Magnetic levitation key structure

Abstract

A magnetic levitation key structure comprises an accommodating frame and a key cap. The containing frame comprises a keycap containing hole, a pair of first grooves and a pair of first magnetic pieces. The keycap containing hole is formed by a plurality of inner wall faces in a surrounding mode. The pair of first grooves are formed in two inner wall surfaces of a plurality of inner wall surfaces in a sunken manner, and the pair of first magnetic parts are fixedly received in the pair of first grooves respectively. The key cap comprises a plurality of side faces, a pair of second grooves and a pair of second magnetic pieces. The pair of second grooves are concavely formed in two side surfaces of the plurality of side surfaces. And the pair of second magnetic pieces are fixedly received in the pair of second grooves respectively. Through magnetic attraction force between the pair of first magnetic parts and the pair of second magnetic parts, the top surface of the keycap is higher than the top surface of the accommodating frame in a normal state and is in an unpressed state. When the keycap is pressed downwards, the magnetic attraction force provides a force for resetting the keycap.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a magnetic floating key structure, and in particular to such a magnetic floating key structure, which utilizes magnetic force as a supporting force of a key cap to provide a restoring force of the key cap. Background Art

[0002] Some existing push buttons can be used for display purposes, and a display module is mainly arranged under the key cap. In addition, the key cap is made of transparent material so that the image of the display module can be displayed upward through the key cap. However, the key cap support structure of the existing push button may block some images of the display module.

[0003] Therefore, how to simplify the support structure of the key by improving the structural design and further provide a transparent key display effect to overcome the above-mentioned defects has become an important issue that the technical field wants to solve. Summary of the invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a magnetic floating key structure to simplify the key support structure and provide a transparent key display effect in view of the deficiencies in the prior art.

[0005] In order to solve the above technical problems, one of the technical solutions adopted by the present invention is to provide a magnetic floating key structure, which includes a accommodating frame and a keycap. The accommodating frame includes a keycap accommodating hole, a pair of first grooves and a pair of first magnetic members. The keycap accommodating hole is surrounded by a plurality of inner wall surfaces. The pair of first grooves are formed concavely on two inner wall surfaces among the plurality of inner wall surfaces, and the pair of first magnetic members are respectively fixedly received in the pair of first grooves. The keycap includes a plurality of side surfaces, a pair of second grooves and a pair of second magnetic members. The pair of second grooves are formed concavely on two side surfaces among the plurality of side surfaces. The pair of second magnetic members are respectively fixedly received in the pair of second grooves. Wherein, through the magnetic attraction between the pair of first magnetic members and the pair of second magnetic members, the top surface of the keycap is higher than the top surface of the accommodating frame under normal conditions and is in an unpressed state. When the keycap is pressed downward, the magnetic attraction provides a force to reset the keycap.

[0006] According to an embodiment of the present application, the pair of first magnetic members are disposed on two opposite inner wall surfaces opposite to each other.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present application, each of the plurality of inner wall surfaces of the accommodating frame is formed with at least one protrusion, and the at least one protrusion abuts against the side surface of the keycap, thereby reducing friction.

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present application, the at least one protrusion is a straight pointed rib and is parallel to the pressing direction of the keycap.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the present application, at least one inner wall surface of the accommodating frame forms a limiting structure.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present application, at least one of the inner wall surfaces of the accommodating frame forms an upper upright surface, an inclined surface and a lower upright surface, and the inclined surface is connected between the upper upright surface and the lower upright surface; at least one of the side surfaces of the keycap forms an upper side surface, a side inclined surface and a lower side surface, and the side inclined surface is connected between the upper side surface and the lower side surface; wherein when the keycap is in the unpressed state, the side inclined surface abuts against the inclined surface.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present application, at least one of the inner wall surfaces of the accommodating frame forms an upper vertical surface, an inner cross-sectional surface and a lower vertical surface, and the inner cross-sectional surface is connected between the upper vertical surface and the lower vertical surface; at least one of the side surfaces of the keycap forms an upper side surface, an outer cross-sectional surface and a lower side surface, and the outer cross-sectional surface is connected between the upper side surface and the lower side surface; wherein when the keycap is in the unpressed state, the outer cross-sectional surface abuts against the inner cross-sectional surface.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present application, at least one inner wall surface of the accommodating frame forms a first inclined surface, and at least one side surface of the keycap forms a second inclined surface; wherein, when the keycap is in the unpressed state, the second inclined surface abuts against the first inclined surface.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present application, an upper opening area of ​​the keycap accommodating hole located on the top surface of the accommodating frame is smaller than a lower opening area of ​​the keycap accommodating hole located on the bottom surface of the accommodating frame.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present application, a locking structure is formed on an outer side surface of the accommodating frame to be locked with another accommodating frame.

[0015] One of the beneficial effects of the present invention is that the magnetic floating key structure provided by the present invention can be arranged between the keycap and the receiving frame so that the keycap can float in the receiving frame through magnetic force. Among them, the receiving frame is provided with a pair of first magnetic parts, and the keycap is provided with a pair of second magnetic parts. Through the magnetic attraction between the pair of first magnetic parts and the pair of second magnetic parts, the top surface of the keycap is higher than the top surface of the receiving frame under normal conditions and is in an unpressed state; when the keycap is pressed downward, the magnetic attraction provides a force to reset the keycap. Thereby, the support structure of the key is simplified, and a display effect of a transparent key is provided.

[0016] To further understand the features and technical contents of the present invention, please refer to the following detailed description and drawings of the present invention. However, the drawings provided are only for reference and description and are not intended to limit the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 It is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the magnetic floating key structure of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 It is a three-dimensional exploded view of the magnetic floating key structure of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 3 For along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view along line III-III showing the magnetic levitation key structure in an unpressed state.

[0020] Figure 4 It is a cross-sectional view of the magnetic floating key structure (in a pressed state) according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 5 It is a cross-sectional view of the magnetic floating key structure (in a pressed state) according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 6 It is a cross-sectional view of the magnetic floating key structure (in a pressed state) according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 7 It is a cross-sectional view of the magnetic floating key structure (in a pressed state) according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the splicing of the magnetic floating key structure of the fifth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The following is an explanation of the disclosed embodiments of the present invention through specific embodiments. Those skilled in the art can understand the advantages and effects of the present invention from the contents disclosed in this specification. The present invention can be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and the details in this specification can also be modified and changed in various ways based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the concept of the present invention. In addition, it should be noted in advance that the drawings of the present invention are only simple schematic illustrations and are not depicted according to actual sizes. The following embodiments will further explain the relevant technical contents of the present invention in detail, but the disclosed contents are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0026] It should be understood that, although the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. may be used herein to describe various components or signals, these components or signals should not be limited by these terms. These terms are mainly used to distinguish one component from another component or one signal from another signal. In addition, the term "or" used herein may include any one or more combinations of the associated listed items depending on the actual situation.

[0027] [First embodiment]

[0028] See also Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the first embodiment of the present invention provides a magnetic floating key structure, which includes a receiving frame 10 and a key cap 20. A plurality of magnetic members are arranged between the key cap 20 and the receiving frame 10, so that the key cap 20 can float in the receiving frame 10 by magnetic force.

[0029] like Figure 2 As shown, specifically, the accommodating frame 10 includes a keycap accommodating hole 110, a pair of first grooves 12 and a pair of first magnetic members 13. The accommodating frame 10 can be made of plastic, for example. The accommodating frame 10 is made of non-ferromagnetic material. The keycap accommodating hole 110 is surrounded by a plurality of inner wall surfaces 11. The pair of first grooves 12 are recessed in two of the plurality of inner wall surfaces 11. The first groove 12 of this embodiment is also recessed downward from the accommodating frame 10. The pair of first magnetic members 13 are respectively fixedly received in a pair of first grooves 12. The first magnetic member 13 can be a strong magnet, and its shape can be disc-shaped. The first magnetic member 13 can be fixed in the first groove 12 in a tightly fitting manner. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0030] In this embodiment, one keycap receiving hole 110 is used as an example, however, the present invention is not limited thereto. The receiving frame 10 may form a plurality of keycap receiving holes. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the keycap receiving hole 110 is used as an example of a rectangle, however, the present invention is not limited thereto. The keycap receiving hole may be a polygon, a circle, or an oblong.

[0031] Specifically, the keycap 20 includes a plurality of side surfaces 21, a pair of second grooves 22 and a pair of second magnetic members 23. The pair of second grooves 22 are recessedly formed on two side surfaces 21 among the plurality of side surfaces, and the pair of second magnetic members 23 are fixedly received in the pair of second grooves 22, respectively. The surface of the second magnetic member 23 is flush with the side surface of the keycap 20, or slightly lower than the side surface of the keycap 20. The shape of the second groove 22 corresponds to the shape of the second magnetic member 23, and the second groove 22 of the present embodiment is square. The second magnetic member 23 can be a strong magnet. The outer shape of the keycap 20 corresponds to the outer shape of the keycap receiving hole 110. The keycap 20 of the present embodiment takes a rectangle as an example, however, the present invention is not limited thereto. The keycap can be polygonal, circular or oblong.

[0032] like Figure 3 As shown, a cross-sectional view of this embodiment along the magnetic member is shown. In this embodiment, through the magnetic attraction between the pair of first magnetic members 13 and the pair of second magnetic members 23, the top surface of the keycap 20 can be higher than the top surface of the accommodating frame 10 in a normal state and be in an unpressed state. Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the key cap 20 is pressed downward, the magnetic attraction force can provide a force to reset the key cap 20. The key cap 20 can return to the position as shown in FIG. Figure 3 location.

[0033] The magnetic floating key structure of this embodiment does not require a support. The space below the key cap 20 is completely released. The key cap 20 and the accommodating frame 10 can be made of transparent materials. A flat panel display (not shown) can be configured below the magnetic floating key structure, and the graphics of the flat panel display can be displayed through the key cap.

[0034] One point to be particularly noted is that in this embodiment, each of the multiple inner wall surfaces 11 of the receiving frame 10 is formed with at least one protrusion 114, and at least one protrusion 114 abuts against the side surface 21 of the keycap 20, thereby reducing the friction between the keycap 20 and the receiving frame 10. Specifically, the protrusion 114 is a straight pointed rib and is parallel to the pressing direction of the keycap 20.

[0035] In this embodiment, the key cap 20 can be limited to a non-pressed state under normal conditions by the magnetic attraction between the pair of first magnetic members 13 and the pair of second magnetic members 23. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The present invention can also further provide a limiting structure.

[0036] [Second embodiment]

[0037] like Figure 5 As shown, the difference between this embodiment and the above-mentioned embodiment is that at least one inner wall surface 11 of the accommodating frame 10a can form a limiting structure to limit the upward displacement of the keycap 20a in a structural manner. Specifically, at least one inner wall surface 11 of the accommodating frame 10a forms an upper vertical surface 111, an inclined surface 112 and a lower vertical surface 113. The inclined surface 112 is connected between the upper vertical surface 111 and the lower vertical surface 113. Among them, the upper vertical surface 111 and the lower vertical surface 113 can be parallel to each other. Correspondingly, at least one side surface of the keycap 20a forms an upper side surface 211, a side inclined surface 212 and a lower side surface 213. The side inclined surface 212 is connected between the upper side surface 211 and the lower side surface 213. Among them, the upper side surface 211 and the lower side surface 213 can be parallel to each other. Thus, when the key cap 20 a is in the unpressed state, the side inclined surface 212 of the key cap 20 a abuts against the inclined surface 112 of the accommodating frame 10 a.

[0038] In this embodiment, preferably, a limiting structure is formed on two opposite inner wall surfaces of the accommodating frame 10a and two side surfaces of the key cap 20a, or the limiting structure can also be formed on all inner wall surfaces.

[0039] [Third embodiment]

[0040] like Figure 6 As shown, a second limiting structure is formed between the accommodating frame 10b and the keycap 20b of this embodiment. Specifically, at least one inner wall surface 11 of the accommodating frame 10b forms an upper vertical surface 111, an inner cross-sectional surface 115 and a lower vertical surface 113. The inner cross-sectional surface 115 is substantially vertically connected between the upper vertical surface 111 and the lower vertical surface 113. At least one side surface of the keycap 20b forms an upper side surface 211, an outer cross-sectional surface 215 and a lower side surface 213. The outer cross-sectional surface 215 is substantially vertically connected between the upper side surface 211 and the lower side surface 213. Thereby, when the keycap 20b is in an unpressed state, the outer cross-sectional surface 215 abuts against the inner cross-sectional surface 115.

[0041] In this embodiment, a limiting structure is preferably formed on two opposite inner wall surfaces 11 of the accommodating frame 10b and two side surfaces 21 of the key cap 20b, or the limiting structure may also be formed on all inner wall surfaces.

[0042] [Fourth embodiment]

[0043] like Figure 7 As shown, a third limiting structure is formed between the receiving frame and the keycap of this embodiment. Specifically, at least one inner wall surface 11 of the receiving frame 10c forms a first inclined surface 116, and at least one side surface of the keycap 20c forms a second inclined surface 216; wherein, when the keycap 20c is in an unpressed state, the second inclined surface 216 abuts against the first inclined surface 116.

[0044] In this embodiment, preferably, a limiting structure is formed on two opposite inner wall surfaces of the accommodating frame and two side surfaces of the keycap, or the limiting structure can also be formed on all inner wall surfaces.

[0045] In the embodiment of the above-mentioned limiting structure, the upper opening area A1 of the keycap receiving hole 110 located on the top surface of the receiving frame 10c is smaller than the lower opening area A2 of the keycap receiving hole 110 located on the bottom surface of the receiving frame 10c.

[0046] It is worth mentioning that the key cap trigger signal of this embodiment can be, for example, a mechanical method, a capacitive method or a magnetic method. Figure 7As shown, the magnetic method can be used in conjunction with a Hall sensor. The Hall sensor H can be disposed under the key cap 20c. When the key cap 20c is pressed and displaced, the Hall sensor H senses the change in the magnetic field and provides a trigger signal. However, the present invention is not limited to the above examples. The Hall sensor can also be disposed on the inner wall surface of the receiving frame.

[0047] [Fifth embodiment]

[0048] like Figure 8 As shown, this embodiment shows that a plurality of magnetic floating key structures can be combined to form a keyboard, wherein an outer side surface of the receiving frame 10 forms a snap-fit ​​structure to snap-fit ​​to another receiving frame 10. The snap-fit ​​structure of this embodiment can be a protruding tenon 108 or a tenon groove 109. For example, two protruding tenons 108 and two tenon grooves 109 are formed on the outer side of each receiving frame 10, so that the user can assemble a variety of different control keyboards as needed.

[0049] [Beneficial Effects of Embodiments]

[0050] One of the beneficial effects of the present invention is that the magnetic floating key structure provided by the present invention can be provided with a plurality of magnetic parts between the key cap and the receiving frame, so that the key cap can be floated in the receiving frame by magnetic force.

[0051] Furthermore, the receiving frame is provided with a pair of first magnetic members, and the keycap is provided with a pair of second magnetic members. Through the magnetic attraction between the pair of first magnetic members and the pair of second magnetic members, the top surface of the keycap is higher than the top surface of the receiving frame under normal conditions and is in an unpressed state; when the keycap is pressed downward, the magnetic attraction provides a force to reset the keycap. In this way, the supporting structure of the key is simplified, and a display effect of a transparent key is provided.

[0052] The contents disclosed above are only feasible embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent changes and modifications made using the contents of the present invention and the drawings are included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A magnetic levitation key structure, characterized in that: include: a containing frame, comprising a keycap containing hole, a pair of first grooves and a pair of first magnetic members, wherein the keycap containing hole is surrounded by a plurality of inner wall surfaces, the pair of first grooves are recessedly formed on two inner wall surfaces among the plurality of inner wall surfaces, and the pair of first magnetic members are respectively fixedly received in the pair of first grooves; and A keycap, comprising a plurality of side surfaces, a pair of second grooves and a pair of second magnetic members, wherein the pair of second grooves are concavely formed on two side surfaces among the plurality of side surfaces, and the pair of second magnetic members are respectively fixedly received in the pair of second grooves; Wherein, through the magnetic attraction between the pair of first magnetic parts and the pair of second magnetic parts, the top surface of the keycap is higher than the top surface of the accommodating frame under normal conditions and is in an unpressed state; when the keycap is pressed downward, the magnetic attraction provides a force to reset the keycap.

2. The magnetic levitation key structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pair of first magnetic members are arranged on two opposite inner wall surfaces opposite to each other.

3. The magnetic levitation key structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each of the plurality of inner wall surfaces of the accommodating frame is formed with at least one protrusion, and the at least one protrusion abuts against the side surface of the key cap, thereby reducing friction.

4. The magnetic floating key structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The at least one protrusion is in the form of a straight pointed rib and is parallel to the pressing direction of the key cap.

5. The magnetic floating key structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: At least one inner wall surface of the accommodating frame forms a limiting structure.

6. The magnetic levitation key structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: At least one of the inner wall surfaces of the accommodating frame forms an upper upright surface, an inclined surface and a lower upright surface, and the inclined surface is connected between the upper upright surface and the lower upright surface; at least one of the side surfaces of the keycap forms an upper side surface, a side inclined surface and a lower side surface, and the side inclined surface is connected between the upper side surface and the lower side surface; wherein when the keycap is in the unpressed state, the side inclined surface abuts against the inclined surface.

7. The magnetic levitation key structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: At least one of the inner wall surfaces of the accommodating frame forms an upper vertical surface, an inner cross-sectional surface and a lower vertical surface, and the inner cross-sectional surface is connected between the upper vertical surface and the lower vertical surface; at least one of the side surfaces of the keycap forms an upper side surface, an outer cross-sectional surface and a lower side surface, and the outer cross-sectional surface is connected between the upper side surface and the lower side surface; wherein when the keycap is in the unpressed state, the outer cross-sectional surface abuts against the inner cross-sectional surface.

8. The magnetic floating key structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: At least one of the inner wall surfaces of the accommodating frame forms a first inclined surface, and at least one of the side surfaces of the key cap forms a second inclined surface; wherein when the key cap is in the unpressed state, the second inclined surface abuts against the first inclined surface.

9. The magnetic levitation key structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: An upper opening area of ​​the key cap accommodating hole located on the top surface of the accommodating frame is smaller than a lower opening area of ​​the key cap accommodating hole located on the bottom surface of the accommodating frame.

10. The magnetic floating key structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: A locking structure is formed on an outer side surface of the accommodating frame to be locked with another accommodating frame.

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