Industrial keyboard

Abstract

The invention provides an industrial keyboard, and belongs to the field of keyboards, the industrial keyboard comprises a keyboard body and a control module, a plurality of accommodating grooves are formed in the keyboard body, the number of the accommodating grooves is in one-to-one correspondence with the number of keycaps, and each accommodating groove is only communicated with the groove where the corresponding keycap is located; a limiting assembly is arranged in each containing groove. The limiting assembly comprises a blocking assembly, a triggering assembly and a control module; when the control module monitors that the target key cap is pressed down, the control module controls the trigger assemblies of the key caps around the target key cap to act, all the trigger assemblies drive all the blocking assemblies to rotate and enter the grooves of the corresponding key caps, all the blocking assemblies are blocked on the paths where the corresponding key caps are pressed down, and resistance is provided for the corresponding key caps to be pressed down. The keyboard can provide uniform resistance during mistaken touch prevention.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of industrial keyboard technology, and specifically relates to an industrial keyboard. Background Technology

[0002] In high-temperature environments of modern industries such as metallurgy, glass manufacturing, and casting, the operation and control of production equipment heavily rely on operators inputting instructions and data via industrial keyboards.

[0003] To protect against high temperatures and ensure operational safety, workers must wear heavy, heat-resistant gloves when operating the keyboard. However, the glove finger sleeves are too large, and when pressing the target key, the excess material can easily touch surrounding keycaps, leading to accidental key presses.

[0004] However, existing industrial keyboards, such as the one disclosed in 2025109139319, are suitable for high-temperature operations. This keyboard provides resistance to each keycap through a miniature fan. However, the damping produced by each keycap is not the same. The keycaps on the side closer to the miniature fan have greater damping, while the keycaps on the side farther away from the miniature fan have less damping. The excessive difference in damping between the two sides of the keyboard will affect the operating comfort and judgment accuracy of researchers. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention proposes an industrial keyboard that, while preventing accidental key presses, ensures that the keycaps in all positions have the same damping.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention proposes the following technical content: An industrial keyboard includes a keyboard body and a control module. The keyboard body has a plurality of receiving slots, the number of which corresponds one-to-one with the number of keycaps. Each receiving slot is only connected to the slot where the corresponding keycap is located. Each receiving slot is provided with a limiting component. The limiting component includes a blocking component, a triggering component, and a control module. When the control module detects that the target keycap is pressed, the control module controls the triggering components of the keycaps around the target keycap to move. Each triggering component drives each blocking component to rotate and enter the slot of the corresponding keycap. Each blocking component obstructs the path of the corresponding keycap being pressed, providing resistance to the pressing of the corresponding keycap.

[0007] Furthermore, the fixed shaft is fixed in the receiving groove; A bushing is fitted onto a fixed shaft with a clearance fit and can rotate around the axis of the fixed shaft. The bushing has a groove on its circumferential sidewall, and the length of the groove is along the axial direction of the bushing when viewed along its axis. An outer shell is fixed on a fixed shaft and fits onto a bushing. The inner wall of the outer shell contacts a portion of the outer wall surface of the bushing, and the outer shell does not completely enclose the bushing. A guide block is fixedly connected to the circumferential side wall of the bushing. A guide groove is provided on the surface of the outer shell, and the guide block passes through the guide groove. When the bushing and the guide block rotate as a whole, the guide block moves in the guide groove. The trigger plate is fixed on the outer wall of the bushing; when the bushing and the trigger plate rotate as a whole, the trigger plate can extend from the receiving groove into the groove where the corresponding keycap is located.

[0008] Furthermore, the triggering component includes: A placement slot is formed on the lower surface of the receiving slot; Multiple first memory alloy elastic units are installed in the placement slot; the two ends of the first memory alloy elastic units are connected to the bottom of the placement slot and are powered by the power supply system of the keyboard body; the top shell is fixedly connected to the middle position of the first memory alloy elastic unit, and the top shell is located above the first memory alloy elastic unit. Under the drive of the first memory alloy elastic unit, the top shell can be vertically displaced along the placement slot. When the first memory alloy elastic unit is energized, it generates a thermal effect, changing from a straight state to a curled state, causing the top shell to move downward relative to the placement slot. Several second shape memory alloy elastic units are installed in the cavity of the top shell, with both ends of the second shape memory alloy elastic units fixed to the bottom of the cavity of the top shell; a compression block is provided in the cavity of the top shell, the compression block is movably locked in the placement groove, and can move vertically along the placement groove; the compression block is located above the second shape memory alloy elastic units, and the middle part of the second shape memory alloy elastic units is fixedly connected to the compression block; when the second shape memory alloy elastic units are energized, they generate a thermal effect, changing from a curled state to a straightened state, causing the compression block to move upward relative to the top shell.

[0009] Furthermore, the trigger plate is made of plastic.

[0010] Furthermore, there are two trigger components arranged side by side along the circumference of the bushing, and the two trigger devices operate alternately.

[0011] The beneficial effects that can be achieved by adopting the above technologies are: 1. This solution utilizes the electric heating effect of the shape memory alloy elastic unit to extend the trigger plate into the groove of the corresponding keycap, generating resistance through physical contact to achieve accidental touch, without affecting keycaps in other positions.

[0012] 2. Because the resistance is generated by the trigger plate driven by the shape memory alloy elastic unit, the resistance is uniform; it does not have the uneven resistance caused by traditional micro fans. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall keyboard structure; Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the limiting components and the keycaps; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the fixed shaft, bushing, and trigger plate. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the fixed shaft, bushing, and trigger plate from another perspective. Figure 5 It is an exploded view of the fixed shaft, bushing, trigger plate, and connecting plate; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the first shape memory alloy elastic unit, the second shape memory alloy elastic unit, the receiving groove, and the top shell; Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the target keycap and the surrounding keycaps.

[0014] 1. Keyboard body; 2. Target keycap; 3. Surrounding keycaps; 4. Receiving slot; 5. Restricting component; 6. Fixed switch; 7. Switch sleeve; 8. Actuator plate; 9. Connecting plate; 10. First shape memory alloy elastic unit; 11. Extrusion block; 12. Slot; 13. Placement slot; 14. Top shell; 15. Second shape memory alloy elastic unit; 16. Outer shell; 17. Guide slot; 18. Guide block. Detailed Implementation

[0015] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0016] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, an industrial keyboard includes several receiving slots 4 (7*5*4mm in length, width and height) formed in the keyboard body 1. The number of receiving slots 4 corresponds one-to-one with the number of keycaps. Each receiving slot 4 is provided with a limiting component 5 to prevent accidental key presses.

[0017] Taking a corresponding receiving slot 4 and a keycap as an example, the receiving slot 4 is connected to the slot where the keycap is located. For this reason, when the anti-mistouch logic of the keycap is triggered, the limiting component in the receiving slot 4 will enter the slot of the keycap from the receiving slot 4, blocking the path of the keycap being pressed down. When the keycap is accidentally pressed down, it will contact the limiting component. The keycap needs to overcome the resistance generated by the limiting component to continue moving down, so that the keycap cannot be pressed down easily, thus realizing the anti-mistouch function of the keycap.

[0018] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, specifically, the limiting component 5 includes: A fixed axis 6 is fixed within the receiving groove 4. Assuming the keyboard is placed horizontally, the axis of the fixed axis 6 is parallel to the direction of the wide side of the receiving groove 4, which is the width of the groove. Figure 2 The center is perpendicular to the plane of the paper; the fixed shaft 6 is a steel cylinder with a diameter of 2mm.

[0019] A bushing 7 is fitted onto a fixed shaft 6 and can rotate around the axis of the fixed shaft 6. There is approximately a 1mm gap between the inner wall of the bushing and the outer wall of the fixed shaft, achieving a clearance fit. The bushing 7 is formed by cutting a complete circular sleeve. Specifically, a slot 12 is formed on the circumferential side wall of the bushing 7. Viewed along the axis of the bushing 7, the length direction of the slot 12 is along the axial direction of the bushing 7, and the slot 12 resembles a triangular notch (see...). Figure 4 ).

[0020] The outer shell 16 is fixed to the fixed shaft 6 and is fitted onto the bushing 7. The inner wall of the outer shell is in contact with a portion of the outer wall surface of the bushing. The outer shell 16 is formed by cutting a circular sleeve with an annular end face. After cutting, the end face of the outer shell 16 is a cracked arc. Therefore, the outer shell 16 does not completely enclose the bushing 7, and most of the bushing 7 is exposed on the outside of the outer shell 16.

[0021] When the bushing 7 rotates relative to the fixed shaft 6, a relative rotation occurs between the outer wall of the bushing 7 and the inner wall of the outer casing 16. A guide block 18 is fixedly connected to the circumferential side wall of the bushing 7, and a guide groove 17 is formed on the surface of the outer casing 16. The guide block 18 passes through the guide groove 17. When the bushing 7 and the guide block 18 rotate as a whole, the guide block 18 moves in the guide groove 17. The circumferential length of the guide groove 17 determines the stroke of the guide block 18. Due to the limitation of the circumferential length of the guide groove, the bushing 7 cannot rotate a full circle, but can only achieve a rotation of a set angle.

[0022] Connecting plate 9 (see) Figure 5 The connecting plate 9 is fixed on the outer circumferential wall of the bushing 7, and the connecting plate 9 is located on the surface of the bushing 7 exposed outside the outer shell 16.

[0023] The trigger plate 8 is fixedly installed on the circumferential side wall of the bushing 7. The specific installation method is as follows: a hole is opened on the surface of the trigger plate 8, and the trigger plate 8 is fitted onto the connecting plate 9 through the hole (that is, the connecting plate 9 is inserted into the hole). The trigger plate 8 is fixedly connected to the connecting plate 9 by an interference fit. Thus, the trigger plate 8, the connecting plate 9 and the bushing 7 form a whole, referred to as the whole A. The trigger plate 8 is rectangular in shape, and its larger surface does not contact the outer side wall of the bushing 7, and the larger surface is parallel to the axis of the bushing 7. Both the trigger plate 8 and the bushing 7 are made of plastic. When the trigger plate 8, connecting plate 9, and bushing 7 are connected, viewed from the end face of the bushing 7, since the line connecting the center of gravity of the whole A and the center of the bushing is not vertical, the bushing 7 naturally rotates around the fixed shaft 6 under the weight of the connecting plate 9 and the trigger plate 8 until it stops rotating when the slot is located at the bottom of the bushing 7. At this time, the slot 12 is exposed outside the outer shell 16, and the guide block 18 abuts against the upper end of the guide groove 17 (see...). Figure 5 In the current state, due to the abutment of the guide block 18 and the end of the guide groove 17, the entire A is restricted from continuing to rotate under its own weight. At this time, the trigger plate 8 is in the receiving groove 4, waiting for the subsequent triggering device to act so that the entire A can rotate. When the subsequent triggering device is acted, the entire A rotates in the opposite direction against gravity, causing the trigger plate 8 to rotate outside the receiving groove 4, blocking the path where the corresponding keycap is pressed, thus providing resistance to the keycap.

[0024] It also includes a triggering device for rotating the entire assembly A, causing the trigger plate 8 to extend out of the receiving groove 4 and obstruct the path of the corresponding keycap being pressed, thereby providing resistance to the keycap. Each receiving groove 4 has two triggering devices, which operate alternately to drive the entire assembly A to rotate.

[0025] Since there are two triggering devices, arranged side-by-side along the axial direction of the bushing, and the aforementioned slot is relatively long along the circumferential distance of the bushing 7, it is sufficient for the two triggering devices to abut against the same slot, causing the entire A to rotate. The two triggering devices have essentially the same structure; therefore, one triggering device will be used as an example. Figure 6 As shown, the triggering device includes: The placement groove 13 is formed on the lower surface of the receiving groove 4; specifically, the placement groove 13 is formed by cutting downward from the lower surface of the receiving groove 4 with a milling cutter. Multiple first memory alloy elastic units 10 (e.g., 3-4 pieces) are installed in the placement slot 13. The first memory alloy elastic unit 10 is a Ti-Ni-Cu ternary alloy, which is a memory alloy with a high response speed. It deforms due to the thermal effect after being energized, and the response time is 10-50ms. That is, it can reach the deformation temperature (60-80℃) within 10-50ms after being energized, and thus deform. The first memory alloy elastic unit 10 is powered by the power supply system of the keyboard. The resistance of each first memory alloy elastic unit 10 is about 0.1-1Ω. The keyboard power supply voltage is about 15V. Each first memory alloy elastic unit 10 can carry a large current in a short time to meet the above-mentioned purpose of rapid deformation. The first shape memory alloy elastic unit 10 is a shape-retracting shape memory alloy when energized. When not energized, the first shape memory alloy elastic unit 10 is straight and its two ends are fixedly connected to the bottom of the placement groove 13 and respectively connected to the circuit in the keyboard body through wires. The thermal effect after energization causes the first shape memory alloy elastic unit 10 to change from a straight state to a curled state, and it returns to a straight state after the heat is dissipated.

[0026] The top shell 14 is shaped like an open container and is movably connected to the placement groove 13 (it cannot detach from the placement groove 13), allowing it to slide vertically along the placement groove 13. The top shell 14 is located above the plurality of first shape memory alloy elastic units 10 and is fixedly connected to the middle of the plurality of coiled first shape memory alloy elastic units 10. When all the first shape memory alloy elastic units 10 are energized, a thermal effect is generated. Since the first shape memory alloy elastic units 10 are shape memory metals that shrink back due to thermal effect when energized, the first shape memory alloy elastic units 10 will pull the top shell 14 downward.

[0027] Several second shape memory alloy elastic units 15 are installed in the cavity of the top shell 14. The two ends of the second shape memory alloy elastic units 15 are fixed to the bottom of the cavity of the top shell 14. The wires of the keyboard body extend into the slots of the top shell 14 and are electrically connected to the second shape memory alloy elastic units 15. The second shape memory alloy elastic units 15 are of the thermal expansion type shape memory alloy (material as described above). When no power is applied, the second shape memory alloy elastic units 15 are in a curled state. After power is applied, the thermal effect causes them to change from a curled state to a straight state.

[0028] The extrusion block 11 is movably connected to the top shell 14 and can move vertically along the top shell 14 (but cannot detach from the top shell). The extrusion block 11 is positioned above the second shape memory alloy elastic unit 15 and is fixedly connected to the middle of the second shape memory alloy elastic unit 15. When the second shape memory alloy elastic unit 15 is energized, since the second shape memory alloy elastic unit 15 is a shape memory alloy that expands due to thermal effects when energized, the second shape memory alloy elastic unit 15 expands and elongates, causing the extrusion block 11 to move upward. This further causes the top of the extrusion block 11 to enter the slot 12. Under the force of the second shape memory alloy elastic unit 15 pressing the slot 12, the entire assembly A rotates, thereby achieving the aforementioned anti-accidental touch function.

[0029] The control module is embedded in the groove of the keyboard body 1 and is electrically connected to the keyboard body 1. It is used to detect which target keycap 2 is pressed, and thus control the surrounding keycaps 3 to prevent accidental touch.

[0030] The process for determining the surrounding keycaps in this solution is as follows: like Figure 7 Specifically, the keycaps are arranged in an m x n column layout (e.g., ...). Figure 4 (5 rows, 5 columns) Each keycap is located at the intersection of the row and column. The control module assumes that no keycap is pressed when all row and column lines are at "high level". When the target keycap 2 (red) is pressed, the control module first pulls all column lines to "low level". If all row lines are still at high level, it means that no keycap is pressed, and it returns to standby mode to continue the loop scanning. If a row line becomes low level, it means that a keycap in this row is pressed (row 3 is pressed), but at this time it is not known which column keycap it is, so further positioning is required. The control module keeps the previously detected "low-level row" (row 3) at a high level, while temporarily pulling other rows low. Then, it pulls column 1 low and other columns high, and checks the level of the target row. If the target row is still low, it means the button is at the intersection of "target row + column 1"; if it is high, it means there is no button in column 1. Then, it pulls column 2 low and other columns high, and repeats the detection of the target row level, and so on, until it finds the column that makes the target row low, which is row 3, column 3 in the figure.

[0031] After the control module learns that the target keycap 2 (keycap in the 3rd row and 3rd column) has been pressed, it can analyze the keycaps around the target keycap 2 (there may be four or six keycaps around it, depending on the actual layout logic of the keyboard. For example, if the keycap of the letter D is the target keycap, then the keycaps around it are ERSFXC, which is a total of 6) and control the action of the limiting component 5 at the corresponding surrounding keycaps to make the surrounding keycaps 3 generate resistance.

[0032] The device's accidental activation prevention process is as follows: Suppose that a target keycap 2 is pressed, and multiple surrounding keycaps 3 are protected against accidental touches. Taking a surrounding keycap 3 as an example, when the control module causes the limiting component 5 corresponding to the surrounding keycap 3 to operate, the control module causes one of the two triggering devices in the surrounding keycap 3 to be triggered (the two triggering devices are named A and B respectively).

[0033] Taking trigger device A as an example, the operation process of the trigger device is explained as follows: First, the multiple second shape memory alloy elastic units 15 of the trigger device are energized momentarily (energized in parallel) and then de-energized. The first shape memory alloy elastic unit 10 is not energized. Since the second shape memory alloy elastic unit 15 is a shape memory alloy that expands due to thermal effect when energized, the heat generated after the second shape memory alloy elastic unit 15 is energized in sequence causes it to straighten from a curled state (without continuous energization), pushing up the top extrusion block 11. The extrusion block 11 enters the slot 12, and the resulting thrust component causes the whole A to rotate until the guide block 18 abuts against the lower end of the guide groove 17. The trigger plate 8 extends out of the receiving groove 4 and is in the keycap groove where the surrounding keycaps are located. If the surrounding keycaps 3 are accidentally touched by an oversized glove, the surrounding keycaps 3 will contact the trigger plate 8. The resistance of the trigger plate 8 makes it difficult for them to be pressed down to trigger.

[0034] When the target keycap 2 is released, the first memory alloy elastic unit 10 is momentarily energized and then de-energized. Since the first memory alloy elastic unit 10 is a memory alloy with thermal effect shrinkage, the heat generated when the first memory alloy elastic unit 10 is energized causes it to quickly shrink and deform from an elongated state. Therefore, it will carry the top shell 14, the second memory alloy elastic unit, and the pressing block 11 downwards quickly (to prevent the pressing block 11 from slowly detaching from the slot due to the slow heat dissipation of the second memory alloy elastic unit 15). The purpose of this design is: if there is no first memory alloy elastic unit 10, and only the second memory alloy elastic unit 15, the heat generated when the second memory alloy elastic unit 15 is energized and then de-energized will deform it. The second memory alloy elastic unit 15 will push the pressing block 11 upwards and extend into the slot. However, when the second memory alloy elastic unit 15 is momentarily de-energized, the heat of the second memory alloy elastic unit 15 cannot be dissipated quickly. Therefore, the second memory alloy elastic unit 15 cannot quickly detach the pressing block 11 from the slot, affecting the next anti-mistouch action. This design incorporates a first shape memory alloy elastic unit 10. The heating effect of this unit allows the extrusion block 11 to quickly detach from the slot. Simultaneously, the heat dissipation of the second shape memory alloy elastic unit 15 also accelerates the detachment. These two actions ensure rapid separation of the extrusion block 11 from the slot. Although the heat from both units dissipates completely in the subsequent period, and the first unit restores its shape and lifts the top shell 14, the combined stroke of both units ensures that the extrusion block 11 remains detached from the slot (this is because the extrusion block 11 was detached from the slot initially when the first and second units had no heat, and naturally it is detached again when the heat dissipates). After the extrusion block 11 detaches from the slot, the entire assembly A automatically resets under its own weight, awaiting another triggering device.

[0035] When other target keycaps 2 are pressed, if the surrounding keycap 3 is triggered again, the B triggering device of the surrounding keycap will abut against the same slot 12 to achieve the above action. The B triggering device has another set of first memory alloy elastic units 10 and second memory alloy elastic units 15, and will not be mixed with the first memory alloy elastic units 10 and second memory alloy elastic units 15 of the A triggering device. Since the A and B triggering devices of the surrounding keycap work alternately, there is enough time for the first memory alloy elastic unit 10 or the second memory alloy elastic unit 15 of one of the triggering devices to dissipate heat (for example, after the first memory alloy elastic unit 10 and the second memory alloy elastic unit 15 of the A triggering device complete one anti-mistouch operation, the next anti-mistouch operation will be completed by the first memory alloy elastic unit 10 and the second memory alloy elastic unit 15 of the B triggering device, and the A triggering device has sufficient time to dissipate heat during the anti-mistouch operation of the B triggering device), ensuring the effectiveness of the next trigger.

[0036] Based on the above-described preferred embodiments of the present invention, and through the foregoing description, those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the inventive concept. The technical scope of this invention is not limited to the contents of the specification, but must be determined according to the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An industrial keyboard, comprising a keyboard body and a control module, characterized in that, The keyboard body has several receiving slots, the number of which corresponds one-to-one with the number of keycaps, and each receiving slot is only connected to the slot where the corresponding keycap is located; each receiving slot is provided with a limiting component. The limiting component includes a blocking component, a triggering component, and a control module. When the control module detects that the target keycap is pressed, the control module controls the triggering components of the keycaps around the target keycap to move. Each triggering component drives each blocking component to rotate and enter the slot of the corresponding keycap. Each blocking component obstructs the path of the corresponding keycap being pressed, providing resistance to the pressing of the corresponding keycap.

2. An industrial keyboard according to claim 1, characterized in that, The blocking component includes: The fixed shaft is fixed in the receiving groove; A bushing is fitted onto a fixed shaft with a clearance fit and can rotate around the axis of the fixed shaft. The bushing has a groove on its circumferential sidewall, and the length of the groove is along the axial direction of the bushing when viewed along its axis. An outer shell is fixed on a fixed shaft and fits onto a bushing. The inner wall of the outer shell contacts a portion of the outer wall surface of the bushing, and the outer shell does not completely enclose the bushing. A guide block is fixedly connected to the circumferential side wall of the bushing. A guide groove is provided on the surface of the outer shell, and the guide block passes through the guide groove. When the bushing and the guide block rotate as a whole, the guide block moves in the guide groove. The trigger plate is fixed on the outer wall of the bushing; when the bushing and the trigger plate rotate as a whole, the trigger plate can extend from the receiving groove into the groove where the corresponding keycap is located.

3. An industrial keyboard according to claim 1, characterized in that, The triggering component includes: A placement slot is formed on the lower surface of the receiving slot; Multiple first memory alloy elastic units are installed in the placement slot; the two ends of the first memory alloy elastic units are connected to the bottom of the placement slot and are powered by the power supply system of the keyboard body; the top shell is fixedly connected to the middle position of the first memory alloy elastic unit, and the top shell is located above the first memory alloy elastic unit. Under the drive of the first memory alloy elastic unit, the top shell can be vertically displaced along the placement slot. When the first memory alloy elastic unit is energized, it generates a thermal effect, changing from a straight state to a curled state, causing the top shell to move downward relative to the placement slot. Several second shape memory alloy elastic units are installed in the cavity of the top shell, with both ends of the second shape memory alloy elastic units fixed to the bottom of the cavity of the top shell; a compression block is provided in the cavity of the top shell, the compression block is movably locked in the placement groove, and can move vertically along the placement groove; the compression block is located above the second shape memory alloy elastic units, and the middle part of the second shape memory alloy elastic units is fixedly connected to the compression block; when the second shape memory alloy elastic units are energized, they generate a thermal effect, changing from a curled state to a straightened state, causing the compression block to move upward relative to the top shell.

4. An industrial keyboard according to claim 1, characterized in that, The trigger plate is made of plastic.

5. An industrial keyboard according to claim 3, characterized in that, There are two trigger components, arranged side by side along the circumference of the bushing, and the two trigger devices operate alternately.

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