Silent satellite shaft and keyboard comprising same

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of keyboards, in particular to a mute satellite shaft and a keyboard comprising the same. The mute satellite shaft comprises two bases, buttons and a balance rod, the buttons are installed in the bases respectively, the two ends of the balance rod are connected with the two buttons respectively, the buttons are made of plastic materials, the plastic materials comprise TPU and POM, and the surfaces of a first bending part and a second bending part of the balance rod are evenly coated with liquid silica gel layers. And the outer surface of the liquid silica gel layer is coated with lubricating grease. The satellite shaft can effectively improve the mute effect and is light in mass.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of keyboards, in particular to a mute satellite shaft and a keyboard containing the same. BACKGROUND

[0002] The satellite shafts used for small space bar and large space bar of mechanical keyboards and magnetic shaft keyboards on the market collide with buttons or bases during the back and forth knocking of keycaps, causing noise such as steel wire sound and plastic impact, which makes players unable to have a good experience.

[0003] In view of the technical problem, the utility model patent with the application number 202122981805.7 and the name of "keyboard switch with mute balance bar structure" is shown in Figure 1 and 2 The keyboard switch includes a first base 21, a first button 22 installed in the first base 21, a second base 23, a second button 24 installed in the second base 23, a balance bar 25 connected with the first button 22 and the second button 24 and used for synchronously linking the first button 22 and the second button 24, and a smooth soft layer arranged on the outer periphery of the balance bar 25. The balance bar 25 is in contact with the first button 22 and the second button 24 through the smooth soft layer. The balance bar 25 is in the shape of a Chinese character "fang", including a first bending part 251, a middle connecting part 252 and a second bending part 253 connected in sequence, and the first bending part 251, the middle connecting part 252 and the second bending part 253 are integrally formed. The smooth soft layer is uniformly covered on the outer periphery of the first bending part 251 and the second bending part 253. The patent technology covers the surface of the balance bar with a soft material, assembles an elastic sleeve or electroplates a smooth soft layer, the balance bar is in contact with the button or the base through the soft material, reduces the impact sound of the balance bar and the button or the base, and effectively improves the mute performance.

[0004] However, the above-mentioned patent does not specifically disclose the material composition of the soft layer, and the inventors find that using different materials as the smooth soft layer of the balance bar has different effects on the mute performance of the keyboard, and the keyboard made of the satellite shaft still has a large noise during use. SUMMARY

[0005] The present application provides a mute satellite shaft and a keyboard containing the same, which can effectively improve the mute performance of the satellite shaft.

[0006] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present application adopts the following technical solutions: The mute satellite shaft comprises two bases, buttons respectively installed in the bases, a balance bar connected with the two buttons at two ends, the buttons are made of plastic material, the plastic material contains TPU and POM, the surfaces of the first bending part and the second bending part of the balance bar are uniformly coated with a liquid silicone layer, and the outer surface of the liquid silicone layer is coated with lubricating grease.

[0007] Further, the mass ratio of the POM and the TPU is (92-98):(2-8).

[0008] Further, the simply supported beam impact strength of the plastic material is 20-24kJ / m 2 .

[0009] Further, the elongation at break of the plastic material is 110%-130%.

[0010] Further, the tensile elastic modulus of the plastic material is 1500-1600Mpa.

[0011] Further, the thickness of the liquid silicone layer is 0.2-0.6mm.

[0012] Further, the lubricating grease comprises benzyl polysiloxane and polytetrafluoroethylene.

[0013] The application also provides a keyboard comprising the mute satellite shaft.

[0014] The application has the following beneficial effects: The application optimizes the glue coating process of the balance bar by selecting the plastic material, so that the overall satellite shaft product is lightweight and mute, effectively solving the pain points of players.

[0015] The application designs the button as a composite plastic material containing TPU and POM, which significantly improves the toughness and energy absorption capacity of the button, effectively alleviating the rigid collision between the button and the balance bar. Meanwhile, the surfaces of the first bending part and the second bending part of the balance bar are uniformly coated with a liquid silicone layer, and the outer surface of the liquid silicone layer is coated with lubricating grease. On the one hand, the high elasticity and damping characteristics of the liquid silicone buffer the impact between the metal balance bar and the plastic button. On the other hand, the lubricating grease reduces the friction coefficient of the contact interface, reduces the "steel wire sound" and high-frequency vibration noise in the sliding process. The above double mute structure synergistically reduces the impact sound and friction noise generated during the repeated knocking of the keycap of the satellite shaft, thereby significantly improving the mute performance of the keyboard and the user experience, and the quality is light. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0016] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the application, the drawings needed in the prior art description will be briefly introduced below.

[0017] Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of the prior art; Figure 2 is an exploded structural schematic diagram of the prior art.

[0018] Reference signs: 21, first base; 22, first button; 23, second base; 24, second button; 25, balance bar; 251, first bending part; 252, middle connecting part; 253, second bending part. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] In order to make the purpose, technical scheme and technical effect of the embodiments of the present application clearer, the technical scheme in the embodiments of the present application is described clearly and completely, and the following described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative labor on the basis of combining the embodiments in the present application belong to the scope of protection of the present application. If the specific conditions are not specified in the embodiments, the conventional conditions or the conditions recommended by the manufacturer are adopted; if the manufacturers of the reagents or instruments are not specified, they are all conventional products that can be purchased in the market.

[0020] In the description of the present application, the term "and / or" describes the association relationship of the associated objects, which means that there can be three kinds of relationships, for example, A and / or B, which can mean that A exists alone, A and B exist together, and B exists alone. Wherein A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally represents an "or" relationship between the associated objects before and after it.

[0021] In the description of the present application, "at least one" means one or more, and "multiple" means two or more. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions means any combination of these items, including any combination of single item or multiple items. For example, "at least one of a, b, or c", or "at least one of a, b, and c", can mean a, b, c, a-b (i.e. a and b), a-c, b-c, or a-b-c, wherein a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0022] It should be understood that the weight of the related components mentioned in the embodiments of the present application can not only refer to the specific content of each component, but also represent the proportional relationship between each component, so as long as the content of the related components in the embodiments of the present application is enlarged or reduced in proportion, it is within the scope disclosed by the present application. Specifically, the weight in the embodiments of the present application can be μg, mg, g, kg and other mass units commonly known in the chemical field.

[0023] Furthermore, unless the context explicitly uses it otherwise, the singular form of a word should be understood as including the plural form of that word. The terms "comprising" or "having" are intended to specify the presence of a feature, quantity, step, operation, element, part, or combination thereof, but are not intended to exclude the presence or possible addition of one or more other features, quantities, steps, operations, elements, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0024] An embodiment of the present invention provides a silent satellite axis, comprising two bases, buttons respectively installed in the bases, and a balance bar with the two buttons connected to its two ends respectively. The buttons are made of plastic material containing TPU and POM. The surfaces of the first bending part and the second bending part of the balance bar are uniformly covered with a liquid silicone layer, and the outer surface of the liquid silicone layer is coated with lubricating grease.

[0025] This invention significantly improves the button's toughness and energy absorption capacity by designing it as a composite plastic material containing TPU and POM, effectively mitigating rigid impacts with the stabilizer bar. Simultaneously, a liquid silicone layer is uniformly coated on the first and second bends of the stabilizer bar, and a lubricating grease is applied to its outer surface. This utilizes the high elasticity and damping properties of the liquid silicone to buffer the impact between the metal stabilizer bar and the plastic button, while the lubricating grease reduces the coefficient of friction at the contact interface, minimizing "steel wire noise" and high-frequency vibration noise during sliding. This dual-silencing structure works synergistically to significantly reduce the impact noise and frictional rattles generated by the stabilizer bars during repeated keycap presses, thereby greatly improving the keyboard's quietness and user experience, while also maintaining a lightweight design.

[0026] In some embodiments, the mass ratio of POM to TPU is (92-98):(2-8).

[0027] By controlling the mass ratio of POM to TPU within the range of (92-98):(2-8), the excellent rigidity, dimensional stability, and wear resistance of polyoxymethylene (POM) are preserved, ensuring that the button does not deform or fail during long-term pressing. At the same time, an appropriate amount of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is introduced as an elastic toughening phase, effectively improving the material's impact absorption capacity and surface flexibility. When TPU < 2%, the toughening effect is weak and cannot effectively suppress brittle impact noise; when TPU > 8%, the material modulus decreases significantly, which may lead to delayed button rebound and inaccurate positioning. Controlling the mass ratio of POM to TPU within the range of (92-98):(2-8) helps to achieve an ideal combination of the button's simply supported beam impact strength, elongation at break, and hardness. Combined with a balance bar coated with liquid silicone, overall noise reduction can be achieved. This ratio range can significantly reduce the sound pressure level of the collision between the buttons and the stabilizer bar without excessively sacrificing structural strength. It avoids problems such as insufficient toughness due to too low TPU content (<2%) or reduced rigidity and loose keys due to too high TPU content (>8%). This achieves the optimal balance between mechanical stability and quiet performance, further improving the quietness and consistency of keyboard operation.

[0028] In some embodiments, the impact strength of the simply supported beam made of plastic material is 20-24 kJ / m. 2 Specifically, the impact strength of simply supported beams is tested using the ISO179 / 1eA standard.

[0029] By controlling the impact strength of the simply supported beam made of plastic material used for the button to 20-24 kJ / m 2 Within a certain range, this allows the material to possess just the right energy absorption capacity when repeatedly impacted by a balance bar. When the impact strength is below 20 kJ / m... 2 At this stage, the material is brittle and easily produces a crisp "click" impact sound, and micro-cracks may appear with long-term use; when the impact strength is higher than 24kJ / m 2 While increased toughness often comes with decreased rigidity, resulting in a soft button feel, inaccurate positioning, and even affecting the synchronous linkage performance of the satellite axis; while 20-24kJ / m 2 The impact strength of the simply supported beam is precisely within an optimal window between high rigidity and moderate toughness. It can effectively buffer the instantaneous impact between the balance bar and the button, significantly reduce high-frequency impact noise, and improve the quietness performance, while maintaining sufficient structural strength to ensure that the button rebounds quickly and the travel is stable.

[0030] In some embodiments, the elongation at break of the plastic material is 110%-130%.

[0031] By limiting the elongation at break of the plastic material to the range of 110%-130%, the button material possesses excellent ductility and deformation recovery capability when impacted by a stabilizer bar. This elongation at break indicates that the material has significant plastic deformation capability, effectively absorbing and dissipating kinetic energy through local elastic / plastic deformation at the moment of impact, avoiding the high-frequency "clicking" sound caused by rigid rebound. At the same time, this range avoids the tendency of brittle fracture caused by excessively low elongation at break (<100%), and also prevents structural creep or sluggish rebound caused by excessively high elongation at break (>130%). Therefore, while ensuring the long-term stability of the button, the quietness and consistency of the operating feel of the satellite axis system are significantly improved.

[0032] In some embodiments, the tensile modulus of elasticity of the plastic material is 1500-1600 MPa.

[0033] By controlling the tensile modulus of the plastic material within the range of 1500-1600 MPa, a precise balance between material rigidity and flexibility is achieved. A modulus that is too low (<1500 MPa) will cause excessive deformation of the button during repeated pressing, affecting the synchronization accuracy of the satellite axis and the rebound response; a modulus that is too high (>1600 MPa) will make the material too hard, making it difficult to cushion impacts and easily generating crisp impact noise. The modulus range of 1500-1600 MPa perfectly matches the dual requirements of mechanical keyboards for high dimensional stability and moderate cushioning of key components. This ensures that the button maintains geometric accuracy after millions of keystrokes, and, in conjunction with TPU toughening, provides micro-elastic cushioning at the moment of contact, effectively suppressing vibration transmission and sound wave radiation, thereby further reducing overall operating noise.

[0034] In some embodiments, preferably, the plastic material is a toughened polyoxymethylene resin containing TPU, produced by Kaifeng Longyu Chemical Co., Ltd., with the trade name "Longyu Steel" and model number TE-20.

[0035] In some embodiments, the thickness of the liquid silicone layer is 0.2-0.6 mm.

[0036] By limiting the thickness of the liquid silicone layer to 0.2-0.6 mm, a flexible interface with cushioning, sealing, and durability is constructed between the stabilizer bar and the button. When the thickness is less than 0.2 mm, the silicone layer is too thin and cannot effectively isolate the direct contact between the metal stabilizer bar and the plastic button, resulting in limited noise reduction. When the thickness exceeds 0.6 mm, although the cushioning is enhanced, it may lead to assembly interference, stabilizer bar movement stagnation, or easy tearing of the silicone layer. The thickness of 0.2-0.6 mm can maximize the absorption of impact energy and damping of high-frequency vibrations without sacrificing the smoothness of the satellite axis movement. Combined with the outer layer of lubricating grease, it forms a dual noise reduction mechanism of soft contact and low friction, significantly reducing wire noise and impact noise.

[0037] In some embodiments, preferably, the liquid silicone material of the liquid silicone layer is selected from Nanju NJ-LSR2050 AB liquid silicone rubber, and the mass ratio of its components A and B is 1:1.

[0038] In some embodiments, the lubricating grease includes benzyl polysiloxane and polytetrafluoroethylene.

[0039] The lubricating grease contains benzyl polysiloxane and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which work synergistically to provide long-lasting lubrication and ultra-low friction. Benzyl polysiloxane exhibits excellent high and low temperature stability, adhesion, and lubrication durability, forming a stable oil film on the silicone surface. PTFE micropowder, as a solid lubricant, further reduces the coefficient of friction at the contact interface, effectively suppressing the "squeaking" or high-frequency squealing sound caused by dry friction or boundary lubrication during the reciprocating sliding of the stabilizer bar. This composite lubrication system not only significantly reduces motion resistance and improves key smoothness, but also fundamentally eliminates the "steel wire noise" caused by metal-plastic friction in traditional stabilizers, allowing the keyboard to maintain quiet performance even after long-term use, greatly improving the user experience.

[0040] This grease can be used in temperatures ranging from -40℃ to 260℃, and its viscosity changes very little with temperature variations. Polytetrafluoroethylene is also an excellent solid lubricant, and it can compensate for boundary lubrication in special situations when incorporated into the grease.

[0041] In some embodiments, preferably, the lubricating grease is manufactured by Shenzhen Jiurun Lubrication Technology Co., Ltd., and its model number is JR-V30.

[0042] The present invention also provides a keyboard that includes the aforementioned silent satellite axis.

[0043] To enable those skilled in the art to clearly understand the above-described implementation details and operations of the present invention, and to demonstrate the significant advancements in the performance of the embodiments of the present invention, the following examples illustrate the above technical solutions.

[0044] Example 1 A silent satellite stabilizer includes two bases, buttons mounted in the bases, and a stabilizer bar with the two buttons connected to its ends. The buttons are made of plastic containing TPU and POM. The surfaces of the first and second bends of the stabilizer bar are uniformly coated with a liquid silicone layer, and the outer surface of the liquid silicone layer is coated with lubricating grease. The stabilizer bar is made of 1.2mm non-magnetic stainless steel wire, and its two bends are coated with the liquid silicone layer using a coating process.

[0045] The mass ratio of POM to TPU is 95:5. Specifically, the plastic material is toughened polyoxymethylene resin containing TPU, produced by Kaifeng Longyu Chemical Co., Ltd., under the trade name "Longyu Steel," model TE-20. The impact strength of the simply supported beam of the plastic material is 22 kJ / m. 2 The elongation at break is 120%, and the tensile modulus of elasticity is 1536 MPa.

[0046] The thickness of the liquid silicone layer is 0.2 mm, and the liquid silicone material of the liquid silicone layer is selected from Nanju NJ-LSR2050 AB liquid silicone rubber, and the mass ratio of its A and B components is 1:1.

[0047] The lubricating grease comprises benzyl polysiloxane and polytetrafluoroethylene, and is manufactured by Shenzhen Jiurun Lubrication Technology Co., Ltd., with the model number JR-V30.

[0048] The weight of the satellite axis-2U product (small space key) in this embodiment is 0.15g. When the satellite axis of this embodiment is applied to the keyboard, the sound produced when the corresponding key is pressed is 53dB.

[0049] Example 2 A silent satellite axis-2U product includes two bases, buttons respectively installed in the bases, and a balance bar with the two buttons connected to its two ends. The buttons are made of plastic material containing TPU and POM. The surfaces of the first and second bending parts of the balance bar are uniformly covered with a liquid silicone layer, and the outer surface of the liquid silicone layer is coated with lubricating grease.

[0050] The mass ratio of POM to TPU is 92:8.

[0051] The thickness of the liquid silicone layer is 0.4 mm, and the liquid silicone material of the liquid silicone layer is selected from Nanju NJ-LSR2050 AB liquid silicone rubber, with the mass ratio of its A and B components being 1:1.

[0052] The lubricating grease comprises benzyl polysiloxane and polytetrafluoroethylene, and is manufactured by Shenzhen Jiurun Lubrication Technology Co., Ltd., with the model number JR-V30.

[0053] The weight of the satellite axis-2U product (small space key) in this embodiment is 0.149g; when the satellite axis of this embodiment is applied to the keyboard, the sound produced when the corresponding key is pressed is 55dB.

[0054] Example 3 A silent satellite axis-2U product includes two bases, buttons respectively installed in the bases, and a balance bar with the two buttons connected to its two ends. The buttons are made of plastic material containing TPU and POM. The surfaces of the first and second bending parts of the balance bar are uniformly covered with a liquid silicone layer, and the outer surface of the liquid silicone layer is coated with lubricating grease.

[0055] The mass ratio of POM to TPU is 98:2.

[0056] The thickness of the liquid silicone layer is 0.4 mm, and the liquid silicone material of the liquid silicone layer is selected from Nanju NJ-LSR2050 AB liquid silicone rubber, with the mass ratio of its A and B components being 1:1.

[0057] The lubricating grease comprises benzyl polysiloxane and polytetrafluoroethylene, and is manufactured by Shenzhen Jiurun Lubrication Technology Co., Ltd., with the model number JR-V30.

[0058] The weight of the satellite axis-2U product (space bar) in this embodiment is 0.153g; when the satellite axis of this embodiment is applied to the keyboard, the sound produced when the corresponding key is pressed is 56dB.

[0059] Example 4 The difference between Example 4 and Example 1 is that the satellite axis in Example 4 is a satellite axis-6.25U product (large space bar), while the rest is the same as in Example 1. The mass of the satellite axis-6.25U product in Example 4 is 0.21g.

[0060] Comparative Example 1 The difference between Comparative Example 1 and Example 1 is that the button in Comparative Example 1 is made of POM material, and the weight of the satellite axis is 0.19g.

[0061] Comparative Example 2 The difference between Comparative Example 2 and Example 1 is that the button in Comparative Example 2 is made of POM material, the surface of the stabilizer bar is not covered with liquid silicone layer and lubricating grease, and the resulting satellite axis is applied to the keyboard. When the corresponding key is pressed, the sound produced is 70dB.

[0062] Comparative Example 3 The difference between Comparative Example 3 and Example 1 is that the button in Comparative Example 2 is made of POM material, the surface of the stabilizer bar is covered with a liquid silicone layer, the surface of the liquid silicone layer is not coated with lubricating grease, the liquid silicone material is the same as that in Example 1, the prepared satellite axis is applied to the keyboard, and the sound produced when the corresponding key of the keyboard is pressed is 66dB.

[0063] Comparative Example 4 The difference between Comparative Example 4 and Example 1 is that the surface of the stabilizer bar in Comparative Example 4 is covered with a liquid silicone layer but not coated with lubricating grease. Otherwise, it is the same as Example 1. The resulting satellite axis is applied to a keyboard, and when the corresponding key is pressed, the sound produced is 61 dB.

[0064] As can be seen from the above embodiments and comparative examples, the present invention optimizes the selection of plastic materials and the coating process of the balance bar, so that the satellite axis product achieves a lightweight and quiet effect, effectively solving the pain points of players.

[0065] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of the present invention, and while the descriptions are specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these modifications and improvements all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of this patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A silent satellite tilter, comprising two bases, buttons respectively mounted in the bases, and a balance bar with the two buttons connected to its two ends respectively, characterized in that, The button is made of plastic, which contains TPU and POM. The surfaces of the first and second bending parts of the stabilizer bar are uniformly covered with a liquid silicone layer, and the outer surface of the liquid silicone layer is coated with lubricating grease.

2. The silent satellite axis according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mass ratio of POM to TPU is (92-98):(2-8).

3. The silent satellite axis according to claim 2, characterized in that, The impact strength of the simply supported beam made of plastic material is 20-24 kJ / m. 2 .

4. The silent satellite axis according to claim 2, characterized in that, The elongation at break of the plastic material is 110%-130%.

5. The silent satellite axis according to claim 2, characterized in that, The tensile modulus of elasticity of the plastic material is 1500-1600 MPa.

6. The silent satellite axis according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thickness of the liquid silicone layer is 0.2-0.6 mm.

7. The silent satellite axis according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lubricating grease includes benzyl polysiloxane and polytetrafluoroethylene.

8. A keyboard, characterized in that, Includes the silent satellite axis as described in any one of claims 1-7.

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