Hinge type structure keyboard and output method thereof

Abstract

The invention provides a keyboard with a hinge type structure. The keyboard comprises a key core bracket, a key core and a key cap, the key core is arranged on the key core support, one side of the key cap is provided with a connecting piece, the key core support is provided with a buckle, the connecting piece and the buckle are hinged to form a hinge structure, and the other side of the key cap abuts against the key core; when the key cap is pressed, the key cap forms a lever structure with the hinged position of the connecting piece and the buckle as a fulcrum. Through the hinge structure formed by the key cap and the key core bracket, the whole key forms a lever structure by taking the connecting piece as a fulcrum when being pressed, so that the force consumed during pressing is reduced, the keyboard structure is simpler, and the keyboard is more labor-saving to press.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of input devices, and in particular to a hinged structure keyboard and an output method thereof. Background Art

[0002] As a computer accessory, the keyboard is the most commonly used and most important input device. English letters, Chinese characters, numbers, punctuation marks, etc. can be input into the computer through the keyboard, so as to issue commands to the computer, input data, etc. The keyboard is generally composed of keycaps and key cores. Conventional keycaps are scissor-foot structures, chocolate structures, butterfly structures or mechanical axis structures, but these structures are more complex in process structure, and some structures add some mechanical structures to improve the feel, which is more laborious to press; sometimes when a single key command needs to be repeatedly output, it needs to be pressed repeatedly, which is very inconvenient to operate, and the pressing frequency cannot be controlled. Summary of the invention

[0003] In view of the above problems, the present application is proposed to provide a hinged structure keyboard that overcomes the above problems or at least partially solves the above problems.

[0004] The embodiment of the present invention discloses a hinged structure keyboard, comprising a key core bracket, a key core and a key cap;

[0005] The key core is arranged on the key core bracket, a connecting piece is arranged on one side of the key cap, a buckle is arranged on the key core bracket, the connecting piece and the buckle are hinged to form a hinge structure, and the other side of the key cap abuts against the key core;

[0006] When the key cap is pressed, the key cap forms a lever structure with the connecting member and the buckle hinge position as a fulcrum.

[0007] Furthermore, a protrusion is provided at the abutment position between the key cap and the key core;

[0008] The key core comprises a capacitive sensing layer, a bottom film, a pot piece and a top film which are stacked in sequence, and the pot piece is arranged corresponding to the protruding piece;

[0009] When the keycap is pressed, the protrusion squeezes the pot piece to cause deformation, and the capacitance between the pot piece and the capacitive sensing layer changes;

[0010] and / or;

[0011] The key core comprises a conductive film and silica gel particles which are stacked in sequence;

[0012] When the key cap is pressed, the protruding member presses the silica gel particles to contact the conductive film.

[0013] Furthermore, the key core also includes an intermediate layer of film, and the intermediate layer of film and the pot piece are arranged on the same plane.

[0014] Furthermore, the key cap includes a space bar cap, the space bar cap is provided with a plurality of light guide holes, and indicator lights are provided at key core positions corresponding to the light guide holes.

[0015] Furthermore, the top film is provided with a slot corresponding to the position of the protruding piece.

[0016] Furthermore, the buckle is a strong demoulding structure, and / or a mold structure that is inserted through the top and bottom.

[0017] Furthermore, it also includes a bottom shell, which is arranged at the bottom of the key core bracket; the bottom of the bottom shell is provided with a folding bracket and a plurality of anti-slip pads.

[0018] Furthermore, it also includes a mounting panel, which is arranged on the top of the bracket.

[0019] A method for outputting keyboard key commands, wherein the keyboard is any one of the keyboards described above, comprising the steps of:

[0020] When a change in capacitance is detected, obtaining a capacitance change value, a horizontal coordinate, and a vertical coordinate of a capacitance change position;

[0021] Determine a key instruction according to the horizontal coordinate and the vertical coordinate, and determine an output threshold according to the capacitance change value;

[0022] An output instruction is determined according to the output threshold and the key instruction.

[0023] Furthermore, it also includes:

[0024] Determining the number of keys according to the total amount of capacitance change of the horizontal axis and the total amount of capacitance change of the vertical axis;

[0025] Determining the key position according to the capacitance change ratio of the horizontal coordinate and the vertical coordinate;

[0026] The key instruction is determined according to the key quantity and the key position.

[0027] This application has the following advantages:

[0028] In the embodiments of the present application, in view of the shortcomings of the prior art that the capacitive keyboard is relatively laborious to press and has a complex process structure, the present application proposes a solution to reduce the pressing force of the keyboard keys and simplify the key structure by setting a hinge structure, specifically: a hinged structure keyboard, including a key core bracket, a key core and a key cap; the key core is arranged on the key core bracket, a connecting piece is arranged on one side of the key cap, the key core bracket is provided with a buckle, the connecting piece and the buckle are hinged to form a hinge structure, and the other side of the key cap abuts the key core; when the key cap is pressed, the key cap forms a lever structure with the hinge position of the connecting piece and the buckle as the fulcrum. The hinge structure formed by the key cap and the key core bracket allows the entire key to form a lever structure with the connecting piece as the fulcrum when pressed, thereby reducing the force consumed when pressing, making the keyboard structure simpler and more labor-saving to press the keyboard. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solution of the present application, the following is a brief introduction to the drawings required for use in the description of the present application. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative labor.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of a hinged keyboard provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0031] Figure 2 It is a structural schematic diagram of a key cap portion of a hinged structure keyboard provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0032] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a key of a hinged keyboard provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0033] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a hinged keyboard provided by an embodiment of the present application, in which the keys of the keyboard adopt a silicone particle and a conductive film structure;

[0034] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a hinge-type keyboard lever structure under a key provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0035] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of a method for outputting keyboard key commands provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0036] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a structure in which the bottom line capacitance sensing layer of a keyboard key command output method provided by an embodiment of the present application is a single-key type;

[0037] Figure 8It is a schematic diagram of a structure in which the bottom line capacitance sensing layer of a keyboard key command output method provided by an embodiment of the present application is a matrix scanning type.

[0038] In the attached drawings: 201, key cap; 202, connector; 203, buckle; 301, key core bracket; 302, top film layer; 303, pot piece; 304, middle film layer; 305, bottom film layer; 306, capacitive sensing layer; 307, protrusion; 401, silicone particles; 402, conductive film. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] In order to make the objects, features and advantages of the present application more obvious and understandable, the present application is further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific implementation methods. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in the field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0040] The inventors have found through analysis of the prior art that the existing keyboard structure, in which the keys that output key commands through capacitive sensing, require a high force to ensure the overall durability of the keyboard, and has a complex structure and high industrial production costs.

[0041] In the embodiments of the present application, in view of the shortcomings of the prior art that the capacitive keyboard is relatively laborious to press and has a complex process structure, the present application proposes a solution to reduce the pressing force of the keyboard keys and simplify the key structure by setting a hinge structure, specifically: a hinged structure keyboard, including a key core bracket, a key core and a key cap; the key core is arranged on the key core bracket, a connecting piece is arranged on one side of the key cap, the key core bracket is provided with a buckle, the connecting piece and the buckle are hinged to form a hinge structure, and the other side of the key cap abuts the key core; when the key cap is pressed, the key cap forms a lever structure with the hinge position of the connecting piece and the buckle as the fulcrum. The hinge structure formed by the key cap and the key core bracket allows the entire key to form a lever structure with the connecting piece as the fulcrum when pressed, thereby reducing the force consumed when pressing, making the keyboard structure simpler and more labor-saving to press the keyboard.

[0042] Reference Figure 1-3, shows a hinge-type keyboard, including a key core bracket 301, a key core and a keycap 201; a connecting piece 202 is provided on one side of the keycap 201, and the key core bracket 301 is provided with a buckle 203, the connecting piece 202 and the buckle 203 are hinged to form a hinge structure, and the other side of the keycap 201 abuts the key core, and the key core is arranged on the key core bracket 301, a connecting piece 202 is provided on one side of the keycap 201, and the key core bracket 301 is provided with a buckle 203, the connecting piece 202 and the buckle 203 are hinged to form a hinge structure, and the other side of the keycap 201 abuts the key core; when the keycap 201 is pressed, the keycap 201 forms a lever structure with the hinge position of the connecting piece 202 and the buckle 203 as the fulcrum. The hinge structure formed by the key cap 201 and the key core bracket 301 allows the key as a whole to form a lever structure with the connecting member as a fulcrum when pressed, thereby reducing the force consumed when pressing, making the keyboard structure simpler and saving more effort when pressing the keyboard.

[0043] It should be noted that the connector 202 of a conventional key generally corresponds to two buckles 203, and the two buckles 203 are respectively arranged at both ends of the connector 202. At the same time, according to the volume of the keycaps in the keyboard, for keys with relatively large volume and length, such as the space bar and the "shift" key, it is necessary to additionally set a number of buckles 203 to connect with the connector 202 to make the key stable and will not shake or deform when pressed.

[0044] The lever structure used in this solution can use a longer lever structure to extend the connecting piece to the bottom of other buttons, such as Figure 1 As shown; the length of the lever structure can also be adjusted according to the actual need for labor saving, such as Figure 5 As shown, the lever structure is made shorter and is only arranged below the button itself. The specific length can be adjusted according to actual needs, and the extension direction of the lever structure can also be adjusted according to actual needs.

[0045] Next, a hinged structure keyboard in this exemplary embodiment will be further described.

[0046] In one embodiment of the present application, a protrusion 307 is provided at the abutment between the keycap 201 and the key core; the key core includes a capacitive sensing layer 306, a bottom film 305, a pot piece 303 and a top film 302 which are stacked in sequence, and the pot piece 303 is arranged corresponding to the protrusion 307; when the keycap 202 is pressed, the protrusion 307 squeezes the pot piece 303 to produce deformation, and the capacitance between the pot piece 303 and the capacitive sensing layer 306 changes. The hinge structure formed by the keycap 201 and the key core bracket 301 allows the entire key to form a lever structure with the connecting piece 202 as a fulcrum when pressed, thereby reducing the force consumed when pressing. At the same time, the capacitance is changed to different threshold ranges to output different key commands, making the use of the keyboard more targeted;

[0047] and / or;

[0048] Reference Figure 4 The key core includes a conductive film 402 and a silicone gel 401 stacked in sequence; when the key cap is pressed, the protrusion presses the silicone gel particles 401 to contact the conductive film 402, setting the key to a conventional key structure, or setting the key to a conventional key structure and a capacitive sensing structure for mixed application.

[0049] It should be noted that the bottom film 305 is provided with a hole corresponding to the position of the pot piece 303, and the hole is smaller than the pot piece, which is used to form capacitive induction between the pot piece 303 and the capacitive sensing layer 306. Pressing the pot piece 303 can generate a capacitance change to issue an output instruction.

[0050] One end of the keycap 201 used in this solution is connected to the key core bracket 301, and the other end may not be provided with a fixed structure, so that the keycap 201 can be rotated and turned at a large angle, and the keycap 201 can be flipped over to facilitate cleaning the gap at the bottom of the keycap 201 and keep the keyboard clean.

[0051] At the same time, refer to Figure 4 The hinge structure of this scheme can be used not only in the keyboard structure of the capacitive sensing structure, but also in the keyboard output structure of the conventional silicone particles 401 and the conductive film 402. The conventional structure can save the manufacturing cost. Some keys can also adopt the capacitive sensing structure and some keys can adopt the conventional key structure. The keys that need to be pressed frequently or the pressing frequency needs to be adjusted can be set to the capacitive sensing structure, and the keys that are not frequently used can be set to the conventional key structure, making the overall configuration of the keyboard more flexible.

[0052] As an example, the pot piece 303 and the capacitive sensing layer 306 are set to trigger a key instruction through capacitive sensing, and the pressing speed of the output key data can be determined by the key force. For example, when the pot piece 303 is pressed continuously without releasing, the capacitance between the pot piece 303 and the capacitive sensing layer 306 is always within the first threshold range, and the output key instruction is regarded as continuously pressing the key at a frequency of 90 times per minute. The force of pressing the key is increased so that the capacitance between the pot piece 303 and the capacitive sensing layer 306 exceeds the first threshold range and is maintained within the second threshold range. The output key instruction is regarded as continuously pressing the key at a frequency of 120 times per minute, and so on. By changing the key force to change the output frequency of the key, the key instruction can be continuously output without releasing the key, and the output frequency can be changed by the pressing force, which is more convenient to operate.

[0053] Next, a hinged structure keyboard in this exemplary embodiment will be further described.

[0054] In an embodiment of the present application, the key core further includes an intermediate layer film 304 , and the intermediate layer film 304 and the pot piece 303 are arranged on the same plane.

[0055] It should be noted that the intermediate layer film 304 is used to support and protect the pot piece 303, improve the durability of the keyboard, and prevent the pot piece 303 from being displaced or squeezed, thereby reducing the service life.

[0056] In one embodiment of the present application, the key cap 201 includes a space bar cap, the space bar cap is provided with a plurality of light guide holes, and indicator lights are provided at key core positions corresponding to the light guide holes.

[0057] It should be noted that a light guide hole is provided in the space bar cap or the space bar cap is provided with a transparent structure, and an indicator light is provided on the key core bracket at the bottom of the space bar cap, so that the user can observe the keyboard usage status and prompt the user to operate.

[0058] In an embodiment of the present application, a slot is provided on the top film 302 at a position corresponding to the protrusion 307 .

[0059] It should be noted that, by providing the slot, the protrusion 307 is inserted into the slot, thereby improving the stability of the key cap 201 and preventing a skewed operation from occurring when the key cap 201 is pressed.

[0060] In one embodiment of the present application, the buckle 203 is a strong mold release structure, and / or a mold insertion structure.

[0061] It should be noted that the use of a strong demoulding structure makes the key core bracket more integrated and more compact, while the use of an upper and lower insertion mold structure has a lower structural cost and is convenient for industrial production.

[0062] In one embodiment of the present application, the capacitive sensing layer is provided with conductive silicone. The conductive silicone structure is used to realize the key function

[0063] In one embodiment of the present application, a bottom shell is further included, and the bottom shell is arranged at the bottom of the key core bracket; a folding bracket and a plurality of anti-slip pads are provided at the bottom of the bottom shell.

[0064] It should be noted that the bottom shell is used to improve the durability and aesthetics of the keyboard. The folding bracket can make the keyboard tilt at a certain angle when placed, which is convenient for the operator to operate.

[0065] In one embodiment of the present application, it also includes a mounting panel, which is arranged on the top of the bracket.

[0066] Reference Figure 6 In one embodiment of the present application, a method for outputting keyboard key commands is also provided, wherein the keyboard is any of the keyboards described above, comprising the steps of:

[0067] S610, when a change in capacitance is detected, obtaining a capacitance change value, a horizontal coordinate, and a vertical coordinate of a capacitance change position;

[0068] S620, determining a key instruction according to the horizontal coordinate and the vertical coordinate, and determining an output threshold according to the capacitance change value;

[0069] S630: Determine an output instruction according to the output threshold and the key instruction.

[0070] In the embodiment of the present application, when the capacitance is detected to have changed, the capacitance change value, the horizontal coordinate and the vertical coordinate of the capacitance change position are obtained; the key instruction is determined according to the horizontal coordinate and the vertical coordinate, and the output threshold is determined according to the capacitance change value; the output instruction is determined according to the output threshold and the key instruction. By judging the change in capacitance coordinates, the corresponding output instruction can be determined, and the accuracy of the output instruction is determined by the output threshold.

[0071] Next, a method for outputting keyboard key commands in this exemplary embodiment will be further described.

[0072] As described in step S610, when a change in capacitance is detected, the capacitance change value, the abscissa and the ordinate of the capacitance change position are acquired.

[0073] It should be noted that the number of keys pressed can be determined by the size of the capacitance change value, and the output instruction can be determined by determining the actual key pressed through the capacitance change value through the horizontal and vertical coordinates of the capacitance change position.

[0074] As described in step S620, a key instruction is determined according to the horizontal coordinate and the vertical coordinate, and an output threshold is determined according to the capacitance change value;

[0075] It should be noted that an output threshold is set to prevent the capacitance from changing and causing erroneous output when a key is touched by mistake, so as to adjust the sensitivity of the keyboard output.

[0076] At the same time, a gradient output threshold can be set. When the capacitance generated by pressing the button is within the first output threshold range, the button does not trigger an output command; when the capacitance generated by pressing the button is within the second output threshold range, the command issued by the button is to press the button at a pressing frequency of 60 times per minute; when the capacitance generated by pressing the button is within the third output threshold range, the command issued by the button is to press the button at a pressing frequency of 90 times per minute; and so on. The pressing frequency corresponding to each threshold range can also be set according to actual applications to improve the targeted application of the buttons and make them more practical.

[0077] As described in step S630, an output instruction is determined according to the output threshold and the key instruction.

[0078] As an example, the pot piece is placed parallel to the sensing circuit layer. The pot piece and the ground wire form a variable capacitor C0. The middle part of the pot piece forms two variable capacitors C1 and C2 with the X-direction sensing plate and the Y-direction sensing plate respectively. When the pot piece is pressed, the distance between the middle of the pot piece and the sensing circuit layer changes, and the capacitors C1 and C2 change. The capacitance change of each button is detected to calculate which button is actually pressed. Figure 7 ;

[0079] or refer to Figure 8 , press the pot piece, the distance between the middle of the pot piece and the sensing circuit layer changes, the capacitors C1 and C2 change, detect the change in the capacitance value of each circuit, and calculate which key is actually pressed through matrix scanning: for example, under the K1 key, the X1 and Y1 capacitance values ​​change, the K1 pressure value can be calculated to set a key action threshold, and then press the K4 key, the X1 capacitance value changes to the sum of the K1 key pressed capacitance value and the K4 key pressed capacitance value, the Y2 capacitance value changes, and the K4 key is judged to be pressed according to the Y2 capacitance value key action threshold, and this pressure value can be used to simulate continuous tapping.

[0080] In one embodiment of the present application, it also includes:

[0081] Determining the number of keys according to the total amount of capacitance change of the horizontal axis and the total amount of capacitance change of the vertical axis;

[0082] Determining the key position according to the capacitance change ratio of the horizontal coordinate and the vertical coordinate;

[0083] The key instruction is determined according to the key quantity and the key position.

[0084] Although the preferred embodiments of the present application have been described, those skilled in the art may make additional changes and modifications to these embodiments once they have learned the basic creative concept. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to be interpreted as including the preferred embodiments and all changes and modifications that fall within the scope of the embodiments of the present application.

[0085] Finally, it should be noted that, in this article, relational terms such as first and second, etc. are only used to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Moreover, the terms "include", "comprise" or any other variants thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, article or terminal device including a series of elements includes not only those elements, but also other elements not explicitly listed, or also includes elements inherent to such process, method, article or terminal device. In the absence of further restrictions, the elements defined by the sentence "comprise a ..." do not exclude the existence of other identical elements in the process, method, article or terminal device including the elements.

[0086] The above is a detailed introduction to a hinged structure keyboard and its output method provided by the present application. Specific examples are used in this article to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of the present application. The description of the above embodiments is only used to help understand the method of the present application and its core idea; at the same time, for general technical personnel in this field, according to the idea of ​​the present application, there will be changes in the specific implementation method and application scope. In summary, the content of this specification should not be understood as a limitation on the present application.

Claims

1. A hinged keyboard, characterized in that: Including key core bracket, key core and key cap; The key core is arranged on the key core bracket, a connecting piece is arranged on one side of the key cap, a buckle is arranged on the key core bracket, the connecting piece and the buckle are hinged to form a hinge structure, and the other side of the key cap abuts against the key core; When the key cap is pressed, the key cap forms a lever structure with the connecting member and the buckle hinge position as a fulcrum.

2. The hinged structure keyboard according to claim 1, characterized in that: A protrusion is provided at the abutment between the key cap and the key core; The key core comprises a capacitive sensing layer, a bottom film, a pot piece and a top film which are stacked in sequence, and the pot piece is arranged corresponding to the protruding piece; When the keycap is pressed, the protrusion squeezes the pot piece to cause deformation, and the capacitance between the pot piece and the capacitive sensing layer changes; and / or; The key core comprises a conductive film and silica gel particles which are stacked in sequence; When the key cap is pressed, the protruding member presses the silica gel particles to contact the conductive film.

3. The hinged structure keyboard according to claim 1, characterized in that: The key core also includes an intermediate layer of film, and the intermediate layer of film and the pot piece are arranged on the same plane.

4. The hinged structure keyboard according to claim 1, characterized in that: The key cap comprises a space bar cap, the space bar cap is provided with a plurality of light guide holes, and indicator lights are provided at key core positions corresponding to the light guide holes.

5. The hinged structure keyboard according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top film is provided with a slot corresponding to the position of the protruding piece.

6. The hinged structure keyboard according to claim 1, characterized in that: The buckle is a strong demoulding structure, and / or a mold structure that is inserted upward and downward.

7. The hinged structure keyboard according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a bottom shell, which is arranged at the bottom of the key core bracket; a folding bracket and a plurality of anti-skid pads are arranged at the bottom of the bottom shell.

8. The hinged structure keyboard according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also included is a mounting panel, which is disposed on the top of the bracket.

9. A method for outputting keyboard key commands, characterized in that: The keyboard is the keyboard according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising the steps of: When a change in capacitance is detected, obtaining a capacitance change value, a horizontal coordinate, and a vertical coordinate of a capacitance change position; Determine a key instruction according to the horizontal coordinate and the vertical coordinate, and determine an output threshold according to the capacitance change value; An output instruction is determined according to the output threshold and the key instruction.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that Also includes: Determining the number of keys according to the total amount of capacitance change of the horizontal axis and the total amount of capacitance change of the vertical axis; Determining the key position according to the capacitance change ratio of the horizontal coordinate and the vertical coordinate; The key instruction is determined according to the key quantity and the key position.

Images