lead screw stepper motor (263) drives a fine-tuning Y-axis assembly (264), the fine-tuning Y-axis assembly (264) drives a connecting plate (265), and a hook assembly (266) is installed on the connecting plate (265). The hook assembly (266) includes an upper connecting block (2663), a tension sensor (2664), and a lower connecting block (2665). The tension sensor (2664) has the upper connecting block (2663) and the lower connecting block (2665) installed at both ends respectively. It also includes a hook fixing block (2666), a hook (2667), and a hook clamping block (2668). The hook (2667) is fixed by the hook fixing block (2666) and the hook clamping block (2668). The block (2665) and the hook fixing block (2666) are attracted to each other by a first magnet assembly (26610); the first magnet assembly (26610) consists of two magnets, which are respectively installed on the lower connecting block (2665) and the hook fixing block (2666), and the magnetic poles of the two magnets are opposite at their adjacent ends; a ball head pin (2669) is installed on the lower connecting block (2665), and a pin hole that mates with the ball head pin (2669) is opened on the hook fixing block (2666); The hook assembly (266) further includes a bumper block (2661), and the bumper block (2661) and the guide block (2662) are attracted to each other by a second magnet assembly (26611); the second magnet assembly (26611) consists of two magnets, which are respectively installed on the bumper block (2661) and the guide block (2662), and the magnetic poles of the two magnets are opposite at their adjacent ends; a ball pin (2669) is installed on the guide block (2662), and a pin hole is opened on the bumper block (2661) to cooperate with the ball pin (2669); a return spring is provided between the bumper block (2661) and the guide block (2662) to assist the bumper block in quick reset; the first magnet assembly (26610) realizes overload protection in the vertical direction of pulling, and the second magnet assembly (26611) realizes overload protection in the lateral impact force, forming an all-round protection system of vertical + lateral; The dual-fixture transfer mechanism (3) includes a linear module (31), a base plate (32), a pressing mechanism (33), and a carrier (35). The linear module (31) drives the base plate (32). A photoelectric sensor (34) is installed at the bottom of the base plate (32). Two carriers (35) are installed on the base plate (32). The pressing mechanism (33) is installed at both carriers (35) on the base plate (32). The pressing mechanism (33) includes a rotating shaft (334), a pressing mesh (335), and a rotating hinge (336). The pressing mesh (335) is fixed on the rotating shaft (334) by the rotating hinge (336). The pressing mechanism (33) also includes a driving mechanism that drives the rotating shaft (334) to rotate. The pressure mesh (335) includes a fixed frame (3351) and pressure strips (3352). Multiple pressure strips (3352) are installed on the fixed frame (3351), and multiple protruding structures (33521) are provided at the bottom of the pressure strips (3352).
2. A multi-station keyboard pull force testing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein: The fine-tuning Y-axis assembly (264) is slidably mounted on the linear slide rail (261). The fine-tuning Y-axis assembly (264) is provided with a lead screw nut (262) that cooperates with the lead screw stepper motor (263). The fine-tuning Y-axis assembly (264) includes a fixed frame, a servo motor, a lead screw and a nut. The servo motor is mounted on the fixed frame. The connecting plate (265) is slidably connected to the fixed frame through a slider and a slide rail. The nut is installed on the connecting plate (265). The servo motor drives the connecting plate (265) to rise and fall through the lead screw and the nut.
3. The multi-station keyboard pull force testing apparatus of claim 1, wherein: The drive mechanism includes a stepper motor (331), a synchronous belt (332), a driven synchronous pulley (333), and a driving synchronous pulley (337). The stepper motor (331) drives the driving synchronous pulley (337). The driven synchronous pulley (333) is mounted on a rotating shaft (334). The driven synchronous pulley (333) and the driving synchronous pulley (337) are connected by the synchronous belt (332).