Stabilizer module of keyboard key and method for assembling stabilizer module of keyboard key

Abstract

The invention relates to an improved stabilizer module for keyboard keys, which has an elongated balance bar. The first base and the second base are mounted to engage with the first end and the second end of the elongated balance bar, respectively, through curved and nearly vertical slots. The first rod-shaped member and the second rod-shaped member are respectively arranged in the first cavity and the second cavity in the first base part and the second base part so as to vertically move in the first cavity and the second cavity. Each rod-shaped piece is provided with a horizontal extending groove. Both the base slot and the rod slot engage an end of the elongated balance bar. The invention also relates to a method for assembling the stabilizer module of the keyboard key.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] In large mechanical keys, such as the spacebar, a balance bar structure can be used to provide structural support to the key to prevent the key from tilting (e.g., like a seesaw) when the key is pressed on one end or the other of the keycap. The structural support can include two slider structures that support the balance bar in an internal track, which allows the balance bar to rotate within the track and move up and down as the key is depressed. An example of the architectural arrangement of such a key structure is shown in U.S. Patent No. 11,163,375 to Logitech and in the figures herein. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The movement of the balance bar within the track and the impact of various structures against various surfaces can significantly increase key noise as the key is depressed.

[0002] U.S. Patent No. 11,163,375 to Logitech addresses the noise problem by adding a compliant material (e.g., rubber) at the contact points of the metal balance bar and the plastic key structure. Another solution to the key noise is to add grease at the key point in the structure.

[0003] It should be noted that the material described in this section is not prior art to the claims in the application herein and is not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section, unless otherwise indicated herein. SUMMARY

[0004] In certain embodiments, a stabilizer module for a keyboard key is provided. The stabilizer module has an elongate balance bar. A first base and a second base are mounted to each engage a first end and a second end of the elongate balance bar through a curved and nearly vertical slot. A first rod and a second rod are mounted in a first cavity and a second cavity in the first base and the second base, respectively, to move vertically within the first cavity and the second cavity. The rods each have a horizontal extension slot. Both the base slot and the rod slot engage the ends of the elongate balance bar.

[0005] In some embodiments, the first end and the second end of the elongate balance bar are ends of U-shaped end pieces located at the ends of the elongate balance bar. The elongate balance bar is metal to provide strength for the required torsional balance, and the U-shaped end pieces are plastic to minimize noise against the plastic base and rods.

[0006] In embodiments, each stem is higher in its base cavity before the key is pressed. The end piece of the balance bar rotates around the balance bar so that the insertion arm of the end piece is close to the top of the curved slot in the base and close to one side of the horizontal slot in the stem. During the key press, the stem is pushed down, causing the end piece to rotate around the axis of the balance bar and to move down. The downward movement follows the curved base slot as the end piece rotates, and the insertion arm of the end piece moves left and right in the horizontal slot of the stem. This construction allows for easy assembly and tight tolerances on the slots, resulting in a structure with small play and therefore small noise. Additionally, the plastic end piece provides plastic-to-plastic contact, which is less noisy than the metal-to-plastic contact of the prior art.

[0007] In other embodiments, a method for assembling a stabilizer module for a keyboard key is provided. A plastic end piece is attached to the end of a metal balance bar. The balance bar is inserted into a retaining slot in a pair of base structures. A stem with a horizontally extending slot is inserted into a cavity of the base structure. The base structure with the inserted stem is slid laterally to the edge of the balance bar until the insertion arm of the plastic end piece of the balance bar is inserted into the curved and nearly vertical slot of the base and the horizontally extending slot of the stem.

[0008] In some embodiments, a stabilizer module for a keyboard key includes an elongated balance bar, a first base and a second base mounted to engage with a first end and a second end of the elongated balance bar through a first curved and nearly vertical slot and a second curved and nearly vertical slot for engaging with the first end and the second end of the elongated balance bar, and a first bar and a second bar mounted in a first cavity and a second cavity in the first base and the second base, respectively, to move vertically within the first cavity and the second cavity, and the first bar and the second bar have a horizontally extending slot. The first end and the second end of the elongated balance bar are insertion arms of a U-shaped end piece at the ends of the elongated balance bar. In some aspects, the elongated balance bar is metal and the U-shaped end piece is plastic. The elongated balance bar can be mounted in a fixed slot at the bottom of the first base and the second base such that as the bars move up and down, the elongated balance bar rotates within the fixed slot while the insertion arms move vertically within the curved and nearly vertical slots. In some cases, the curved and nearly vertical slots are open at the bottom of the first base and the second base but are narrower at the bottom to keep the insertion arms of the elongated balance bar in the curved and nearly vertical slots. The stabilizer module can also include a plastic insert mounted below the keyboard key that is flush with a metal top plate of the keyboard, where the first base and the second base are mounted on a printed circuit board below the plastic insert and the metal top plate. In some aspects, the first bar has a plurality of bumps on the bottom of the first bar, where the second bar has a plurality of bumps on the bottom of the second bar, where the plurality of bumps on the bottom of the first bar and the second bar reduce their contact area and thus reduce the noise when the bars drop and contact the base plate at the bottom of the base. In some cases, the stabilizer module includes a bump on the insertion arm for keeping the insertion arm within the slots of the base and the bar. The stabilizer module can also include a top stop and a bottom stop on the bar positioned to contact portions of the base during vertical motion such that the stops prevent the first end and the second end of the elongated balance bar from hitting the ends of the horizontally extending slots in the bar and the ends of the first curved and nearly vertical slot and the second curved and nearly vertical slot in the base. In some cases, the first curved and nearly vertical slot and the second curved and nearly vertical slot in the base are curved at different angles, where the different angles are no less than 60 degrees and no more than 90 degrees.

[0009] In some implementations, a stabilizer module for a keyboard key includes: an elongated balance bar; a first base and a second base mounted to engage with a first end and a second end of the elongated balance bar through a first curved and nearly vertical slot and a second curved and nearly vertical slot for engaging with the first end and the second end of the elongated balance bar; and a first rod and a second rod mounted in a first cavity and a second cavity in the first base and the second base, respectively, to move vertically within the first cavity and the second cavity, and the first rod and the second rod have a horizontally extending slot; and a top stop and a bottom stop on the rod positioned to contact a portion of the base during vertical movement such that the stop positions prevent the first end and the second end of the elongated balance bar from hitting an end of the horizontally extending slot in the rod and an end of the first curved and nearly vertical slot and the second curved and nearly vertical slot in the base. In some aspects, the first end and the second end of the elongated balance bar are insertion arms of a U-shaped end piece at the ends of the elongated balance bar, where the elongated balance bar is metal and the U-shaped end piece is plastic, and where the elongated balance bar is mounted in a fixed slot at the bottom of the first base and the second base such that as the rod moves up and down, the elongated balance bar rotates within the fixed slot while the insertion arms move vertically within the curved and nearly vertical slots. In some aspects, the curved and nearly vertical slots are open at the bottom of the first base and the second base but are narrower at the bottom to keep the insertion arms of the elongated balance bar in the curved and nearly vertical slots. The stabilizer module can also include a pair of protrusions on the inside of each of the U-shaped end pieces at a location where the protrusions contact a portion of the first base and the second base to reduce the contact area and thus the friction. The stabilizer module can include a protrusion on the insertion arms for keeping the insertion arms within the slots of the base and the rod. In some aspects, the stabilizer module can include a top stop and a bottom stop on the rod positioned to contact a portion of the base during vertical movement such that the stop positions prevent the first end and the second end of the elongated balance bar from hitting an end of the horizontally extending slot in the rod and an end of the first curved and nearly vertical slot and the second curved and nearly vertical slot in the base. In some implementations, the first curved and nearly vertical slot and the second curved and nearly vertical slot in the base are curved at different angles, where the different angles are not less than 60 degrees and not more than 90 degrees.

[0010] In some embodiments, a method for assembling a stabilizer module for a keyboard key includes attaching plastic end pieces on ends of a metal balance bar, the ends including a first end and a second end of the metal balance bar; inserting the balance bar into a retaining slot in a pair of base structures; inserting a bar with a horizontally extending slot into a cavity of the base structure; and sliding the base structure with the inserted bar laterally to the ends of the balance bar until the insertion arms of the plastic end pieces of the balance bar are inserted into the curved and nearly vertical slot of the base and the horizontally extending slot of the bar. In some aspects, the first end and the second end of the metal balance bar are insertion arms of U-shaped end pieces at the ends of the metal balance bar. The method can also include snapping each insertion arm into the slot with a tab on the insertion arm. In some cases, the curved and nearly vertical slot in the base is curved at different angles, where the different angles are no less than 60 degrees and no more than 90 degrees.

[0011] The terminology and phraseology employed herein, and in the examples that follow, is for descriptive purposes only and should not be regarded as limiting. It is recognized that various modifications can be made of the systems and methods claimed. Consequently, it is intended that the true scope of the systems and methods be defined by the appended claims, rather than by the detailed description and examples given.

[0012] This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. The subject matter should be understood by reference to the entire specification of which this summary is a part, and any or all of the accompanying drawings, and each claim.

[0013] The foregoing features and examples, and other features and examples, will be more readily understood from the following detailed description, the claims, and the appended drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0014] The features of the various embodiments of the application, and other features and advantages thereof, will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description, the claims, and the appended drawings, in which:

[0015] Figure 1 is a diagram of a prior art stabilizer module for a spacebar key;

[0016] Figure 2 is a diagram of a prior art stabilizer module showing the balance bar inserted into the bar and base modules;

[0017] Figures 3 to 5 is Figures 1 to 2 an assembly view of prior art stabilizer module that illustrates certain problems;

[0018] Figure 6 is a diagram of an improved balance bar structure with U-shaped end pieces according to certain embodiments;

[0019] Figure 7 is a diagram of a balance bar structure inserted into a new base and stem structure according to certain embodiments; Figure 6

[0020] Figure 8 , Figure 8A and Figure 8B are diagrams of stem structures according to certain embodiments;

[0021] Figure 9 is a diagram of a base structure according to certain embodiments;

[0022] Figure 10 and Figures 10A to 10B are detail diagrams of U-shaped end pieces of a balance bar according to certain embodiments;

[0023] Figures 11A to 11B is a diagram illustrating rotation of U-shaped end pieces of a balance bar in a base slot and stem slot according to certain embodiments;

[0024] Figures 12A to 12G is a diagram illustrating an assembly method of a balance bar, base, and stem of a stabilizer module according to an embodiment;

[0025] Figure 13 is a flowchart of a method for assembling a stabilizer module for a keyboard key according to certain embodiments;

[0026] Figure 14 is a chart showing noise distribution of a pressed key corresponding to a conventional spacebar key and a new spacebar key using aspects of the invention;

[0027] Figure 15 is a diagram of a base structure for attachment to a PCB according to certain embodiments;

[0028] Figure 16 is a diagram of a noise-reducing plastic insert for a metal top plate of a keyboard according to certain embodiments;

[0029] Figure 17 is a side cutaway view of an insert of Figure 16 located in a keyboard structure according to certain embodiments;

[0030] Figure 18 ​It is installed below the space bar according to certain implementation methods. Figure 16 A three-dimensional view of the plastic insert;

[0031] Figure 19 and Figure 19A According to certain implementation methods Figure 16 Top view and perspective view of the plastic insert; and

[0032] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of a bouncing PCB according to certain implementations.

[0033] Throughout the accompanying drawings, it should be noted that similar reference numerals are generally used to depict the same or similar elements, features, and structures. Detailed Implementation

[0034] According to certain embodiments, aspects of this disclosure generally relate to input devices, and more specifically to computer peripherals having a mechanical keyboard.

[0035] In the following description, various examples of keyboard systems and mechanical key structures are depicted. For illustrative purposes, specific configurations and details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the implementation. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that certain implementations can be practiced or implemented without disclosing every detail. Furthermore, well-known features may be omitted or simplified to prevent any confusion with the novel features described herein.

[0036] Existing technology devices

[0037] Figure 1 This is a diagram of a prior art stabilizer module for the spacebar key. The spacebar 100 is shown as a phantom above the stabilizer module, which consists of a balance bar 102 and two base structures 106 and 108. A push-button switch 110 is located in the center and mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB) 104. This activates the push-button switch 110 when the spacebar 102 is pressed down by the user. The base structures 106 and 108 lower each end of the balance bar 102 equally, so that the spacebar does not tilt and can be pressed at any point while still activating the push-button switch 110.

[0038] Figure 2 This is a diagram of a prior art stabilizer module, showing a balance bar inserted into a rod and a base module. The base structure 108 has an internal rod 112 that moves vertically within the base structure 108. End 114 of the balance bar 102 is inserted into a slot in the rod 112. The other end 116 of the balance bar 102 is inserted into a slot in a similar rod 118 in the base structure 106. The tops of rods 112 and 118 are connected to... Figure 1The internal joint of the spacebar 100. Thus, as the spacebar is depressed, the balance bar 100 transfers the downward force on the spacebar to both stems, causing both stems to drop equally within their respective base structures.

[0039] Figures 3 to 5 is Figures 1 to 2 An assembly view of a prior art stabilizer module that illustrates some of the problems. Figure 3 The stems 112 and 118 are shown inserted into the base structures 108 and 106, respectively.

[0040] Figure 4 The end 116 of the balance bar is shown inserted into the stem 118 while mounted in the base structure 106. With the main portion of the balance bar 102 snapped into the retaining slot 403, the end 116 needs to enter into slot 402. The entry gap into slot 402 needs to be wide enough to allow the end 116 to enter through the gap between arrow 404 and arrow 406 with some margin of error. If the gap is too small, the plastic stem 118 can be damaged upon insertion and the end 116 will be difficult to insert. Once inserted, the end 116 needs to be angled upward as shown in Figure 5 Thus, the gap between arrow 404 and arrow 406 needs to be wide enough to allow this.

[0041] Figure 5 The end 116 of the balance bar is shown inserted into the stem 118 while mounted in the base structure 106. With the main portion of the balance bar 102 snapped into the retaining slot 403, the end 116 needs to enter into slot 402. The entry gap into slot 402 needs to be wide enough to allow the end 116 to enter through the gap between arrow 404 and arrow 406 with some margin of error. If the gap is too small, the plastic stem 118 can be damaged upon insertion and the end 116 will be difficult to insert. Once inserted, the end 116 needs to be angled upward as shown in Figure 5 The view of the stems shows the stems in the upward position before the user depresses the spacebar to depress the stems. Figure 4 The lowered position of the stems can be seen in

[0042] The problem with this design is that the metal end 116 of the balance bar will hit the stem slot with a clinking sound and cause noise. As mentioned above, a fair amount of gap is designed to allow for insertion and assembly, and thus the end of the balance bar is loose within the stem. A solution to this clinking noise is to add a soft rubber bumper within slot 402 and / or to add a lubricant at the point of contact. Both of these solutions add complexity and cost to the assembly. Adding lubricant requires precision. Too little lubricant results in poor acoustic performance, while too much lubricant can result in stickiness / catching of movement on the keyboard or lubricant leakage. The lubricant must be precisely added to the correct location to achieve the effect of lower noise, but not too much lubricant can be added.

[0043] Advanced Summary

[0044] The following high-level overview is intended to provide a basic understanding of some of the novel innovations presented in the novel innovations depicted in the accompanying drawings and presented in the corresponding description provided below. Aspects of the present invention relate to mechanical keyboards and corresponding key structures that operate to reduce mechanical noise, such as the audible "click" sound typically heard when a user presses a key on a mechanical keyboard. Larger keys (e.g., spacebar, tab, caps lock, esc, control, shift, enter, backspace, etc.) are affected by an increased noise profile due to their inclusion of slider structures and balancing bar structures for key stability - these additional mechanical components significantly increase key noise. In large mechanical keys, such as the spacebar, a balancing bar structure can be used to provide structural support to the key to prevent the key from tilting (e.g., like a seesaw) when the key is pressed on one end or the other of the keycap. The structural support can include two slider structures that support the balancing bar in an internal track, which allows the balancing bar to rotate and move up and down within the track when the key is depressed. The movement of the balancing bar within the track, as well as the impact of various structures on various surfaces, can significantly increase key noise as the key is depressed.

[0045] In certain embodiments, an improved stabilizer module for a keyboard key is provided. The stabilizer module has an elongated balancing bar 602 with end pieces, as shown in Figure 6 The first and second base portions 608 are mounted to engage the first and second end portions of the elongated balancing bar, respectively, through curved and nearly vertical slots. In Figures 6 to 7 In embodiments, the end pieces are U-shaped. First and second rod-like pieces 610 (for attachment to the key) are mounted in first and second cavities in the first and second base portions, respectively, to move vertically within the first and second cavities. The rod-like pieces have horizontally extending slots.

[0046] In Figure 8 , Figure 8A and Figure 8B The rod-like pieces with horizontally extending slots are shown in Figure 9 The base portions with curved slots are shown in Figures 11A to 11Bis a diagram illustrating the rotation of the U-shaped end pieces of the balance bar in the base slot and the bar slot. Prior to the key being pressed, the bar 610 is higher in the cavity of the base 608. The end piece 604 rotates around the balance bar 602 so that the insertion arm 1010 is near the top of the slot 902 in the base and near the left side of the slot 804 in the bar. During the key being pressed, the bar is pushed down, causing the end piece to rotate around the axis of the balance bar and move down. The downward motion follows the curved base slot as the end piece rotates, and the insertion arm of the end piece moves left and right in the horizontal slot of the bar. This structure allows for easy assembly and tight tolerances on the slots, resulting in a structure with small gaps and therefore small noise.

[0047] The novel concepts described herein (e.g., key structure) are generally described and depicted for use in a computer keyboard, however, as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure, these novel concepts can be applied to any input device including a balance bar key structure. In some cases, other materials can be used to further improve (reduce) the noise characteristics of the key being pressed, including adding grease in the cavityed track, or using non-metallic materials (e.g., rigid plastic, rubber / plastic sleeve over the balance bar, etc.) for the balance bar or its coating for reduced friction and / or impact.

[0048] It should be understood that the foregoing general description of the broad aspects of the disclosure and summary of the more specific aspects is intended for purposes of 35 U.S.C. § 112, first paragraph so that the claims will be given their broadest reasonable interpretation. The above summary of the broad aspects of the disclosure and the more specific aspects is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment or every implementation of the disclosure.

[0049] Noise Reduction Stabilizer Module Design

[0050] Figure 6 is a diagram of an improved balance bar structure with U-shaped end pieces according to certain embodiments. In one embodiment, the balance bar 602 is a straight bar made of metal. For example, the metal can be stainless steel. Two U-shaped end pieces 604 and 606 are attached to the balance bar 602. In one embodiment, the U-shaped end pieces 604 are made of plastic and are press-fit or molded (e.g., insert molded) onto the ends of the metal balance bar 602. In one embodiment, the plastic is polyoxymethylene (POM) or another thermoplastic.

[0051] Figure 7 is an insertion into the new base structure and bar structure according to certain embodiments Figure 6A diagram of the balance bar structure is shown. End member 604 is inserted into base 608 and rod member 610. End member 606 is inserted into base 612 and rod member 614. The end members utilize a U-shaped entry from the side into the base and rod member, rather than from the front as in prior art structures. This provides advantages in assembly and noise reduction combined with the unique shape of the base and rod member, as described below.

[0052] Figure 8 , Figure 8A and Figure 8B This is a diagram of a rod-shaped structure according to certain embodiments. Figure 8 A rod-shaped member 610 is shown, having a cross-shaped element 802 at its top for engaging a corresponding recess in the bottom of the space bar or other key. A horizontal groove 804 receives the end of the U-shaped arm of the balance bar. The groove may be located on only one side of the U-shaped arm, or it may be located on both sides of the rod-shaped member to achieve symmetry and ease of manufacture and assembly. When the rod-shaped member rises upon release of the space bar, a foot 806 provides a small area of ​​stop, as will be described in more detail below. In one embodiment, the rod-shaped member is plastic, such as polyoxymethylene (POM) or another thermoplastic.

[0053] Figures 8A to 8B yes Figure 8 Side and bottom views of the rod-like structure are shown. These figures illustrate bottom protrusions 808 located on the bottom of the rod-like structure 610. These protrusions provide a stop against the PCB or other substrate as the rod-like structure moves downward in response to the pressing of the space bar. The reduced surface area of ​​the protrusions reduces the amount of sound emitted when the PCB is touched.

[0054] Figure 8A The bottom wall 810 of the slot 804 is shown. The design strikes a balance between wanting the slot to be low within the rod and simultaneously providing sufficient thickness of the bottom wall to maintain the required strength. In one embodiment, the thickness of the bottom wall 810 is less than 1 mm. The bottom wall includes a portion that is lower than the bottom of the foot 806 but higher than the bottom of the protrusion 808, such that the wall 810 does not contact the PCB when the rod is pressed down.

[0055] Figure 9This is a diagram of the base structure according to some embodiments. The base 608 has a nearly vertically curved groove 902 for receiving the end of the U-shaped end member of the balance bar. The groove 902 narrows at the bottom portion 904 to prevent the end member from slipping out. In an alternative embodiment, the groove can be closed with a bottom wall. The groove 902 is angled at approximately 80 degrees near the bottom and bends at approximately 70 degrees near the top. Alternatively, the angle can vary from 60 to 90 degrees. A central cavity 906 in the base 608 receives a rod-like member 610, which slides up and down within the cavity 906. In one embodiment, the base is plastic, such as polyoxymethylene (POM) or another thermoplastic.

[0056] Figure 10 and Figure 10A This is a detailed drawing of the U-shaped end component of a balance bar according to certain embodiments. (e.g.) Figure 10 As shown, the U-shaped end member 604 is a plastic part press-fitted or molded onto the end of the metal balance bar 602. The end member 604 has a pair of protrusions 1002 and 1004. Protrusions 1002 and 1004 serve as smaller contact points with the base 608 during rotational movement of the end member 604. In one embodiment, the height of the protrusions is between 0.2 mm and 0.4 mm. An insertion arm 1010 of the end member fits into a groove in the base 608 and the rod-like member 610. The protrusion 1008 on the insertion arm 1010 is slightly wider to secure the insertion arm 1010 in the groove after insertion. Figure 10 In the middle, the protrusion 1008 increases slightly from right to left. A ridge 1006 is formed on the portion of the end member 604 that connects to the balance bar 602. The ridge 1006 provides a smaller contact point to reduce friction with the base 608 during rotation. Figure 10B As can be seen, when end member 604 is inserted into base 608, potential contact or friction points exist due to potential variations in assembly and motion tolerances, potentially leading to displacement or deformation relative to the designed small clearance. Protrusions 1002, 1004, and 1006 ensure that the body of end member 604 is separated from base 608. As shown, this design provides a small clearance, but if contact is present, it will only be with the protrusions, thus reducing friction and motion resistance. Alternatively, other designs can be used, such as using a single protrusion instead of protrusions 1002 and 1004. Furthermore, ridge 1006 can be circular, thus surrounding the stabilizer bar 602.

[0057] Figure 10A From Figure 10is a side view of the end piece 604 viewed from the right to left in FIG. 6B. The end piece 604 is narrower near the insertion arm 1010, as the insertion arm 1010 is sized to be small enough to fit within the shaft while being large enough to have sufficient strength. The right side of the insertion arm 1010 is larger, as the insertion arm 1010 needs to wrap around the balancing rod 602 with sufficient thickness to ensure sufficient strength during operation of the stabilizer structure.

[0058] Figures 11A to 11B is a diagram illustrating rotation of the U-shaped end piece of the balancing rod in the base slot and the shaft slot, according to a particular embodiment. Figure 11A shows the structure before the key is pressed, and Figure 11B shows the structure after the key is pressed. As Figure 11A As can be seen in FIG. 6B, the shaft 610 is higher in the cavity of the base 608. The end piece 604 is rotated around the axis of the balancing rod 602 so that the insertion arm 1010 is near the top of the slot 902 in the base and near the left side of the slot 804 in the shaft 610. The design of the insertion arm 1010 with a straight (horizontal, not tilted) insertion through the slot allows for tight tolerances of the slot. Thus, the slot does not have a large amount of play that would cause noise. Additionally, a small play is provided at the edge of the slot 804 in the shaft, as indicated by the arrow 1106. In one embodiment, the small play is 0.2 mm to 0.6 mm. This ensures that the insertion arm 1010 does not hit the end of the slot 804, thus avoiding noise due to such contact. The top of the leg 806 of the shaft 610 is in contact with the stop 1108 of the base 608. This prevents the shaft from moving further vertically upwards, which in turn blocks the insertion arm 1010 from moving laterally as the end piece 604 is rotated.

[0059] Figure 11BThe base structure and the stem structure after the key has been depressed are illustrated. The U-shaped end piece 604 has rotated down so that the U-shaped end piece 604 is essentially horizontal. During the downward rotation, the insertion arm 1010 moves from left to right in the slot 804 of the stem 610. At the same time, the insertion arm 1010 follows the curved path of the slot 902 in the base 608 and moves down and to the right. Upon reaching the bottom of the slot 902, the insertion arm 1010 stops just short of hitting the bottom of the slot, as the protrusion 808 on the bottom of the stem 610 contacts the PCB 1102, preventing further movement. The protrusion 808 limits the surface area that comes into contact with the PCB 1102, limiting the amount of noise generated when the stem protrusion comes into contact with the PCB. There is also a gap between the insertion arm 1010 and the right side of the slot 804 as indicated by arrow 1104. This gap, like the gap on the other side, prevents the insertion arm 1010 from hitting the right side of the slot 804 and generating noise. In one embodiment, the gap is 0.2mm to 0.6mm.

[0060] Figures 12A to 12G is a diagram illustrating the assembly of the balance bar, base, and stem of the stabilizer module according to an embodiment. The plastic end piece 604 is molded over the balance bar 602. As shown in Figure 12A , the balance bar 602 is then inserted into the retaining slot 403 in the base structure 608. Next, as shown in Figure 12B , the stem 610 is inserted into the cavity of the base structure 608. As shown in Figure 12C , the base structure 608 with the inserted stem is slid sideways to the edge of the balance bar 602 (near the end) until the insertion arms 1010 of the end piece 604 snap into the slots of the base and stem structure as described in the previous figures. As shown in Figure 12D , the insertion arms 1010 have protrusions 1008 for holding the insertion arms 1010 in the slots of the base and stem. In one embodiment, the height of the protrusions 1008 is between 0.05mm to 0.2mm. The protrusions prevent the module from easily pulling out / popping out during movement, ensuring the reliability of the assembly.

[0061] As shown in Figure 12E (and as described previously with respect to Figure 9 ), the narrow bottom portion 904 of the slot 902 in the base 906 prevents the arms 1010 from sliding out of the bottom of the slot 902 during assembly.

[0062] Figure 12F is a diagram illustrating the complete stabilizer module 1202, with the balance bar 602 connected to the base 608.

[0063] Figure 12GA complete stabilizer module mounted on a keyboard with spacebar structure is illustrated. The stabilizer module 1202 (where the balance bar 602 is connected to the base 608) is mounted on the PCB 1102. Then, the key switch 1203 is mounted on the central portion of the balance bar of the stabilizer assembly. Finally, the spacebar 1204 is mounted on the stabilizer module and the key switch, where the inner portion of the spacebar engages and snaps onto the rod 610.

[0064] Figure 13 is a flowchart of a method for assembling a stabilizer module for a keyboard key according to certain embodiments. In step 1302, a plastic end piece is attached on the end of a metal balance bar. In step 1304, the balance bar is inserted into a retaining slot in a pair of base structures. In step 1306, a rod with a horizontally extending slot is inserted into a cavity of the base structure. In step 1308, the base structure with the inserted rod is slid laterally to the edge of the balance bar until the insertion arms of the plastic end piece of the balance bar are inserted into the curved and nearly vertical slot of the base and the horizontally extending slot of the rod.

[0065] Performance characteristics of button structure utilizing novel slider structure

[0066] Figure 14 is a graph showing the noise profile of a pressed key corresponding to a conventional spacebar key with and without lubrication and a new spacebar key using the stabilizer module of the present invention. The stabilizer module as shown herein can significantly reduce the key click noise typically associated with keys utilizing a balance bar structure (e.g., spacebar, tab, caps lock, up arrow, backspace, return, etc.). In particular, the higher frequencies (e.g., 5 kHz to 10 kHz) can be reduced the most, which are typically the most noticeable to the user (relative to the lower frequencies, such as 0 kHz to 5 kHz) and are often the most annoying and irritating. By reducing the "click" of the key, particularly the "click" of the key in the higher audio frequency band, the user experiences the key as quieter and more preferred than conventional key structures.

[0067] Figure 14The vertical axis of the graph shows noise in dB and the horizontal axis shows noise frequency in Hz. Line 1402 corresponds to the noise characteristics of a typical spacebar key press of a typical computer keyboard over an audio frequency spectrum including 0 kHz to 10 kHz, which includes the typical actual audible range for humans. As described above, the noise is primarily due to the "click" associated with the key press in the keyboard. Line 1404 corresponds to the noise characteristics of a conventional spacebar key with added lubricant, which shows that the noise is lower at higher frequencies. Line 1406 corresponds to the noise characteristics of a spacebar key press using a new stabilizer module described herein. Line 1406 shows that the noise level is lower at higher frequencies, similar to the conventional spacebar key with lubricant. This is achieved without adding the complexity, cost, and manufacturing quality variability of using lubricant.

[0068] Keyboard mounting structure

[0069] Figure 15 is a diagram of a base structure for attachment to a PCB according to certain embodiments. As described above, the base structure 608 with stem 610 is shown as well as the balance bar 602 with end piece 604 extending through slots in the base and stem. The base is mounted on the PCB 1506 using screws 1502 and hooks 1504.

[0070] Figure 16 is a diagram of a noise-reducing plastic insert for a metal top plate of a keyboard according to certain embodiments. The plastic insert 1602 is inserted into a metal top plate as will be shown in Figure 17 . The insert is more flexible than the metal, so it produces less noise when a key is pressed against it. In addition, the plastic insert 1602 has a number of silicone rubber grommets 1604 to attach the plastic insert 1602 to the keyboard structure, providing additional flexibility and thus further reducing the noise produced. Also shown are the balance bar 602 and base 608, which are mounted near the plastic insert 1602 and fastened to the PCB below the plastic insert with screws 1502.

[0071] Figure 17 is a diagram of a balance bar and base structure in a keyboard according to certain embodiments. Figure 16Figure 17 is a side cross-sectional view of the insert of Figure 16. As can be seen, the plastic insert (top plate) 1602 is inserted into the metal top plate 1702. The plastic insert 1602 is flush with the metal top plate 1702 so that the plastic insert 1602 does not add to the height and bulk of the structure. This allows for a slim keyboard with a high quality metal top case while reducing the noise contribution that is normally present when the spacebar is mounted on a metal top plate. Also shown is the attached rubber grommet 1604 of the plastic insert 1602. The view shows the screws 1502 that attach the base structure 608 to the PCB 1506. The key 1704, in this embodiment the spacebar, sits above the base structure.

[0072] Figure 18 Figure 18 is a perspective view of the plastic insert of Figure 16 installed under the spacebar. The plastic insert 1602 can be seen underneath the spacebar 1704, which has been lifted up to show the insert underneath. The base 608 is also partially visible. When the spacebar is put in place, i.e. attached to the rod-like piece in the base structure, the plastic insert 1602 will be mostly invisible, so the plastic insert 1602 does not detract from the clean metal look of the metal top plate. Figure 16

[0073] Figure 19 Figure 19 is a top view and perspective view of the plastic insert of Figure 16. The plastic insert 1602 is shown with its rubber grommet 1604. The opening 1904 houses the central key switch of the spacebar or other elongated key. The slots 1904 and 1906 provide openings to allow the plastic insert to flex more around the axis of the slots, further reducing noise. The base structure 608 is installed at the locations indicated by the dashed lines 1908 and 1910. Thus, the base structure is not installed on the plastic insert. The central switch is installed on the plastic insert. The spacebar (key cap) bottom does not contact the plastic insert. The sound quality change is mostly from the mounting material of the main key switch and the bounce effect of the plastic insert. Figure 19A Figure 16 Figure 20 is a diagram of a bounce PCB according to certain embodiments. The PCB 1506 is designed to be slightly flexible in order to further reduce noise by allowing the PCB 1506 to flex slightly when the spacebar above it is pressed. This is achieved by adding a series of slots. The slot 2004 extends almost the length of the PCB in the middle and allows bending along the line of the slot, in line with the slots 1904 and 1906 of the plastic insert 1602. The multiple vertical slots 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, and 2014 provide flexibility in another direction. The slots are narrow enough to avoid weakening the strength of the PCB and are shaped to allow the required electrical traces to be routed around the slots.

[0074] Figure 20 Figure 21 is a diagram of a bounce PCB according to certain embodiments. The PCB 1506 is designed to be slightly flexible in order to further reduce noise by allowing the PCB 1506 to flex slightly when the spacebar above it is pressed. This is achieved by adding a series of slots. The slot 2004 extends almost the length of the PCB in the middle and allows bending along the line of the slot, in line with the slots 1904 and 1906 of the plastic insert 1602. The multiple vertical slots 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, and 2014 provide flexibility in another direction. The slots are narrow enough to avoid weakening the strength of the PCB and are shaped to allow the required electrical traces to be routed around the slots.​​

[0075] Alternative implementation methods

[0076] The specific implementations described herein can vary while still falling within the scope of the application set forth in the following claims. For example, the balance bar can be a hard plastic instead of metal, or can be a metal other than stainless steel. The end pieces can be a different shape than the U-shape described, such as having curves instead of right angles. Grease can be added to the arms of the end pieces to further reduce noise.

[0077] Numerous specific details are set forth herein to provide a thorough understanding of the claimed subject matter. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the claimed subject matter can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, methods, apparatuses or systems that would be known by those of ordinary skill have not been described in detail in order to not obscure the claimed subject matter. The various embodiments shown and described are for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the claims. The features shown and described with respect to any given embodiment need not be limited to that embodiment and can be used in combination with and / or in place of features shown and described with respect to other embodiments. Further, the claims are not intended to be limited to any one example embodiment.

[0078] While the subject matter has been described in detail with respect to specific embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art, upon attaining an understanding of the foregoing, can readily produce alterations, variations and equivalents thereto. Accordingly, it is intended that aspects of the disclosure can only be limited by the scope of the claims as set forth below. It will be understood that the present disclosure is set forth by way of example and not limitation. For example, the disclosure as set forth herein can be used in a variety of other contexts. Moreover, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects specifically set forth in the description, and numerous other aspects, modifications and equivalents can be apparent in light of this disclosure.

[0079] While the present disclosure provides certain example implementations and applications, other implementations and applications that would be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, including implementations that do not provide all of the features and advantages set forth herein, are intended to be within the scope of this disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is intended to be defined only by reference to the appended claims.

[0080] Conditional language such as "could," "might," "may," "for example," "for instance," "e.g.," among others, unless specifically stated otherwise, are generally intended to convey that certain examples include, while other examples do not include, certain features, elements, and / or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that one or more examples are required to include a feature, element and / or step in order to be considered an example. Also, no feature, element, act, or step is implied to be essential to an example simply because it is included in a dependent clause. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a step A or step A and step B is not necessarily limited to only those examples that include step A; other examples can include less than or more than step A. Moreover, examples can include one, some or all of step A and step B. In addition, any combination of steps A and B is considered an example. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises steps A, B, and C is not necessarily limited to only those examples that include steps A, B, and C; other examples can include less than or more than steps A, B, and C. Moreover, examples can include one, some or all of steps A, B, and C. In addition, any combination of steps A, B, and C is considered an example.

[0081] The terms "comprising," "including," "having," and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations, and so forth. Also, the term "or" is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used, for example, in a list of two or more items, the term "or" means at least one of the items. Use of "adapted to" or "configured to" herein means open and inclusive language that does not foreclose additional devices or steps not specifically recited. Additionally, the use of "based on" herein means open and inclusive language that does not foreclose additional conditions or values not specifically recited. Similarly, "based at least in part on" means open and inclusive language that does not foreclose additional conditions or values not specifically recited. Headings, lists, and numbering of examples are used herein for clarity only and shall not be used to construe the scope of the examples.

Claims

1. A stabilizer module for keyboard buttons, the stabilizer module comprising: Long balance bar; A first base and a second base, the first base and the second base being mounted to engage with a first end and a second end of the elongated balance bar via a first curved and nearly vertical groove and a second curved and nearly vertical groove, the first curved and nearly vertical groove and the second curved and nearly vertical groove being used to engage with the first end and the second end of the elongated balance bar. as well as A first rod-shaped member and a second rod-shaped member are respectively installed in a first cavity and a second cavity in the first base and the second base to move vertically within the first cavity and the second cavity, and the first rod-shaped member and the second rod-shaped member have horizontally extending grooves.

2. The stabilizer module according to claim 1, wherein, The first end and the second end of the elongated balance bar are insertion arms of U-shaped end components located at the ends of the elongated balance bar.

3. The stabilizer module according to claim 2, wherein, The elongated balance bar is made of metal, and the U-shaped end component is made of plastic.

4. The stabilizer module according to claim 2, wherein, The elongated balance bar is installed in a fixing groove at the bottom of the first base and the second base, such that as the rod moves up and down, the elongated balance bar rotates in the fixing groove, while the insertion arm moves vertically in the curved and almost vertical groove.

5. The stabilizer module according to claim 2, wherein, The curved and nearly vertical groove is open at the bottom of the first and second bases, but narrows at the bottom to hold the insert arm of the elongated balance bar within the curved and nearly vertical groove.

6. The stabilizer module according to claim 1 further includes a plastic insert installed below the keyboard keys, the plastic insert being flush with the metal top plate of the keyboard, wherein, The first base and the second base are mounted on a printed circuit board below the plastic insert and the metal top plate.

7. The stabilizer module according to claim 1, wherein, The first rod has a plurality of protrusions on its bottom, and the second rod has a plurality of protrusions on its bottom. The plurality of protrusions on the bottom of the first rod and the second rod reduce their contact area and thus reduce the noise when the rod descends and contacts the substrate at the bottom of the base.

8. The stabilizer module of claim 2, further comprising a protrusion on the insert arm for retaining the insert arm within the groove of the base and the rod.

9. The stabilizer module of claim 1, further comprising a top stop and a bottom stop on the rod, the top stop and the bottom stop being positioned to contact portions of the base during vertical movement, such that the stop positions prevent the first end and the second end of the elongated balance bar from impacting the ends of the horizontally extending groove in the rod and the ends of the first curved and nearly vertical groove and the second curved and nearly vertical groove in the base.

10. The stabilizer module according to claim 1, wherein, The first curved and almost vertical groove and the second curved and almost vertical groove in the base are curved at different angles, wherein the different angles are not less than 60 degrees and not greater than 90 degrees.

11. A stabilizer module for keyboard buttons, the stabilizer module comprising: Long balance bar; A first base and a second base, the first base and the second base being mounted to engage with a first end and a second end of the elongated balance bar via a first curved and nearly vertical groove and a second curved and nearly vertical groove, the first curved and nearly vertical groove and the second curved and nearly vertical groove being used to engage with the first end and the second end of the elongated balance bar. as well as A first rod-shaped member and a second rod-shaped member are respectively installed in a first cavity and a second cavity in the first base and the second base to move vertically within the first cavity and the second cavity, and the first rod-shaped member and the second rod-shaped member have horizontally extending grooves; A top stop and a bottom stop are positioned on the rod to contact portions of the base during vertical movement, such that the stop positions prevent the first and second ends of the elongated balance bar from impacting the ends of the horizontally extending grooves in the rod and the ends of the first and second curved, nearly vertical grooves in the base. Wherein, the first end and the second end of the elongated balance bar are insertion arms of the U-shaped end components located at the ends of the elongated balance bar. The elongated balance bar is made of metal, and the U-shaped end component is made of plastic. The elongated balance bar is installed in a fixing groove at the bottom of the first base and the second base, such that as the rod moves up and down, the elongated balance bar rotates in the fixing groove, while the insertion arm moves vertically in the curved and almost vertical groove.

12. The stabilizer module according to claim 11, wherein, The curved and nearly vertical groove is open at the bottom of the first and second bases, but narrows at the bottom to hold the insert arm of the elongated balance bar within the curved and nearly vertical groove.

13. The stabilizer module of claim 11 further includes a pair of protrusions located on the interior of each of the U-shaped end components at a position where the protrusions contact a portion of the first base and the second base to reduce the contact area and thus reduce friction.

14. The stabilizer module of claim 11, further comprising a protrusion located on the insert arm for retaining the insert arm within the groove of the base and the rod.

15. The stabilizer module of claim 11, further comprising a top stop and a bottom stop on the rod, the top stop and the bottom stop being positioned to contact portions of the base during vertical movement, such that the stop positions prevent the first end and the second end of the elongated balance bar from impacting the ends of the horizontally extending groove in the rod and the ends of the first curved and nearly vertical groove and the second curved and nearly vertical groove in the base.

16. The stabilizer module according to claim 1, wherein, The first curved and almost vertical groove and the second curved and almost vertical groove in the base are curved at different angles, wherein the different angles are not less than 60 degrees and not greater than 90 degrees.

17. A method for assembling a stabilizer module for keyboard keys, the method comprising: A plastic end component is attached to the end of a metal balance bar, the end including a first end and a second end; The balance bar is inserted into a pair of retaining slots in the base structure; A rod-shaped member with a horizontally extending groove is inserted into the cavity of the base structure; as well as The base structure with the inserted rod is slid laterally to the end of the metal balance bar until the insert arm of the plastic end member of the balance bar is inserted into the curved and almost vertical groove of the base and the horizontal extension groove of the rod.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein, The first end and the second end of the metal balance bar are insertion arms of U-shaped end components located at the ends of the metal balance bar.

19. The method of claim 17, further comprising engaging each insert arm into the slot via a protrusion on the insert arm.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein, The curved and almost vertical groove in the base is curved at different angles, wherein the different angles are not less than 60 degrees and not greater than 90 degrees.

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