Keyboard accessory
By designing detachable keyboard accessories, the problem of inconvenient keyboard carrying and loss is solved by using a storage base and magnetic snap-fit structure, achieving portability and flexibility in key replacement, while providing a visually rich user experience.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ACER INC
- Filing Date
- 2024-10-21
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-21
AI Technical Summary
The existing keyboard keys are inconvenient to carry and easy to lose after being removed, which cannot meet the user's needs for portable carrying and key replacement.
Design a keyboard accessory that includes a storage base, a first key, a base, and multiple second keys. The keys are stored on the storage base through a detachable snap-fit structure, and the installation reliability is improved by using a magnetic material. The light-emitting module enhances the visual experience.
It achieves portability and security of buttons, reduces the risk of loss, increases the selectivity of button replacement, and accommodates more buttons in a limited space, providing entertainment functions and rich visual effects.
Smart Images

Figure CN121900634A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to an accessory, and more particularly to a keyboard accessory. Background Technology
[0002] Keyboards, as common physical input devices in personal desktop or laptop computers, are generally composed of multiple keys arranged in a row. To meet the operational or personalized needs of users, keyboard designs that allow for easy key replacement have been proposed. However, keys removed from the keyboard are not only inconvenient for users to carry around, but are also easy to lose. Summary of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates to a keyboard accessory that helps improve portability and security.
[0004] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a keyboard accessory includes a storage base, a first key, a base, and a plurality of second keys. The storage base has a first mounting portion, a second mounting portion relative to the first mounting portion, and a plurality of third mounting portions located between the first and second mounting portions. The first key is detachably snapped into the first mounting portion. The base is detachably sleeved onto the second mounting portion. The plurality of second keys are detachably snapped into the plurality of third mounting portions.
[0005] Based on the above, in the keyboard accessory of the present invention, multiple replaceable keys are detachably snapped onto the storage base. This design not only makes it convenient for users to carry with them, but also effectively reduces the risk of losing keys, allowing users to replace keys on the keyboard in real time according to their personal needs or preferences. In addition, the storage base can accommodate more keys within a limited volume, thus effectively reducing the storage size and increasing the selectivity of key replacement. Attached Figure Description
[0006] Figure 1A This is a schematic diagram of a keyboard accessory according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0007] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A A cross-sectional view of the keyboard components along line segment 1B-1B;
[0008] Figure 1C yes Figure 1A A cross-sectional view of the keyboard components along line segment 1C-1C;
[0009] Figure 1D yes Figure 1C An enlarged schematic diagram of region 1D in the image;
[0010] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a keyboard accessory according to another embodiment of the present invention;
[0011] Figure 3 yes Figure 1CKeyboard accessories and Figure 2 A diagram illustrating the combination of keyboard accessories. Detailed Implementation
[0012] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same element references are used in the drawings and description to denote the same or similar parts.
[0013] Figure 1A This is a schematic diagram of a keyboard accessory according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1B yes Figure 1A A cross-sectional view of the keyboard components along line segment 1B-1B. Figure 1C yes Figure 1A A cross-sectional view of the keyboard components along line segment 1C-1C. Please refer to... Figure 1A In this embodiment, the keyboard accessory 100 includes a storage base 110, a first key 120, a base 130, and a plurality of second keys 140. The first key 120 and the plurality of second keys 140 are detachably snapped into the storage base 110, and the first key 120 and the plurality of second keys 140 can be multiple replaceable keys or multiple keys removed from the keyboard.
[0014] By storing the first key 120 and multiple second keys 140 on the storage base 110, it is not only convenient for users to carry with them, but also effectively reduces the risk of losing keys, and allows users to replace keys on the keyboard in real time according to their personal needs or preferences. In addition, the storage base 110 can accommodate more keys within a limited volume, thus not only effectively reducing the storage volume, but also increasing the selectivity of key replacement.
[0015] like Figures 1A to 1C As shown, the storage base 110 is a hollow cube or other hollow three-dimensional structure, and has a first mounting portion 111, a second mounting portion 112 opposite to the first mounting portion 111, and a plurality of third mounting portions 113 located between the first mounting portion 111 and the second mounting portion 112. Specifically, a first button 120 is detachably snapped onto the first mounting portion 111, and a plurality of second buttons 140 are detachably snapped onto the plurality of third mounting portions 113. Additionally, a base 130 is detachably fitted onto the second mounting portion 112.
[0016] In this embodiment, the first mounting portion 111 has a groove 111a, and a lifting structure 150 is provided within the groove 111a. The first button 120 is detachably snapped into the lifting structure 150, so the first button 120 can be pressed by the user as a form of entertainment or stress relief. The lifting structure 150 includes a lifting bracket 151 snapped into the bottom 111b of the groove 111a and a lifting platform 152 snapped into the lifting bracket 151, wherein the lifting bracket 151 is located between the bottom 111b and the lifting platform 152, and the first button 120 is detachably snapped into the lifting platform 152. For example, the lifting bracket 151 can be a scissor-leg bracket or a butterfly bracket.
[0017] Figure 1D yes Figure 1C An enlarged schematic diagram of region 1D in the image. (See attached image.) Figures 1B to 1D As shown, the first key 120 includes a keycap 121 that engages with the lifting platform 152 of the lifting structure 150 and a trigger element 122 connected to the keycap 121. The keycap 121 has a latching protrusion 121a to engage with the edge of the lifting platform 152. On the other hand, the trigger element 122 passes through the lifting structure 150 and directly or indirectly contacts the bottom 111b of the recess 111a. For example, the trigger element 122 may include a telescopic element connected to the keycap 121 and an elastic dome trigger structure connected to the telescopic element, and the elastic dome trigger structure may be made of rubber or silicone.
[0018] like Figure 1B As shown, the first button 120 has a button magnet 123 on the keycap 121, and the lifting platform 152 has a platform magnet 152a. The button magnet 123 is magnetically attracted to the platform magnet 152a to improve the reliability of the first button 120 being installed and positioned on the first mounting part 111. In addition, the user can quickly and accurately install and position the keycap 121 on the lifting platform 152 based on the magnetic attraction between the button magnet 123 and the platform magnet 152a. For example, the button magnet 123 and the platform magnet 152a can be a combination of two magnets or a combination of one magnet and a magnetic conductor.
[0019] like Figure 1B and Figure 1C As shown, the storage base 110 also has an internal space 1101 surrounded by a first mounting portion 111, a second mounting portion 112, and a plurality of third mounting portions 113. The second mounting portion 112 has an opening 112a communicating with the internal space 1101 and a latching protrusion 112b located within the opening 112a. When the base 130 is fitted onto the second mounting portion 112, the base 130 covers or closes the opening 112a. For example, the bottom surface of the base 130 may be a flat surface to facilitate the stable placement of the keyboard accessory 100 on the work surface and prevent tipping.
[0020] In this embodiment, the keyboard accessory 100 also includes a light-emitting module 160 disposed on the base 130, and the light-emitting module 160 is located in the internal space 1101. The light-emitting module 160 may include a circuit board, a power supply, a vibration sensor, and a light source. When the vibration sensor senses that the keyboard accessory 100 vibrates, the light source can emit light according to the signal generated by the vibration sensor. If the keyboard accessory 100 continues to vibrate, the light source emits flashing light to enrich the user's visual experience.
[0021] like Figures 1B to 1D As shown, each third mounting portion 113 has a groove 113a, and the bottom 113b of the groove 113a is provided with a positioning structure 114. Each second button 140 includes a keycap 141, wherein each keycap 141 covers the corresponding positioning structure 114 and is engaged with the edge of the corresponding positioning structure 114. Specifically, each keycap 141 has a latching protrusion 141a, and correspondingly, the edge of each positioning structure 114 is provided with a latching protrusion 114a. The latching protrusion 141a of each keycap 141 engages with the latching protrusion 114a of the corresponding positioning structure 114, so that each keycap 141 is fixedly mounted on the corresponding third mounting portion 113.
[0022] like Figure 1B and Figure 1C As shown, the bottom 113b of each groove 113a has a through hole 113c, and each positioning structure 114 surrounds the corresponding through hole 113c. On the other hand, each second button 140 also includes a trigger element 142 connected to the keycap 141, and each trigger element 142 passes through the corresponding through hole 113c. Each through hole 113c communicates with the internal space 1101, and a portion of each trigger element 142 is located within the internal space 1101. For example, the trigger element 142 may be an elastic dome trigger structure, such as one made of rubber or silicone.
[0023] Each second button 140 has a key magnet 143 on its keycap 141, and a positioning magnet 113d is provided at the bottom 113b of each groove 113a. Each key magnet 143 is magnetically attracted to its corresponding positioning magnet 113d, thereby improving the reliability of the second button 140 being installed and positioned in its corresponding third mounting portion 113. Furthermore, the user can quickly and accurately install and position each keycap 141 in its corresponding third mounting portion 113 based on the magnetic attraction between each key magnet 143 and its corresponding positioning magnet 113d. For example, each key magnet 143 and its corresponding positioning magnet 113d can be a combination of two magnets or a combination of one magnet and a magnetic conductor.
[0024] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of a keyboard accessory according to another embodiment of the present invention. Please refer to... Figure 2The keyboard accessory 100A in this embodiment is designed in a similar manner to the keyboard accessory 100 in the previous embodiment. The main difference between the two lies in the configuration of the light-emitting module 160 and the actuation method of the light emission.
[0025] In this embodiment, the light-emitting module 160 is disposed in the internal space 1101 and fixed to the inner wall surface of the internal space 1101 opposite to the bottom 111b of the groove 111a. Specifically, the bottom 111b of the groove 111a is provided with a trigger switch 170, and the light-emitting module 160 is electrically coupled to the trigger switch 170. On the other hand, the trigger element 122 of the first button 120 passes through the lifting structure 150 and is positioned opposite the trigger switch 170. When the user presses the first button 120, the trigger element 122 contacts the trigger switch 170, causing the trigger switch 170 to generate a trigger signal. The light-emitting module 160 can emit light according to the trigger signal generated by the trigger switch 170. If the user repeatedly presses the first button 120, the light-emitting module 160 emits flashing light.
[0026] Figure 3 yes Figure 1C Keyboard accessories and Figure 2 A diagram illustrating the combination of keyboard accessories. Please refer to it. Figure 1C , Figure 2 and Figure 3 The user can remove the base 130 of the keyboard accessory 100A, exposing the opening 112a and the latching protrusion 112b located within the opening 112a. Then, the user can attach the opening 112a of the storage base 110 of the keyboard accessory 100A to the keycap 121 of the first key 120 of the keyboard accessory 100, or insert the keycap 121 of the first key 120 of the keyboard accessory 100 into the opening 112a of the storage base 110 of the keyboard accessory 100A, so that the latching protrusion 112b engages with the keycap 121 of the first key 120 of the keyboard accessory 100, thereby stacking and fixing the keyboard accessory 100A onto the keyboard accessory 100, facilitating the user to carry multiple keyboard accessories simultaneously. For example, when the keyboard accessory 100A is stacked and fixed onto the keyboard accessory 100, the second mounting portion 112 of the storage base 110 of the keyboard accessory 100A can contact the first mounting portion 111 of the storage base 110 of the keyboard accessory 100.
[0027] In other examples, the user can remove the base 130 of the keyboard accessory 100, exposing the opening 112a and the latching protrusion 112b located within the opening 112a. Then, the user can attach the opening 112a of the storage base 110 of the keyboard accessory 100 to the keycap 121 of the first key 120 of the keyboard accessory 100A, or insert the keycap 121 of the first key 120 of the keyboard accessory 100A into the opening 112a of the storage base 110 of the keyboard accessory 100, so that the latching protrusion 112b engages with the keycap 121 of the first key 120 of the keyboard accessory 100A, thereby stacking and fixing the keyboard accessory 100 onto the keyboard accessory 100A.
[0028] In other examples, at least two keyboard accessories 100 or at least two keyboard accessories 100A may be stacked and fixed in the same or similar manner.
[0029] In summary, in the keyboard accessory of the present invention, multiple replaceable keys are detachably snapped onto a storage base. This design not only facilitates user portability but also effectively reduces the risk of key loss, allowing users to easily replace keys on the keyboard according to their personal needs or preferences. Furthermore, the storage base can accommodate more keys within a limited volume, thus effectively reducing storage size and increasing the selectivity of key replacement. In some examples, at least one of the multiple keys snapped onto the storage base can be pressed by the user as a form of entertainment or stress relief. In some examples, the keyboard accessory can emit flashing lights to enrich the user's visual experience.
[0030] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.
Claims
1. A keyboard accessory, characterized in that, include: The storage base has a first mounting portion, a second mounting portion relative to the first mounting portion, and a plurality of third mounting portions located between the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion; The first button is detachably snapped onto the first mounting part; The base is detachably fitted onto the second mounting part; as well as Multiple second buttons are detachably snapped into the multiple third mounting parts.
2. The keyboard accessory according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first mounting part has a groove, and a lifting structure is provided in the groove. The first button is detachably snapped into the lifting structure.
3. The keyboard accessory according to claim 2, characterized in that, The lifting structure includes a lifting bracket that is snapped into the bottom of the groove and a lifting platform that is snapped into the lifting bracket, with the lifting bracket located between the bottom and the lifting platform, and the first button being detachably snapped into the lifting platform.
4. The keyboard accessory according to claim 3, wherein the first key is provided with a key magnet, and the lifting platform is provided with a platform magnet, and the key magnet is magnetically attracted to the platform magnet.
5. The keyboard accessory according to claim 2, characterized in that, Also includes: A light-emitting module is disposed in the storage base, wherein a trigger switch is provided at the bottom of the groove, and the light-emitting module is electrically coupled to the trigger switch. The first button includes a keycap snapped into the lifting structure and a trigger component connected to the keycap, wherein the trigger component passes through the lifting structure and is located opposite the trigger switch.
6. The keyboard accessory according to claim 1, characterized in that, The storage base also has an internal space, and the second mounting part has an opening communicating with the internal space. The keyboard accessory also includes a light-emitting module disposed on the base, wherein the base covers the opening and the light-emitting module is located in the internal space.
7. The keyboard accessory according to claim 1, characterized in that, The storage base also has an internal space, and the second mounting part has an opening communicating with the internal space and a latching protrusion located in the opening. The base covers the opening, and when the base is removed from the second mounting part, the latching protrusion is exposed.
8. The keyboard accessory according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the third mounting portions has a groove, and the bottom of the groove is provided with a positioning structure. Each of the second buttons includes a keycap, wherein each keycap covers the corresponding positioning structure and is snapped into the edge of the corresponding positioning structure.
9. The keyboard accessory according to claim 8, characterized in that, Each of the grooves has a perforation at its bottom, and each of the positioning structures surrounds the corresponding perforation. Each of the second buttons also includes a trigger component connected to the keycap, and each of the trigger components passes through the corresponding perforation.
10. The keyboard accessory according to claim 8, characterized in that, Each keycap is provided with a key magnet, and the bottom of each groove is provided with a positioning magnet, and each key magnet is magnetically attracted to the corresponding positioning magnet.