Self-adaptive keyboard key supporting structure and keyboard

Abstract

The invention relates to the field of electronics and discloses a self-adaptive keyboard key supporting structure and a keyboard, the self-adaptive keyboard key supporting structure is provided with a self-adaptive feedback structure, and the self-adaptive feedback structure can provide different feedback forces to keyboard keys through a keyboard PCB according to a keyboard supporting inclination angle. According to the invention, different hand feelings, triggering feelings and response speeds of the keyboard shaft in contact with the keyboard PCB can be provided in a self-adaptive manner according to the support inclination angle of the keyboard.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of electronics, and in particular to an input device, and in particular to an adaptive keyboard key supporting structure for a keyboard, and a keyboard having the adaptive keyboard key supporting structure. Background Art

[0002] Keyboard is an input device widely used in computers, electronic devices, musical instruments, and various industrial control systems. Depending on its application and function, keyboards can be used in the following fields: computer science and information technology, human-computer interaction (HCI), electronic engineering, mechanical engineering, industrial design, music and audio technology, games, office equipment, and security systems.

[0003] The present invention mainly relates to keyboards used in computers, which can be divided into the following types according to their design structure, data transmission mode and usage scenarios:

[0004] 1) From the perspective of design structure, it includes:

[0005] Mechanical keyboard: Each key has an independent mechanical switch, providing clear feedback and long service life. Its characteristics are: good typing feel, fast response speed and loud sound.

[0006] Membrane keyboard: uses multiple layers of plastic film and conductive material, and registers key presses by pressing to make the conductive layers contact. Its characteristics are: lower cost and quiet, but the feel and durability are not as good as mechanical keyboards.

[0007] Capacitive keyboard: uses capacitance changes to detect keystrokes, without the need for physical contact points. Its characteristics are: the feel is between mechanical and membrane keyboards, with sensitive response and good durability.

[0008] 2) From the perspective of data transmission mode, it includes:

[0009] Wireless keyboard: Connected to the computer via wireless technology (such as Bluetooth, RF), without the constraints of cables. Its features are: good portability, suitable for mobile office or home use.

[0010] Wired keyboard: connected to the computer via USB or PS / 2 interface. Its characteristics are: good stability, low latency, suitable for gaming and professional working environments.

[0011] 3) Based on usage scenarios, it includes:

[0012] Gaming keyboard: Usually a mechanical keyboard with programmable macro keys, RGB lighting effects, etc. Its features are: designed for gaming, fast response, and high customizability.

[0013] Ergonomic keyboard: Designed with hand and wrist comfort in mind, may include split or tilted layouts. Features include: Reduces hand fatigue and injury from prolonged use.

[0014] Portable keyboard: small design, easy to carry. Its features are: suitable for mobile devices or temporary use scenarios.

[0015] Multimedia keyboard: with additional multimedia control keys, such as volume adjustment, playback control, etc. Its features are: convenient control of multimedia playback, suitable for home entertainment system.

[0016] Customized keyboard: Users can customize keycaps, layouts, colors, etc. according to their personal preferences. Its characteristics are: strong personalization, which can meet the needs of specific user groups.

[0017] The usual computer keyboard structure includes:

[0018] Keycap: The part that the user directly touches, usually printed with characters or symbols.

[0019] Switches: Mechanical switches in mechanical keyboards, such as Cherry MX, Romer-G, etc.

[0020] Circuit Board: The electronic components that connect the keys to the computer.

[0021] Casing: The outer structure that protects the keyboard's internal components.

[0022] Bracket: The mechanical structure that supports the keycaps and switches.

[0023] Cable: In a wired keyboard, the wire that connects the keyboard to the computer.

[0024] Sensor: Conductive material used in membrane keyboards to detect keystrokes.

[0025] Footpads: Bottom pads that provide stability and anti-slip properties.

[0026] Support structure: formed on the bottom upper edge of the keyboard, used to support the upper edge of the keyboard to form a certain angle for easy typing operation.

[0027] Although different types of keyboards vary in design and functionality, the basic structural components are similar.

[0028] Early keyboards usually could only use support structures to provide a certain keyboard support inclination angle, such as 5 degrees; when a keyboard support inclination angle is needed, the keyboard support structure is manually opened to obtain the required keyboard inclination angle. With the development of technology, support structures that can provide multiple keyboard support inclination angles have emerged. These support structures achieve multiple keyboard support inclination angles by manually adjusting the support structure to stay in different fixed positions. This solution can only provide a limited number of keyboard support inclination angles, usually full-angle fixed positions, such as 1 degree, 2 degrees, 3 degrees, 4 degrees or 5 degrees, and the keyboard support inclination angle range that can be provided is also limited, usually 0 degrees to 10 degrees.

[0029] The keyboard key contacts the keyboard PCB through the keyboard shaft, triggering the input command to be transmitted to the application device. The time for the keyboard shaft to contact the keyboard PCB is usually related to the type and design of the shaft. In mechanical keyboards, the most common type of shaft is CherryMX shaft, which has different travel and trigger points. For example, the trigger travel of Cherry MX black shaft is 2.0mm, while the trigger travel of CherryMX blue shaft is 2.2mm. This means that when the user presses the keyboard shaft, the black shaft will trigger the key signal at the 2.0mm position, while the blue shaft will trigger at the 2.2mm position. The trigger mechanism of the keyboard shaft also affects the contact time. The key triggering of the mechanical keyboard is achieved by the contact of the metal sheet inside the shaft body. When the shaft core is pressed down, the metal sheet contacts another metal sheet, thereby triggering the key. The electrostatic capacitive keyboard does not require physical contact, but triggers the key through the change of capacitance, which may be faster in response. In addition, the type of keyboard shaft, such as linear shaft or paragraph shaft, will also affect the feel and trigger feeling. The linear shaft provides a straight up and down pressing experience, while the paragraph shaft will have a noticeable "bulge" feeling during the pressing process, accompanied by a click. These design differences result in differences in the contact time perceived by the user.

[0030] With the emergence of keyboards that can provide multiple keyboard support angles, new technical problems have also arisen. Under different keyboard support angles, different users have different requirements for the feel and trigger feeling of the keyboard shaft contacting the keyboard PCB, and also have different requirements for the response speed of the keyboard shaft contacting the keyboard PCB.

[0031] In summary, in the actual use of the keyboard, due to the influence of factors such as different palm sizes and usage habits of users, the keyboard support angles suitable for users are also different, and users have different requirements for the feel and trigger feeling of the keyboard shaft contacting the keyboard PCB and the response speed under different keyboard support angles. In this use environment, the existing keyboard support structure has the following defects that need to be improved:

[0032] 1. Under different keyboard support inclination angles, different users have different requirements for the feel and trigger feeling of the keyboard shaft contacting the keyboard PCB, and also have different requirements for the response speed of the keyboard shaft contacting the keyboard PCB. Existing keyboards cannot adaptively (automatically) provide different feel, trigger feeling and response speed of the keyboard shaft contacting the keyboard PCB according to different keyboard support inclination angles.

[0033] 2. Each user has different personal feelings, which makes it impossible to uniformly quantify the feel, trigger feel and response speed of the keyboard PCB required by each user. The structure of the existing technology is difficult to achieve customization.

[0034] 3. The existing keyboard support structure can only achieve support at a specific angle through mechanical clamping, and the number of support angles that can be provided is limited, and it cannot provide support positions for any keyboard support angle. Not all users are adapted to keyboard support angles of integer angles. The existing keyboard support structure has a small scope of application and the defect of too few support angles that can be provided needs to be improved.

[0035] 4. The existing keyboard support structure needs to be manually adjusted by mechanical clamps. When manually adjusting, the keyboard operation must be stopped and the keyboard support structure must be touched by hand. In certain specific situations (for example, in e-sports competitions), it is impossible to stop the operation and manually adjust the keyboard support angle. The existing keyboard support structure has the defects of limited practicality and inconvenient operation, which needs to be improved. Summary of the invention

[0036] A series of simplified concepts are introduced in the Summary of the Invention, which are all simplifications of the prior art in the field, and will be further described in detail in the Detailed Description of the Invention. The Summary of the Invention of the present invention does not mean to attempt to define the key features and essential technical features of the claimed technical solution, nor does it mean to attempt to determine the scope of protection of the claimed technical solution.

[0037] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an adaptive keyboard key support structure which can adaptively provide different feedback forces through the keyboard PCB to the keyboard keys according to the change of the keyboard support inclination angle.

[0038] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present invention provides an adaptive keyboard key support structure, comprising:

[0039] The adaptive feedback structure can provide different feedback forces through the keyboard PCB to the keyboard keys according to the keyboard support inclination angle.

[0040] Preferably, the adaptive keyboard key support structure and the adaptive feedback structure are further improved, including:

[0041] A limit column, which is fixed to the bottom wall of the keyboard housing and is located below the keyboard PCB, and limits the maximum height of the keyboard PCB's descent, and limits the maximum extension distance of the elastic member in the horizontal direction;

[0042] The elastic member is formed into an arc-shaped structure arranged between the two limit pillars, the top surfaces of the two ends of the elastic member contact the bottom surface of the keyboard PCB, the arc-shaped bottom of the elastic member abuts against the bottom wall of the keyboard housing, and the bending direction of the elastic member points to the bottom surface of the keyboard PCB;

[0043] Among them, the feedback force formed by the upward elastic force provided by the elastic part to the keyboard PCB is negatively correlated with the keyboard support inclination angle, that is, as the keyboard support inclination angle increases, the feedback force formed by the upward elastic force provided by the elastic part to the keyboard PCB gradually decreases. When the keyboard is in the state of its own minimum support inclination angle, the elastic part cannot provide upward feedback force.

[0044] Preferably, the adaptive keyboard key support structure is further improved, and the elastic member is an arc-shaped spring sheet with two ends;

[0045] The top surface of the end portion forms surface contact with the bottom surface of the keyboard PCB.

[0046] Preferably, the adaptive keyboard key support structure is further improved so that the top surface of the end portion is fixedly connected to the bottom surface of the keyboard PCB.

[0047] Preferably, the adaptive keyboard key support structure is further improved, and the elastic member is a metal spring. If customization or customization is required, the metal spring can be calibrated according to user requirements (hand feel, trigger feeling and response speed).

[0048] It should be noted that the key point of the above-mentioned adaptive keyboard key support structure is to provide corresponding feedback force through the keyboard PCB to the keyboard key according to the keyboard support inclination angle. As for what structure provides the keyboard support inclination angle, it is not the key point of this solution. In theory, the keyboard support inclination angle can be provided by an existing or non-existing structure. The non-existing structure is not limited. As long as the distance between the upper part of the keyboard and the inner bottom wall of the keyboard can be increased and the structure that stops the upper part of the keyboard at any required angle can be applied to the adaptive keyboard key support structure of the present invention.

[0049] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present invention provides a keyboard having an adaptive keyboard key support structure as described in any one of the above. It should be noted that the keyboard key support structure of the present invention can also be applied to the support structure that manually provides multiple keyboard support angles in the prior art, that is, it can also adaptively provide corresponding feedback force when manually adjusting different keyboard support angles. The feedback force that can be provided by this structure is limited in number, just like the keyboard support angle. The keyboard support adjustment structure provided later by the present invention can realize stepless adjustment of the keyboard support angle, and the feedback force provided by the corresponding adaptive keyboard key support structure can also form stepless adjustment accordingly. In theory, as long as the angles are different, the corresponding feedback forces provided are different.

[0050] Preferably, the keyboard is further improved, wherein the keyboard supports an inclination angle of the keyboard through a keyboard support adjustment structure, and the keyboard support adjustment structure comprises:

[0051] A power source is fixed in the keyboard housing, and can drive the upper part of the keyboard upper housing to rise and fall steplessly; or, can drive the upper part of the keyboard upper housing to rise and fall steplessly through a transmission component;

[0052] The power source can control the upper part of the keyboard upper shell to stop at any specified height according to instructions.

[0053] The stepless lifting described in the present invention is a continuous lifting method without fixed levels, which allows the upper part of the keyboard upper shell to stop at any height point instead of just switching between preset fixed values.

[0054] Preferably, the keyboard is further improved, and the power source includes:

[0055] The first sub-power source is used to drive the second sub-power source to support the lifting of the keyboard.

[0056] Preferably, the keyboard is further improved, wherein the first sub-power source is a motor, which is used to control the gas pressure in the pneumatic telescopic rod;

[0057] The second sub-power source is a pneumatic telescopic rod, the upper end of which supports the upper inner wall of the keyboard upper shell or the upper bottom wall of the PCB, and is used to support the lifting of the upper part of the keyboard.

[0058] Preferably, the keyboard is further improved, and the transmission assembly comprises:

[0059] A first transmission member, which is driven by a power source to reciprocate in a first direction, the first direction being not a vertical direction;

[0060] A second transmission member, whose lower end rotation shaft is connected to the first transmission member, and whose upper end rotation shaft is connected to the upper part of the inner wall of the keyboard upper shell or the upper part of the bottom wall of the PCB, and is used to support the lifting of the upper part of the keyboard;

[0061] The power source controls the moving distance of the first transmission member according to the instruction, and then controls the second transmission member to raise or lower the height of the upper part of the keyboard upper shell.

[0062] Preferably, the keyboard is further improved, the power source is a motor, preferably a stepper motor, and the following embodiments are preferably all stepper motors; the stepper motor controls the rotation by receiving a pulse signal, and each pulse causes the motor to rotate a fixed angle, namely the step angle. The step angle can be very small, thereby achieving very fine angle control. The stepper motor can control the speed by adjusting the pulse frequency, which can be regarded as a stepless regulation;

[0063] The first transmission member is a rack with a sliding block at the end thereof driven by the motor output shaft;

[0064] The second transmission member is a connecting rod, the lower end of the connecting rod is connected to the sliding block by a rotating shaft, and the upper end of the connecting rod is connected to the upper inner wall of the keyboard upper shell or the upper bottom wall of the PCB, which is used to support the lifting of the upper part of the keyboard.

[0065] Preferably, the keyboard is further improved so that the friction coefficient between the bottom surface of the sliding block and the bottom wall of the lower shell of the keyboard is greater than or equal to 0.3 and less than 0.5.

[0066] Preferably, the keyboard is further improved, and the transmission assembly comprises:

[0067] A first transmission member, which is driven to rotate by a power source;

[0068] A second transmission member is driven by the first transmission member to reciprocate in a second direction, and its upper end supports the upper inner wall of the keyboard upper shell or the upper bottom wall of the PCB, and is used to support the lifting of the upper part of the keyboard, and the second direction is not a horizontal direction;

[0069] The power source controls the first transmission member to rotate according to the instruction, and then controls the second transmission member to raise or lower the height of the upper part of the keyboard upper shell.

[0070] Preferably, the keyboard is further improved, wherein the power source is a motor;

[0071] The first transmission member is a gear fixed to the output shaft of the motor;

[0072] The second transmission member is a rack vertically arranged on the rack support, which engages with the gear and whose upper end supports the upper inner wall of the keyboard upper shell or the upper bottom wall of the PCB, and is used to support the lifting of the upper part of the keyboard.

[0073] It should be noted that the transmission component can also select a transmission combination with the function of amplifying the output torque of the power source; for example, the transmission component can select any one of the existing output torque amplifying structures such as gear system, belt and pulley, worm gear, crank mechanism, crankshaft connecting rod mechanism, hydraulic system, planetary gear system, ratchet and pawl mechanism, cam and follower, screw and nut.

[0074] Preferably, the keyboard is further improved, and the instruction is triggered by a keyboard key, for example, by a keyboard key combination;

[0075] Or, the instruction is triggered by a combination of a keyboard key and the pressing time of the key;

[0076] Or; the instruction is triggered by a combination of keyboard key combinations and the pressing time of the key combinations;

[0077] Or, the command is triggered by an external control command forwarded by the keyboard wireless communication module;

[0078] Or, the instruction is triggered by a keyboard touch control function component; the keyboard touch control function component refers to the part of the keyboard used for touch control, which allows the user to implement input and control functions through touch operations.

[0079] Preferably, the keyboard is further improved, and the keyboard housing comprises:

[0080] upper and lower shells;

[0081] The upper shell side wall is located on the inner side of the lower shell side wall, and when the keyboard is in the initial position, there is an overlapping part between the upper shell side wall and the lower shell side wall. The overlapping part can be that the upper shell side wall and the lower shell side wall completely overlap, or that the upper shell side wall and the lower shell side wall partially overlap.

[0082] Preferably, the keyboard is further improved so that the keyboard shell is made of metal material, such as aluminum alloy.

[0083] Preferably, the keyboard is further improved, further comprising:

[0084] A light emitting unit arranged at the overlapping portion of the upper shell side wall;

[0085] When the keyboard is in the initial position, the light-emitting unit is shielded by the overlapping portion of the side wall of the lower shell;

[0086] When the keyboard is supported by the keyboard support adjustment structure, the light-emitting unit emits light.

[0087] Preferably, the keyboard is further improved so that when the keyboard is supported, the angle between the keyboard and the horizontal direction is greater than or equal to 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees.

[0088] The present invention provides a keyboard having any one of the keyboard support adjustment structures described above.

[0089] The working principle of the present invention is described as follows:

[0090] 1. The principle of the present invention being able to adaptively provide different feedback forces according to the change of the keyboard support inclination angle is as follows;

[0091] The limit column of the present invention is fixed on the bottom wall of the keyboard housing and is located below the keyboard PCB. The limit column limits the maximum height of the keyboard PCB and limits the maximum extension distance of the elastic member in the horizontal direction. Under this structure.

[0092] When the keyboard is in the initial position, the top of the limit column, the elastic part and the keyboard PCB form a close contact, the keyboard PCB is fixed in position by the keyboard housing, and the elastic part is pressed by the keyboard PCB in the vertical direction without rebound space, and thus cannot provide feedback force. At this time, the feel and trigger feeling of the keyboard shaft contacting the keyboard PCB and the response speed of the keyboard shaft contacting the keyboard PCB are equivalent to those of a keyboard with no feedback force, that is, the user's keystroke feel is the hardest, the user's keystroke trigger feeling is the most direct, and the keyboard shaft contacting the keyboard PCB has the fastest response speed.

[0093] When the keyboard gradually rises from the initial position, that is, the keyboard support angle increases, the keyboard PCB gradually leaves the top of the limit column as the keyboard housing is lifted, and the end of the elastic member is lifted together with the keyboard PCB, and the elastic member obtains space for elastic reset. At this time, the feel and trigger feeling of the keyboard shaft contacting the keyboard PCB will change, and the response speed of the keyboard shaft contacting the keyboard PCB will change with the change of the keyboard support angle. The larger the keyboard support angle, the smaller the elastic force of the elastic member, that is, the smaller the feedback force, the softer the user's keystroke feel, the more rebound the user's keystroke trigger feeling, and the slower the keyboard shaft contacting the keyboard PCB response speed.

[0094] Second, the principle of controlling the change of the keyboard support inclination angle of the present invention is as follows;

[0095] The present invention uses one of the three embodiments of the present invention to illustrate the working principle as follows;

[0096] When the user needs to raise or lower the keyboard, the motor can be triggered to output positive torque through commands (for example, by pressing the plus key on the keyboard). The transmission assembly amplifies the torque and transmits it to the first transmission member (the horizontal transmission member, i.e., the rack). The sliding block at the end of the first transmission member overcomes the friction between the bottom surface of the sliding block and the bottom wall of the lower shell of the keyboard. The sliding block slides and pushes the second transmission member (connecting rod), causing the second transmission member to move from an inclined state to a vertical state, thereby lifting or lowering the upper part of the keyboard, changing the angle between the keyboard and the horizontal direction, and stopping the operation after the desired keyboard support inclination angle is reached.

[0097] When the user's hands are not pressing on the keyboard, the gravity of the keyboard increases the friction between the bottom surface of the sliding block and the bottom wall of the keyboard lower shell, thereby fixing the position of the sliding block, so that the keyboard support inclination angle is also fixed.

[0098] When the user presses his hand on the keyboard to operate the keyboard, the friction between the bottom surface of the sliding block and the bottom wall of the keyboard lower shell is further increased due to the gravity of the keyboard, the gravity of the user's hand and the pressure of the user's hand on the keyboard, thereby fixing the position of the sliding block, and thus fixing the keyboard support inclination angle. Correspondingly, in theory, after the motor reaches the specified position and the output end is fixed, it will also damp the movement of the sliding block.

[0099] When the user needs to lower the keyboard, the motor can be triggered to output reverse torque through an instruction (for example, pressing the minus key on the keyboard). The first transmission member amplifies the torque and transmits it to the horizontal transmission member. The first transmission member pushes the sliding block at its end to overcome the friction between the bottom surface of the sliding block and the bottom wall of the lower shell of the keyboard. The sliding block slides and pulls the second transmission member. Under the combined action of the keyboard's own gravity and the pulling force of the sliding block, the second transmission member tends from the current state to a more inclined state, thereby lowering the upper part of the keyboard, changing the angle between the keyboard and the horizontal direction, and stopping the operation after the desired keyboard support inclination angle is reached.

[0100] The technical effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0101] 1. The present invention utilizes elastic parts and limit columns to realize that the feel, trigger feeling and response speed of the keyboard shaft contacting the keyboard PCB change with the keyboard support inclination angle. There is no need to manually adjust the keyboard feedback force after the keyboard support inclination angle changes. A solution is provided that can adaptively (automatically) provide different feels, trigger feelings and response speeds of the keyboard shaft contacting the keyboard PCB according to the keyboard support inclination angle. The solution has a simple structure, is easy to implement and has a low production cost.

[0102] 2. The present invention is easy to realize customization. Different users only need to replace elastic parts with different elastic forces (other keyboard components do not need to be replaced), and calibrate the relationship between the keyboard support inclination angle and the feedback force of the elastic part to obtain the requirements of different users for the feel, trigger feeling and the response speed of the keyboard axis contacting the keyboard PCB under different keyboard support inclination conditions.

[0103] 3. The keyboard support adjustment structure provided by the present invention can fix the keyboard at any desired keyboard support inclination angle. Compared with the prior art, the present invention can provide a larger keyboard support inclination angle range. Theoretically, the present invention can provide a keyboard support inclination angle range of greater than or equal to 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees, thereby expanding the applicability of the keyboard.

[0104] 4. The present invention can realize stepless adjustment of the keyboard support angle, and the keyboard support angle can be any angle less than 90 degrees. The keyboard support angle is no longer limited to a few angles or integer angles.

[0105] Correspondingly, the elastic force of the elastic part can also change steplessly, so that any angle can obtain the corresponding elastic force as feedback force by using elastic parts with different elastic forces, thereby achieving stepless adjustment of the keyboard support inclination angle, feel, trigger feeling and the response speed of the keyboard axis contacting the keyboard PCB.

[0106] 5. The present invention does not require manual touch to operate the keyboard support structure, and the keyboard support inclination angle can be adjusted through external commands. The operation is convenient, and the fixed keyboard support inclination angle can be set through external commands to achieve one-touch adjustment. At the same time, the required feel, trigger feeling and keyboard axis contact keyboard PCB response speed are also adaptively provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0107] The drawings of the present invention are intended to illustrate the general characteristics of the methods, structures and / or materials used in specific exemplary embodiments of the present invention, and to supplement the description in the specification. However, the drawings of the present invention are schematic diagrams not drawn to scale, and thus may not accurately reflect the precise structure or performance characteristics of any given embodiment, and the drawings of the present invention should not be interpreted as limiting or restricting the range of values ​​or properties covered by the exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The present invention is further described in detail below in conjunction with the drawings and specific embodiments.

[0108] Figure 1 It is a structural schematic diagram of the adaptive keyboard key support structure of the present invention.

[0109] Figure 2 It is a schematic structural diagram of the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0110] Figure 3 It is a schematic structural diagram of the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0111] Figure 4 It is a schematic structural diagram of the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[0112] Description of reference numerals:

[0113] Limit column 1;

[0114] Elastic member 2;

[0115] end 2.1;

[0116] Keyboard PCB 3;

[0117] The first sub-power source 4;

[0118] The second sub-power source 5;

[0119] Support the keyboard upper shell 6;

[0120] Rack 7.1;

[0121] Slider 7.2;

[0122] Gear 7.3;

[0123] The second transmission member 8. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0124] The following is an explanation of the embodiments of the present invention by specific specific embodiments, and those skilled in the art can fully understand other advantages and technical effects of the present invention from the contents disclosed in this specification. The present invention can also be implemented or applied through different specific embodiments, and the details in this specification can also be applied based on different viewpoints, and various modifications or changes can be made without deviating from the general design concept of the invention. It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the following embodiments and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other. The following exemplary embodiments of the present invention can be implemented in a variety of different forms and should not be interpreted as being limited to the specific embodiments described herein. It should be understood that these embodiments are provided to make the disclosure of the present invention thorough and complete, and to fully convey the technical solutions of these exemplary specific embodiments to those skilled in the art. It should be understood that when an element is referred to as "connected" or "coupled" to another element, the element can be directly connected or coupled to another element, or there can be an intermediate element. The difference is that when an element is referred to as "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another element, there is no intermediate element. In all figures, the same reference numerals always represent the same element. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any combination and all combinations of one or more related listed items.

[0125] In the first embodiment, the present invention provides an adaptive keyboard key support structure having an adaptive feedback structure; the adaptive feedback structure can provide different feedback forces through the keyboard PCB to the keyboard keys according to the keyboard support inclination angle.

[0126] The adaptive feedback structure only needs to be able to provide different feedback forces according to the inclination angle of the keyboard support.

[0127] The second embodiment, referring to Figure 1 As shown, the present invention provides an adaptive keyboard key support structure, which is an optimal embodiment, and can provide different feedback forces through the keyboard PCB 3 to the keyboard keys according to the keyboard support inclination angle, including:

[0128] The limit column 1 is fixed to the bottom wall of the keyboard housing. The limit column 1 is located below the keyboard PCB 3 and is used to limit the maximum height of the keyboard PCB 3 and the maximum extension distance of the elastic member 2 in the horizontal direction. The specific shape of the limit column 1 is not limited and can be a cylinder, a cuboid, etc. The limit column 1 can support and limit the keyboard PCB 3 from the top surface to the bottom surface.

[0129] The elastic member 2 is formed into an arc-shaped structure arranged between the two limit pillars 1, with the top surfaces of both ends thereof contacting the bottom surface of the keyboard PCB 3, and the arc-shaped bottom thereof abutting against the inner bottom wall of the keyboard housing, and the bending direction thereof pointing to the bottom surface of the keyboard PCB 3;

[0130] The arc bottom of the elastic member 2 can be fixed to the bottom wall by gluing, screwing, etc.; correspondingly, the top surface of the end of the elastic member 2 can also be fixed to the bottom surface of the PCB by gluing, screwing, etc.;

[0131] Among them, the feedback force formed by the upward elastic force provided by the elastic member 2 to the keyboard PCB 3 is negatively correlated with the keyboard support inclination angle. When the keyboard is in the state of its own minimum support inclination angle, the elastic member 2 is pressed by the keyboard PCB 3 between the two limit columns 1 and has no movement space in the horizontal and vertical directions, and thus cannot provide upward feedback force.

[0132] Optionally, the elastic member 2 in the above embodiment is an arc-shaped metal spring with two ends 2.1; other materials capable of providing a restoring elastic force may also be selected to make the elastic member;

[0133] The top surface of the end portion 2.1 forms surface contact with the bottom surface of the keyboard PCB 3.

[0134] It needs to be further explained that the adaptive keyboard key support structure can be one, arranged at the geometric center of the bottom surface of the keyboard PCB 3, or two symmetrically arranged on two opposite side edges of the bottom surface of the keyboard PCB, or three forming a nearly triangle and evenly distributed on the bottom surface of the keyboard PCB, or four symmetrically distributed around the geometric center of the keyboard PCB 3 on the edges of the bottom surface of the keyboard PCB 3.

[0135] In the third embodiment, the present invention provides a keyboard having the adaptive keyboard key supporting structure described in the second embodiment.

[0136] Fourth embodiment;

[0137] The present invention provides a keyboard, wherein the keyboard supports an inclination angle of the keyboard through a keyboard support adjustment structure, and the keyboard support adjustment structure comprises:

[0138] A power source is fixed in the keyboard shell and can drive the upper part of the keyboard upper shell to rise and fall steplessly;

[0139] Or, it can drive the upper part of the keyboard upper shell to rise and fall steplessly through the transmission component;

[0140] The power source can control the upper part of the keyboard upper shell to stop at any specified height according to instructions.

[0141] The command is triggered by a keyboard key;

[0142] Or, the instruction is triggered by a combination of a keyboard key and the pressing time of the key;

[0143] Or; the instruction is triggered by a combination of keyboard key combinations and the pressing time of the key combinations;

[0144] Or, the command is triggered by an external control command forwarded by the keyboard wireless communication module;

[0145] Alternatively, the instruction is triggered by a keyboard touch control function component.

[0146] The following are possible implementation methods for instructions:

[0147] The command is triggered by a keyboard key. For example, pressing the plus key will cause the keyboard to rise or fall. The rising or falling angle is determined by the accuracy of the stepper motor. By default, the plus key is pressed once, the stepper motor runs one minimum unit, and the keyboard rises or falls the minimum unit. If the key is pressed continuously, it will continue to rise or fall.

[0148] Or, the command keyboard key combination triggers; for example, by pressing the ctrl key and the plus key at the same time, the stepper motor runs a minimum unit, the keyboard rises and falls the minimum unit, and the keyboard rises and falls continuously if the key is pressed continuously. The keyboard tilt angle can also be pre-set to bind the plus key, so that the keyboard tilt angle can be adjusted to the required one-click.

[0149] Or, the command is triggered by a combination of a keyboard key and the time the key is pressed; for example, if the plus key is pressed for 0.1 seconds, the stepper motor runs one minimum unit and the keyboard rises or falls one minimum unit; if the plus key is pressed for 0.2 seconds, the stepper motor runs two minimum units and the keyboard rises or falls two minimum units.

[0150] Or; the command keyboard key combination and the combination of pressing time of the key combination are triggered; for example, the ctrl key and the plus key are pressed simultaneously and continuously for 0.1 seconds, and the stepper motor runs one minimum unit; the ctrl key and the plus key are pressed simultaneously and continuously for 0.2 seconds, and the stepper motor runs two minimum units, and the keyboard rises and falls two minimum units.

[0151] Or, the command is triggered by an external control command forwarded by the keyboard wireless communication module; for example, a control command is sent via wireless Bluetooth using a mobile phone APP, and a corresponding keyboard tilt angle raising and lowering button is provided through software; or, the keyboard tilt angle is bound by software to achieve one-click adjustment of the keyboard tilt angle.

[0152] Or, the instruction is triggered by the keyboard touch control function component. For example, executing a specified first sliding action on the keyboard touch control function component causes the keyboard to rise, and executing a specified second sliding action causes the keyboard to fall.

[0153] Based on the principle of the first embodiment, the present invention provides three preferred implementation modes, namely, the second embodiment to the fourth embodiment.

[0154] Fifth embodiment;

[0155] refer to Figure 2 As shown, the fourth embodiment of the present invention is based on the principle of the third embodiment, and the same parts are not repeated. In this embodiment, the upper part of the keyboard upper shell 6 is stopped at any specified height through a power source.

[0156] Power sources include:

[0157] The first sub-power source 4 is used to drive the second sub-power source 5 to support the lifting of the keyboard.

[0158] Preferably, the first sub-power source 4 is a stepper motor, which is used to control the gas pressure in the pneumatic telescopic rod;

[0159] The second sub-power source 5 is a pneumatic telescopic rod, the upper end of which supports the upper inner wall of the keyboard upper shell 6 or the upper bottom wall of the PCB 3, and is used to support the lifting of the upper part of the keyboard.

[0160] Sixth embodiment;

[0161] refer to Figure 3 As shown, the fifth embodiment of the present invention is based on the principle of the third embodiment, and the same parts are not repeated. In this embodiment, the upper part of the keyboard upper shell 6 stops at any specified height through the combination of the power source and the transmission assembly.

[0162] In this embodiment, the power source is a motor, preferably a stepper motor;

[0163] The transmission components include:

[0164] A first transmission member, which is driven by a power source to reciprocate in a first direction, the first direction is not a vertical direction, and preferably the first direction is a horizontal direction; preferably, the first transmission member is a rack 7.1 with a sliding block 7.2 at the end thereof driven by the motor output shaft;

[0165] The second transmission member 8 has a lower end shaft connected to the first transmission member, and an upper end shaft connected to the upper inner wall of the keyboard upper shell 6 or the upper bottom wall of the PCB 3, and is used to support the lifting of the upper part of the keyboard; preferably, the second transmission member 8 is a connecting rod, the lower end shaft of the connecting rod is connected to the sliding block 7.2, and the upper end shaft of the connecting rod is connected to the upper inner wall of the keyboard upper shell 6 or the upper bottom wall of the PCB 3, and is used to support the lifting of the upper part of the keyboard;

[0166] The power source controls the moving distance of the first transmission member according to the instruction, and further controls the second transmission member 8 to raise or lower the height of the upper part of the keyboard upper shell 6 .

[0167] The fifth embodiment described above is further improved, and the friction coefficient between the bottom surface of the sliding block 7.2 and the bottom wall of the keyboard lower shell is greater than or equal to 0.3 and less than 0.5. It should be further explained that the above friction coefficient cannot be understood as a conventional choice. Because the bottom surface of the sliding block and the bottom wall of the keyboard lower shell must be able to form sliding while providing sufficient friction to fix the keyboard support inclination angle, the bottom surface of the sliding block and the bottom wall of the keyboard lower shell cannot be too smooth or too rough. The above friction coefficient is designed in consideration of the gravity of the keyboard, the gravity of the user's hand, the pressure used to press the hand on the keyboard, and the transmission structure of the support structure provided by the present invention, to ensure that the present invention can fix any keyboard inclination angle while achieving the adjustment of the keyboard inclination angle through motor drive.

[0168] Seventh embodiment;

[0169] refer to Figure 4 As shown, the sixth embodiment of the present invention is based on the principle of the third embodiment above, and the same parts are not repeated here. In this embodiment, the upper part of the keyboard upper shell 6 stops at any specified height through the combination of the power source and the transmission assembly.

[0170] The power source is a motor, preferably a stepper motor;

[0171] The transmission components include:

[0172] A first transmission member, which is driven to rotate by the power source, and is a gear 7.3 fixed to the output shaft of the motor;

[0173] The second transmission member 8 is driven by the first transmission member to reciprocate in the second direction, and its upper end supports the upper inner wall of the upper shell 6 of the keyboard or the upper bottom wall of the PCB 3, and is used to support the lifting and lowering of the upper part of the keyboard, and the second direction is not a horizontal direction; preferably, the second transmission member 8 is a rack 7.1 vertically arranged on the rack support, which engages with the gear 7.3, and its upper end supports the upper inner wall of the upper shell 6 of the keyboard or the upper bottom wall of the PCB 3, and is used to support the lifting and lowering of the upper part of the keyboard.

[0174] The power source controls the first transmission member to rotate according to the instruction, and then controls the second transmission member 8 to raise or lower the height of the upper part of the keyboard upper shell 6 .

[0175] Eighth embodiment;

[0176] The present invention provides a keyboard housing that can be used in the third to seventh embodiments, comprising:

[0177] upper and lower shells;

[0178] The upper shell side wall is located inside the lower shell side wall, and when the keyboard is in the initial position, there is an overlapping portion between the upper shell side wall and the lower shell side wall. Preferably, the keyboard shell is made of aluminum alloy.

[0179] Further improving the seventh embodiment, further comprising:

[0180] A light emitting unit arranged at the overlapping portion of the upper shell side wall;

[0181] When the keyboard is in the initial position, the light-emitting unit is shielded by the overlapping portion of the side wall of the lower shell;

[0182] When the keyboard is supported by the keyboard support adjustment structure, the light-emitting unit emits light.

[0183] Theoretically, when the present invention supports a keyboard, the angle between the keyboard and the horizontal direction is greater than or equal to 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees, even if any keyboard inclination angle less than 90 degrees can be provided.

[0184] It should be further explained that the keyboard support adjustment structure in the above embodiments can be one, arranged in the middle position of the upper inner wall of the keyboard upper shell, or two, symmetrically arranged on both sides of the upper inner wall of the keyboard shell, or three, evenly distributed on the upper inner wall of the keyboard upper shell.

[0185] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs. It will also be understood that, unless expressly defined herein, terms such as those defined in general dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art, and not interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense.

[0186] The present invention has been described in detail above through specific implementation modes and embodiments, but these do not constitute limitations of the present invention. Without departing from the principles of the present invention, those skilled in the art may also make many variations and improvements, which should also be regarded as the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An adaptive keyboard key support structure, characterized in that: include: The adaptive feedback structure can provide different feedback forces through the keyboard PCB to the keyboard keys according to the keyboard support inclination angle.

2. The adaptive keyboard key support structure as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The adaptive feedback structure includes: A limit post (1) is fixed to the bottom wall of the keyboard housing and is located below the keyboard PCB. It limits the maximum height of the keyboard PCB and limits the maximum extension distance of the elastic member (2) in the horizontal direction. The elastic member (2) is formed into an arc-shaped structure arranged between the two limiting pillars (1), the top surfaces of the two ends of the elastic member contact the bottom surface of the keyboard PCB, the arc-shaped bottom of the elastic member abuts against the inner bottom wall of the keyboard housing, and the bending direction of the elastic member points to the bottom surface of the keyboard PCB; The feedback force formed by the upward elastic force provided by the elastic member (2) to the keyboard PCB is negatively correlated with the keyboard support inclination angle. When the keyboard is in a state where its own support inclination angle is minimum, the elastic member (2) cannot provide upward feedback force.

3. The adaptive keyboard key support structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The elastic member (2) is an arc-shaped elastic piece having two ends (2.1); The top surface of the end portion (2.1) forms surface contact with the bottom surface of the keyboard PCB.

4. The adaptive keyboard key support structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The top surface of the end portion (2.1) is fixedly connected to the bottom surface of the keyboard PCB.

5. The adaptive keyboard key support structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The elastic member (2) is a metal spring.

6. A keyboard, characterized in that: It has the adaptive keyboard key supporting structure as described in any one of claims 1-5.

7. The keyboard according to claim 6, wherein: The keyboard supports an inclination angle of the keyboard through a keyboard support adjustment structure, and the keyboard support adjustment structure includes: A power source is fixed in the keyboard housing, and can drive the upper part of the keyboard upper housing to rise and fall steplessly; or, can drive the upper part of the keyboard upper housing to rise and fall steplessly through a transmission component; The power source can control the upper part of the keyboard upper shell to stop at any specified height according to instructions.

8. The keyboard according to claim 7, wherein: Power sources include: The first sub-power source is used to drive the second sub-power source to support the lifting of the keyboard.

9. The keyboard according to claim 7, wherein: Features: The transmission components include: A first transmission member, which is driven by a power source to reciprocate in a first direction, the first direction being not a vertical direction; A second transmission member, whose lower end rotation shaft is connected to the first transmission member, and whose upper end rotation shaft is connected to the upper part of the inner wall of the keyboard upper shell or the upper part of the bottom wall of the PCB, and is used to support the lifting of the upper part of the keyboard; The power source controls the moving distance of the first transmission member according to the instruction, and then controls the second transmission member to raise or lower the height of the upper part of the keyboard upper shell.

10. The keyboard according to claim 7, wherein: The transmission components include: A first transmission member, which is driven to rotate by a power source; A second transmission member is driven by the first transmission member to reciprocate in a second direction, and its upper end supports the upper inner wall of the keyboard upper shell or the upper bottom wall of the PCB, and is used to support the lifting of the upper part of the keyboard, and the second direction is not a horizontal direction; The power source controls the first transmission member to rotate according to the instruction, and then controls the second transmission member to raise or lower the height of the upper part of the keyboard upper shell.

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