Keyboard device

Abstract

Provided is a keyboard device that makes the knock feeling of key switches more uniform. A keyboard device is provided that includes: a top plate having a plurality of key switches mounted on an upper surface; a bottom cover disposed on a lower surface side of the top plate and constituting a housing on the lower side; and a gasket having an upper surface and a lower surface held by a holding portion disposed inward of a bottom surface of the bottom cover, a boss structure extending in a thickness direction of the housing being disposed on the lower surface of the top plate, and an abutting portion abutting against the upper surface of the gasket being disposed on an outer side of the boss structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to keyboard devices. Background Technology

[0002] Keyboard devices are becoming increasingly common as input devices for computers. Users can input information into the computer by pressing the various keys arranged in an array on the keyboard.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a keyboard device using a double-layer buffer structure. Specifically, Patent Document 1 discloses that the PCB board receiving the pressing shaft is elastic by means of two elastic arms mounted vertically on the outer wall of the keyboard device. Accordingly, the keyboard device disclosed in Patent Document 1 can suppress user fatigue after prolonged use by reducing the feedback force when pressing the key switches.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Chinese Utility Model No. 219370861 Specification

[0005] However, in the keyboard device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the elastic arm is mounted on the outer wall of the keyboard device, which results in a change in the key feel near the outer wall and near the center of the keyboard device.

[0006] Therefore, in order to further improve the user experience of keyboard devices, efforts are being made to make the keystroke feel more uniform. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Therefore, the present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and the object of the present invention is to provide a novel and improved keyboard device that can make the key switch tactile feel more uniform.

[0008] To address the aforementioned issues, according to a certain aspect of the present invention, a keyboard device is provided, comprising: a top plate on which a plurality of key switches are mounted on its upper surface; a bottom cover disposed on the lower surface side of the top plate and forming a housing on the lower side; and a gasket having an upper surface and a lower surface held together by a retaining portion disposed on the inner side of the bottom surface of the bottom cover, a boss structure extending along the thickness direction of the housing being provided on the lower surface of the top plate, and an abutting portion abutting against the upper surface of the gasket being provided on the outer side of the boss structure.

[0009] As explained above, according to the present invention, the tactile feedback of key switches can be made more uniform. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a longitudinal sectional view showing the cross-sectional structure of a keyboard device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 2 This is a top view showing the planar structure of the keyboard device according to this embodiment.

[0012] Figure 3 It is a three-dimensional diagram showing the shape of the contact part.

[0013] Figure 4 It is a three-dimensional diagram showing the situation where the cover and the contact part hold the gasket.

[0014] Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing the structure of the retaining part that holds the gasket in place.

[0015] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0016] 1...Keyboard assembly; 110...Top plate; 111...Boss structure; 112...Abutting part; 120...Bottom cover; 121...Retaining part; 121A...Upper surface retaining part; 121B...Lower surface retaining part; 130...Washer; 140...Key switch; 150...Cover; 160...Fixing part; 160A...Screw head; H...Opening. Detailed Implementation

[0017] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in this specification and the accompanying drawings, structural elements having substantially the same functional structure are labeled with the same reference numerals, thereby omitting redundant descriptions.

[0018] Reference Figures 1-5 The structure of a keyboard device according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 1 This is a longitudinal sectional view showing the cross-sectional structure of the keyboard device 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 2 This is a top view showing the planar structure of the keyboard device 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing the shape of the contact part 112. Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing the situation where the cover 150 and the abutment portion 112 hold the washer 130. Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing the structure of the retaining part 121 of the retaining washer 130. Figures 3-5 The shapes of the fixing part 160, cover 150, gasket 130 and abutment part 112 as seen from the bottom cover 120 side are shown respectively.

[0019] like Figure 1 As shown, the keyboard device 1 includes a key switch 140, a top plate 110, a bottom cover 120, a washer 130, a cover 150, and a fixing part 160.

[0020] The key switch 140 includes a keycap that is directly contacted by the user's fingers. When the user presses the keycap, the key switch 140 independently changes from an off state to an on state. For example, the key switch 140 may change from an off state to an on state by detecting the keycap being pressed using a magnetic sensor. Alternatively, the key switch 140 may include a spring that pushes the pressed keycap back using a rebound force, and the key switch may change from an on state to an off state independently by detecting the release of the keycap's press using a magnetic sensor. Accordingly, the keyboard device 1 can receive the information corresponding to the key switch 140 changing to the on state as input from the user.

[0021] like Figure 2 As shown, the key switch 140 can also have a rectangular planar shape and be connected to... Figure 2 Arranged in a two-dimensional array facing the ground along the vertical and horizontal axes. Specifically, it could also be that key switch 140 and... Figure 2 They are arranged in an array facing each other, running in a straight line from left to right, and in conjunction with... Figure 2 The switches 140 are arranged in an array, facing each other and staggered in the vertical direction. Alternatively, the switches 140 can be arranged in a straight line along the left-right direction, forming a two-dimensional array with staggered vertical directions. Or, the switches 140 can be arranged in a straight line along the left-right direction, staggered vertically with a width less than the size of one switch 140.

[0022] However, the key switch 140 can also be a matrix-like two-dimensional array arranged in a straight line along the left and right directions and the up and down directions, or it can be a two-dimensional array arranged in a curved shape based on ergonomics.

[0023] The top plate 110 is a plate-like member that extends across the entire surface of the keyboard device 1, and its upper surface is... Figure 2 The two-dimensional array shown is equipped with multiple key switches 140. The top plate 110 functions as a support plate that receives the pressing pressure from the key switches 140 when pressed by a user. The top plate 110 may be made of metal such as aluminum or steel, or of organic resin such as polycarbonate.

[0024] On the lower surface of the top plate 110, opposite to the upper surface, a boss structure 111 extending along the normal direction of the lower surface of the top plate 110 (i.e., the thickness direction of the housing of the keyboard device 1) is provided. The boss structure 111 is a cylindrical protrusion that protrudes from the lower surface of the top plate 110. The boss structure 111 functions as a support structure that supports the top plate 110 along the thickness direction of the housing of the keyboard device 1, and also functions as a fixing structure and alignment structure between the top plate 110 and the bottom cover 120.

[0025] A fixing part 160 is inserted into and fixed to the inner side of the cylindrical shape of the boss structure 111. Thus, the cover 150 is fixed to the boss structure 111 by the fixing part 160, and therefore, the cover 150 is assembled onto the top plate 110. The cover 150 can be assembled to the top plate 110 by holding a washer 130 and a bottom cover 120 between itself and the top plate 110. The fixing part 160 can also be fixed to the boss structure 111 by threaded engagement with a threaded groove provided on the inner side of the cylindrical shape of the boss structure 111, by engaging with a claw hole or pin hole provided on the inner side of the cylindrical shape of the boss structure 111, or by sliding engagement with the inner side of the cylindrical shape of the boss structure 111.

[0026] The boss structure 111 is not limited to being located at the periphery of the top plate 110, and can be located at any position on the top plate 110, including the central portion. For example, as Figure 2 As shown, the boss structure 111 can also be positioned on the upper surface of the top plate 110 at a position corresponding to the key switches 140 arranged in a two-dimensional array. For example, if the key switches 140 are arranged in a straight line along the left and right directions and staggered in the vertical direction, the boss structure 111 can be positioned at a position corresponding to the two key switches 140 arranged in the left and right directions, or it can be positioned at a position corresponding to the three key switches 140 arranged in a staggered vertical direction.

[0027] Furthermore, in the case where the key switches 140 are arranged in an array along a straight line in the left-right direction and the up-down direction respectively, the boss structure 111 can also be set at a position corresponding to the two key switches 140 arranged in the left-right direction, or at a position corresponding to the four key switches 140 arranged in the up-down and left-right directions.

[0028] An abutment portion 112 protruding from the lower surface of the top plate 110 is provided on the outer side of the boss structure 111. For example... Figure 3As shown, the abutment portion 112 can also be a rib structure extending radially from the boss structure 111. The abutment portion 112 can transmit the pressing pressure from the key switch 140 to the washer 130 by abutting against the washer 130 provided below the top plate 110.

[0029] The abutment portion 112 may also be a rib structure extending between the key switches 140. For example, when the boss structure 111 is provided at a position corresponding to two key switches 140, the abutment portion 112 may be a rib structure extending in a straight line in two directions across the boss structure 111. Furthermore, when the boss structure 111 is provided at a position corresponding to three key switches 140, the abutment portion 112 may be a rib structure extending in a straight line across the boss structure 111 in two directions and one direction perpendicular to those two directions, for a total of three directions. Also, when the boss structure 111 is provided at a position corresponding to four key switches 140, the abutment portion 112 may be a rib structure extending in a straight line across the boss structure 111 in two directions and two directions perpendicular to those two directions, for a total of four directions. With the abutment portion 112 having a rib structure extending in more directions, the top plate 110 can abut against the washer 130 in more directions and over a greater range. Therefore, the top plate 110 can more efficiently transmit the pressing pressure from the key switch 140 to the washer 130.

[0030] However, the abutment portion 112 may also be a structure other than a rib structure. For example, the abutment portion 112 may also be a cylindrical protrusion structure provided on the outside of the boss structure 111 with the boss structure 111 as the center.

[0031] The washer 130 is a flexible member with a ring-shaped structure made of rubber, polyurethane, or an elastomer. A boss structure 111 extends through the inner side of the ring-shaped structure of the washer 130, thus positioning the washer 130 on the outer side of the boss structure 111. The washer 130 is held between the abutment portion 112 and the cover 150 by having its upper surface abut against the abutment portion 112 of the top plate 110 and its lower surface abut against the cover 150 as described later. Accordingly, through soft deformation, the washer 130 can cushion the pressing pressure from the key switch 140 between the abutment portion 112 of the top plate 110 and the cover 150. Therefore, the washer 130 can improve the hardness, sound, rebound, and bottoming-out feel when the user presses the key switch 140.

[0032] The cover 150 is configured to cover the end of the boss structure 111 and abut against the lower surface of the washer 130. The cover 150 may also abut against the lower surface of the washer 130 by means of a cylindrical protrusion or by means of a rib structure extending in a cross shape. The cover 150 is fixed to the boss structure 111 by a fixing part 160 that is inserted and fixed inside the cylindrical shape of the boss structure 111, thereby clamping the washer 130 between it and the abutment part 112 of the top plate 110.

[0033] The fixing part 160 is a component that can be inserted into the cylindrical shape of the boss structure 111 and fixes the inserted state. For example, the fixing part 160 may also be a screw with a screw head that is larger than the bottom surface of the cylindrical shape of the boss structure 111 and is threaded into a threaded groove provided on the inner side of the cylindrical shape of the boss structure 111. In addition, the fixing part 160 may also be an anti-disengagement pin that engages with a claw hole or pin hole provided on the inner side of the cylindrical shape of the boss structure 111, or an anti-disengagement pin that is fixed by friction with the inner side of the cylindrical shape of the boss structure 111.

[0034] Specifically, such as Figure 4 As shown, the fixing part 160 can also be a self-tapping screw that passes through the cover 150 and screws into the cylindrical interior of the boss structure 111. Thus, the fixing part 160 can fasten the cover 150 to the end of the boss structure 111 via the screw head 160A. The cover 150, fastened to the boss structure 111, is pressed by the screw head 160A of the fixing part 160, thereby clamping the washer 130 between the cover 150 and the abutment portion 112 of the top plate 110.

[0035] The bottom cover 120 is a box-shaped component with an open surface. The bottom cover 120 is disposed on the lower surface side of the top plate 110 and constitutes the housing of the lower part of the keyboard device 1. Thus, the top plate 110 is disposed on the bottom cover 120 such that it covers the surface of the bottom cover 120 with the opening.

[0036] An opening H and a retaining portion 121 are provided on the bottom surface of the bottom cover 120. The opening H is provided at a position corresponding to the boss structure 111 of the top plate 110, forming a space for arranging the washer 130, the cover 150 and the fixing portion 160. The retaining portion 121 is provided on the inner side of the bottom surface of the bottom cover 120 to retain the washer 130.

[0037] Specifically, the retaining portion 121 is composed of an upper surface retaining portion 121A and a lower surface retaining portion 121B protruding from the outside of the opening H toward the inside of the opening H. The retaining portion 121 can retain the washer 130 by sandwiching the upper and lower surfaces of the washer 130 between the upper surface retaining portion 121A and the lower surface retaining portion 121B. For example, the retaining portion 121 may abut against the upper surface of the washer 130 by the lower surface of the upper surface retaining portion 121A provided on the top plate 110 side, and abut against the lower surface of the washer 130 by the upper surface of the lower surface retaining portion 121B provided on the bottom cover 120 side.

[0038] To increase friction between the upper surface retaining portion 121A and the lower surface retaining portion 121B, which abut against the washer 130, at least one or more protrusions may be provided, or areas with increased thickness may be provided. Accordingly, the retaining portion 121 can more reliably hold the washer 130 between the upper surface retaining portion 121A and the lower surface retaining portion 121B, thus preventing the washer 130 from moving between the upper surface retaining portion 121A and the lower surface retaining portion 121B.

[0039] In addition, such as Figure 5 As shown, the upper surface retaining portion 121A and the lower surface retaining portion 121B may also retain the washer 130 in different areas. That is, the upper surface retaining portion 121A and the lower surface retaining portion 121B may be configured to protrude into areas of the opening H that do not overlap when viewed from the front. Specifically, the upper surface retaining portion 121A may protrude from the center of each of the four sides of the rectangular opening H, and the lower surface retaining portion 121B may protrude from each of the four corners of the rectangular opening H in a manner that does not overlap with the upper surface retaining portion 121A. Accordingly, the retaining portion 121 can eliminate the portions that overlap with each other in the vertical direction, and therefore, the upper surface retaining portion 121A and the lower surface retaining portion 121B can be easily formed by stamping in the vertical direction. By constructing the retaining portion 121 with such a shape, the manufacturing cost of the bottom cover 120 can be reduced.

[0040] Based on the above structure, the keyboard device 1 according to this embodiment can improve the positional freedom of the washers 130 by providing washers 130 corresponding to the boss structure 111 provided at any position on the top plate 110. Therefore, by uniformly arranging the boss structure 111 and the washers 130 (for example, five locations in total, including the center and four corners when viewed from above) throughout the keyboard device 1, the rebound formed by the pressing pressure of the top plate 110 relative to the key switch 140 can be uniformly distributed throughout the keyboard device 1. Therefore, the keyboard device 1 can uniformly distribute the tactile feedback of the key switch 140 in the peripheral and central portions of the top plate 110.

[0041] Furthermore, by providing a boss structure 111 and a washer 130 between the key switches 140, the keyboard device 1 can reduce the structure of the peripheral portion used to set the washer 130, thus increasing the freedom of appearance design.

[0042] Furthermore, the keyboard device 1 can clamp a washer 130 between the abutment portion 112 of the top plate 110, the cover 150, and the retaining portion 121 of the bottom cover 120. Therefore, the keyboard device 1 can buffer the pressing pressure between the abutment portion 112 of the top plate 110 and the cover 150 and bottom cover 120 using the washer 130, thus reducing the number of washers 130. Therefore, the keyboard device 1 can reduce manufacturing costs and improve assemblability during manufacturing.

[0043] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to such examples. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications or alterations can be conceived within the scope of the technical concept set forth in the claims, and it should be understood that such modifications and alterations also fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A keyboard device, characterized in that, have: The top plate has multiple key switches mounted on its upper surface; A bottom cover, which is disposed on the lower surface side of the top plate and constitutes the lower side housing; and A gasket, which holds the upper and lower surfaces together by a retaining portion located inside the bottom surface of the bottom cover. A boss structure extending along the thickness direction of the housing is provided on the lower surface of the top plate, and an abutment portion abutting against the upper surface of the gasket is provided on the outer side of the boss structure.

2. The keyboard device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The boss is constructed to pass through the washer.

3. The keyboard device according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also has: A cover, configured to cover the end of the boss structure; and A fixing part that secures the cover to the boss structure by inserting it into the interior of the boss structure.

4. The keyboard device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The cover abuts against the lower surface of the gasket. The gasket is held between the abutment and the cover.

5. The keyboard device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The boss is positioned at a location corresponding to the key switches arranged in a planar array on the upper surface of the top plate. The abutment portion is provided such that it extends from the outside of the boss structure to between the key switches.

6. The keyboard device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The boss is positioned at a location corresponding to one of the two, three, or four key switches.

7. The keyboard device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The retaining part holds the washer in different areas on the upper and lower surfaces.

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