Keyboard

Abstract

The present application relates to an input device using a manually operated switch, and more particularly, to a keyboard including a housing, a plurality of trigger elements, a plurality of key assemblies, and a gas supply. The plurality of trigger elements and the plurality of key assemblies are respectively arranged in the shell, and the key assemblies are set to be capable of triggering one corresponding trigger element when being pressed; the shell is arranged to form at least one cavity; the gas supply part is used for supplying gas to each cavity so that the gas in the cavity can provide acting force for the corresponding one or more key assemblies. And when the key assembly is pressed, the air in the corresponding cavity can flow out of the shell through the key assembly. According to the keyboard provided by the embodiment of the invention, by setting the air pressure of the air in each cavity, the effect that each key assembly is subjected to the same acting force is facilitated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to an input device using a manually operated switch, and more particularly to a keyboard. Background Art

[0002] This section of content merely provides background information related to the present application and does not necessarily constitute prior art.

[0003] The keyboard is a commonly used human-computer interaction device and has been widely used. In order to improve the comfort of users pressing keys, elastic structures such as springs or elastic sheets are usually set inside the keys, so that when fingers press the keys, the keys can provide good force and feel for the fingers. However, due to the large number of keys on the keyboard, it is difficult to ensure that the elastic structures in all keys can provide the same force. Utility Model Content

[0004] A brief overview of the present application is provided below in order to provide a basic understanding of certain aspects of the present application. It should be understood that this overview is not an exhaustive overview of the present application. It is not intended to identify the key or important parts of the present application, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the present application. Its purpose is merely to present certain concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to a more detailed description discussed later.

[0005] In view of the above technical problems, an embodiment of the present application provides a keyboard, which may include a housing, a plurality of trigger elements, a plurality of key assemblies, and a gas supply. The plurality of trigger elements and the plurality of key assemblies are respectively arranged in the housing, and the key assembly is arranged to trigger a corresponding trigger element when it is pressed; the housing is arranged to form at least one chamber, and the gas supply is used to supply gas to each chamber so that the gas in each chamber can provide a force to the corresponding one or more key assemblies. Among them, the key assembly is also arranged so that when it is pressed, the gas in a corresponding chamber can flow out of the housing through the key assembly.

[0006] Furthermore, the key assembly may include a key shaft and a key seat, the key seat is installed on the shell, the key seat has a through hole, and the key shaft is movably arranged in the through hole. When the key assembly is pressed, the key shaft moves downward relative to the through hole so that the through hole can be connected to the gas between a corresponding chamber, so that the gas in the chamber can flow out of the shell through the through hole.

[0007] Furthermore, the key assembly may also include a limit sealing portion, which is connected to the key shaft and is located in a corresponding chamber to prevent the key shaft from separating from the shell under the action of gas, wherein when the key assembly is not pressed, the limit sealing portion abuts against the key seat under the action of the gas in the chamber to disconnect the gas connection between the through hole and the chamber.

[0008] Furthermore, the length of the position-limiting sealing portion in the radial direction of the through hole may be greater than the radial length of the through hole, so that the position-limiting sealing portion abuts against the key seat under the action of the gas in the chamber.

[0009] Further, the key seat may include a tubular portion and a fixed portion, the tubular portion and the fixed portion are formed integrally, the tubular portion and the fixed portion are arranged to form a through hole, and the key shaft is movably arranged in the through hole; the shell is arranged to form a shell through hole, the tubular portion is arranged in the shell through hole, and the fixed portion cooperates with the shell to fix the tubular portion to the shell.

[0010] Furthermore, the key assembly may further include a keycap, which is configured to be pressed by a user. The key base may further include a matching portion, the matching portion, the fixing portion and the tubular portion are integrally formed, the fixing portion is located between the matching portion and the tubular portion, the matching portion, the fixing portion and the tubular portion are configured to form a through hole, and the keycap is configured to match the matching portion, so that the matching portion does not hinder the movement of the keycap when the keycap is pressed.

[0011] Furthermore, the hole wall of the through hole can form a step surface, and the limit sealing part enters the through hole and abuts against the step surface under the action of the gas in the chamber; the hole wall of the through hole can also form a through hole section, and the limit sealing part correspondingly forms a limit section facing the through hole section to prevent the limit sealing part from rotating relative to the through hole.

[0012] Furthermore, a plurality of trigger elements may be disposed in at least one chamber. The key assembly may further include a trigger portion, which is connected to the position-limiting sealing portion and is used to trigger the trigger element. The cross section of the trigger portion is smaller than the cross section of the position-limiting sealing portion, so that when the key assembly is pressed, the gas in the chamber can continuously provide a force to the position-limiting sealing portion.

[0013] Furthermore, the trigger element may include a photoelectric emitting tube for emitting light signals laterally and a photosensitive diode for receiving light signals laterally, the photoelectric emitting tube being used to emit light signals to the photosensitive diode, and the photosensitive diode being configured to output different high and low levels when receiving and not receiving light signals; when the key assembly is not pressed, the photosensitive diode is able to receive the light signal; when the key assembly is pressed, the trigger portion is able to move downward into between the photoelectric emitting tube and the photosensitive diode to prevent the photosensitive diode from receiving the light signal.

[0014] Furthermore, the keyboard may also include a circuit board, which is arranged in the cavity, and a portion of the circuit board facing the through hole forms a slot for the trigger part to enter, and the photoelectric emitting tube and the photosensitive diode are arranged on both sides of the slot.

[0015] Furthermore, a plurality of trigger elements may be arranged outside at least one chamber, and the key assembly further comprises: a trigger part for triggering the trigger element.

[0016] Furthermore, multiple trigger elements are arranged below each cavity; the trigger part is arranged on the key shaft, and when the key assembly is pressed, the trigger part moves along the key shaft in the cavity toward the trigger element, and when the trigger part approaches the trigger element, the trigger element can be triggered.

[0017] Furthermore, the keyboard may also include a plurality of support columns, which are disposed in the cavity to support the cavity.

[0018] Furthermore, the keyboard may also include a pressure sensor, which is arranged in the chamber to detect the air pressure of the chamber, and the gas supply member is arranged to inflate or deflate the chamber according to the air pressure detected by the pressure sensor and the pressure setting value.

[0019] The keyboard of the embodiment of the present application is configured to form at least one chamber by configuring the shell to provide gas to each chamber by using a gas supply member, so that the gas in each chamber provides a force to the corresponding one or more key assemblies, thereby facilitating the same force on each key assembly by configuring the gas pressure of the gas in each chamber. Furthermore, by configuring the key assembly so that when it is pressed, the gas in a corresponding chamber can flow out of the shell through the key assembly, and the outflowing airflow is conducive to isolating the two relatively sliding parts in the key assembly, thereby reducing the sliding friction between the two, making the operation of pressing the key assembly smoother, and thus improving the feel of the key assembly when it is pressed.

[0020] These and other advantages of the present application will become more apparent through the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present application in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] In order to further illustrate the above and other advantages and features of the present application, the specific embodiments of the present application are further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings together with the following detailed description are included in this specification and form a part of this specification. Elements with the same function and structure are represented by the same reference numerals. It should be understood that these drawings only describe typical examples of the present application and should not be regarded as limiting the scope of the present application.

[0022] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the keyboard of an embodiment of the present application, in which the key assembly is not pressed.

[0023] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the keyboard of an embodiment of the present application, in which the key assembly is pressed.

[0024] Figure 3 It is a disassembled schematic diagram of the key assembly of the keyboard of an embodiment of the present application.

[0025] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a key assembly of an embodiment of the present application, wherein the key assembly is not pressed.

[0026] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a key assembly of an embodiment of the present application, wherein the key assembly is pressed.

[0027] Figure 6 It is a partial schematic diagram of a circuit board of a keyboard according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0028] Figure 7 It is a partial structural diagram of a keyboard according to another embodiment of the present application, in which the key assembly is not pressed.

[0029] It should be noted that the drawings are not drawn to scale, and for illustrative purposes, elements of similar structure or function are generally represented by similar reference numerals throughout the drawings. It should also be noted that the drawings are only for the convenience of describing the preferred embodiments, not the present application itself. The drawings do not illustrate every aspect of the described embodiments and do not limit the scope of the present application.

[0030] Description of reference numerals:

[0031] 100. Keyboard;

[0032] 10. Shell; 11. Cover plate; 111. Shell through hole; 12. Bottom plate; 13. Side plate; 14. Chamber; 20. Trigger element; 21. Photoelectric emitting tube; 22. Photosensitive diode; 30. Key assembly; 31. Key shaft; 311. Connecting part; 32. Key seat; 321. Through hole; 3211. Step surface; 322. Tubular part; 3221. Tubular section; 323. Fixing part; 324. Matching part; 33. Limiting sealing part; 331. Limiting part; 3311. Limiting section; 332. Sealing part; 34. Key cap; 35. Trigger part; 40. Gas supply part; 41. Gas pipeline; 42. Valve; 50. Circuit board; 51. Slot; 52. Clearance hole; 60. Support column; 70. Pressure sensor; 80. Light-emitting part; 90. Processor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The embodiments of the present application are described in detail below, and examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals throughout represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present application, and cannot be understood as limiting the present application.

[0034] It is also necessary to explain here that, in order to avoid obscuring the present application due to unnecessary details, only the device structure and / or processing steps closely related to the scheme according to the present application are shown in the accompanying drawings, while other details that are not very relevant to the present application are omitted.

[0035] The disclosure below provides a plurality of different embodiments or examples for implementing the present application. In order to simplify the disclosure of the present application, the components and methods of specific examples are described below. Of course, they are merely examples, and the purpose is not to limit the present application.

[0036] An embodiment of the present application provides a keyboard, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing the structure of a keyboard according to an embodiment of the present application, wherein the key assembly is not pressed; Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of a keyboard of an embodiment of the present application is shown, in which a key assembly is pressed. The keyboard 100 provided in an embodiment of the present application includes a housing 10, a plurality of trigger elements, and a plurality of key assemblies 30. The plurality of trigger elements and the plurality of key assemblies 30 are respectively arranged in the housing 10, and the key assembly 30 is arranged to trigger a corresponding trigger element when it is pressed. In particular, in an embodiment of the present application, the housing 10 is arranged to form at least one chamber 14, and the keyboard 100 may also include: a gas supply member 40 for supplying gas to each chamber 14 so that the gas in each chamber 14 can provide a force to the corresponding one or more key assemblies 30. Among them, the key assembly 30 is also arranged to enable the gas in a corresponding chamber 14 to flow out of the housing 10 through the key assembly 30 when it is pressed.

[0037] The keyboard 100 of the embodiment of the present application is configured to form at least one chamber 14 by configuring the housing 10, and to provide gas to each chamber 14 by using the gas supply member 40, so as to utilize the gas in each chamber 14 to provide a force to the corresponding one or more key assemblies 30, thereby facilitating the realization of the same force on each key assembly 30 by configuring the gas pressure of the gas in each chamber 14. Furthermore, by configuring the key assembly so that when it is pressed, the gas in the corresponding chamber 14 can flow out of the housing 10 through the key assembly 30, and the outflowing airflow is conducive to isolating the two relatively sliding parts in the key assembly 30, thereby reducing the sliding friction between the two, making the operation of pressing the key assembly 30 smoother, thereby improving the feel of the key assembly 30 when it is pressed.

[0038] In some embodiments, the housing 10 is configured to form a chamber 14, and the gas in the chamber 14 provides a force to the plurality of key assemblies 30. In other embodiments, the housing 10 is configured to form a plurality of chambers 14, and the gas in each chamber 14 provides a force to one or more key assemblies 30.

[0039] In some embodiments, the housing 10 may include a bottom plate 12, a cover plate 11 facing the bottom plate 12, and a side plate 13 connecting the bottom plate 12 and the cover plate 11. The side plate 13 and the cover plate 11 may be integrally formed, that is, the side plate 13 and the cover plate 11 are an integrally formed part. The cover plate 11, the bottom plate 12, and the side plate 13 together form a chamber 14. A plurality of housing through holes 111 are formed on the cover plate 11, and the key assembly 30 is disposed in the housing through holes 111. The number of the housing through holes 111 is the same as the number of the key assembly 30.

[0040] In some other embodiments, the housing 10 may further include at least one partition plate, and the cover plate 11 , the bottom plate 12 , the side plate 13 and the partition plates together form a plurality of chambers 14 .

[0041] See also Figure 7 In other embodiments, the housing 10 forming the plurality of chambers 14 may have a Figure 7 Specifically, the housing 10 includes a bottom plate 12, a plurality of cover plates 11, and a plurality of side plates 13 respectively connecting each cover plate 11 to the bottom plate 12. Each cover plate 11, the corresponding side plate 13 and the bottom plate 12 respectively form a chamber 14. One or more housing through holes 111 are formed on the cover plate 11, and the key assembly 30 is disposed in the housing through hole 111.

[0042] In some embodiments, the gas supply member 40 may include an air pump. The air pump may be connected to each chamber 14 through at least one gas pipeline 41 to supply gas to each chamber 14. A valve 42 is also provided on each gas pipeline 41 to control the on and off of the gas pipeline 41. The air pump may be, for example, a silent air pump. In other embodiments, the gas supply member 40 may include a plurality of air pumps, which supply gas to a plurality of chambers 14 respectively.

[0043] like Figure 3 , which shows a disassembled schematic diagram of a key assembly 30 of a keyboard 100 according to an embodiment of the present application. In some embodiments, the key assembly 30 may include a key shaft 31 and a key base 32. The key base 32 is mounted on the housing 10. The key base 32 has a through hole 321. The key shaft 31 is movably disposed in the through hole 321. Specifically, the key base 32 is mounted in the housing through hole 111 of the housing 10.

[0044] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, Figure 4A schematic diagram showing a key assembly 30 according to an embodiment of the present application, wherein the key assembly 30 is not pressed; Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a key assembly 30 of an embodiment of the present application is shown, wherein the key assembly 30 is pressed, and the arrows in the figure indicate the flow direction of the gas. When the key assembly 30 is pressed, the key shaft 31 moves downward relative to the through hole 321 so that the through hole 321 can communicate with the gas between the chamber 14, so that the gas in the chamber 14 can flow out of the housing 10 through the through hole 321.

[0045] A gap is formed between the inner wall of the through hole 321 and the side of the key shaft 31. When the key assembly 30 is pressed, the gas in the chamber 14 enters the gap and flows out of the housing 10. The airflow out of the gap can isolate the key shaft 31 from the inner wall of the through hole 321, eliminating the sliding friction between the two, thereby making the operation of pressing the key assembly 30 smoother and reducing the jamming when pressing.

[0046] At the same time, the airflow flowing out from the gap can blow away the dust in the gap, thereby also playing a role in dust removal.

[0047] In some embodiments, the key shaft 31 may be cylindrical, and the through hole 321 may be a circular through hole accordingly, so as to facilitate adjustment of the gap between the two, and to facilitate the airflow flowing out from the gap to isolate the key shaft 31 from the inner wall of the through hole 321, thereby eliminating sliding friction between the two.

[0048] See also Figure 3 In some embodiments, the key assembly 30 may further include a limiting seal 33, which is connected to the key shaft 31 and is located in the chamber 14 to prevent the key shaft 31 from being separated from the housing 10 under the action of the gas. When the key assembly 30 is not pressed, the limiting seal 33 abuts against the key seat 32 under the action of the gas in the chamber 14 to disconnect the gas connection between the through hole 321 and the chamber 14 (i.e., disconnect the gas connection between the above gap and the chamber 14). When the key assembly 30 is pressed, the limiting seal 33 leaves the key seat 32, so that the through hole 321 and the chamber 14 are in gas communication (i.e., the above gap and the chamber 14 are in gas communication), and at this time, the gas in the chamber 14 can enter the through hole 321 and flow out of the housing 10. The keyboard of the embodiment of the present application is provided with a limiting sealing portion 33, so that when the key assembly 30 is pressed, the gas between the through hole 321 and the chamber 14 can be automatically connected; and after the finger leaves the key assembly 30, the key assembly 30 can be reset under the action of the gas in the chamber 14.

[0049] In some embodiments, the length of the limiting sealing portion 33 in the radial direction of the through hole 321 is greater than the radial length of the through hole 321, so that the limiting sealing portion 33 abuts against the key seat 32 under the action of the gas in the chamber 14 to prevent the key shaft 31 from escaping from the through hole 321.

[0050] In some embodiments, the limiting sealing portion 33 may include a limiting portion 331 and a sealing portion 332. The limiting portion 331 may abut against the key seat 32 under the action of the gas in the chamber 14. In some embodiments, the length of the limiting portion 331 in the radial direction of the through hole 321 is greater than the radial length of the through hole 321. The sealing portion 332 is formed on the side of the limiting portion 331 facing the through hole 321, and the sealing portion 332 can ensure the sealing of the abutment between the limiting portion 331 and the key seat 32, thereby disconnecting the gas communication between the chamber 14 and the through hole 321. The sealing portion 332 may be made of rubber, for example.

[0051] It is easy to understand that in the embodiment in which the limiting seal 33 is provided, in the desired state, when the key assembly 30 is not pressed, the gap is not connected to the chamber 14, the gas in the chamber 14 does not flow to the gap, and the air pressure in the chamber 14 is stable. However, due to the limitation of the processing technology, it is difficult to achieve complete sealing between the gap and the chamber 14 by the limiting seal 33 when the key assembly 30 is not pressed. That is, when the key assembly 30 is not pressed, there may also be a small amount of airflow entering the gap from the chamber 14 through the gap between the limiting seal 33 and the key seat 32 to leak out of the housing 10. A small amount of gas can be supplied to the chamber 14 through the gas supply member 40 to offset the gas loss caused by leakage when the key assembly 30 is not pressed, so that the air pressure in the chamber 14 is maintained basically stable. It is easy to understand that the gas flow rate entering the gap from the chamber 14 when the key assembly 30 is pressed is greater than the gas flow rate entering the gap from the chamber 14 to leak out of the housing 10 when the key assembly 30 is not pressed.

[0052] In other embodiments, the limiting sealing portion 33 may include only the limiting portion 331 but not the sealing portion 332. In such an embodiment, gas can be continuously supplied to the chamber 14 through the gas supply member 40 to offset the gas loss caused by leakage when the key assembly 30 is not pressed, thereby maintaining the gas pressure in the chamber 14 basically stable.

[0053] See also Figure 3 The key base 32 includes a tubular portion 322 and a fixed portion 323, the tubular portion 322 and the fixed portion 323 are formed integrally, the tubular portion 322 and the fixed portion 323 are arranged to form a through hole 321, and the key shaft 31 is movably arranged in the through hole 321; the shell 10 is arranged to form a shell through hole 111, the tubular portion 322 is arranged in the shell through hole 111, and the fixed portion 323 cooperates with the shell 10 to fix the tubular portion 322 to the shell 10.

[0054] In some embodiments, the tubular portion 322 is formed with a tubular section 3221, and the tubular section 3221 is used to cooperate with the housing through hole 111 to prevent the key seat 32 from rotating relative to the housing through hole 111. In some embodiments, the key seat 32 can be integrally formed with the cover plate 11, that is, the key seat 32 and the cover plate 11 are an integrally formed part.

[0055] See also Figure 3 The key assembly 30 further includes a key cap 34, which is configured to be pressed by a user. The key base 32 further includes a matching portion 324, and the matching portion 324, the fixing portion 323 and the tubular portion 322 are integrally formed. The fixing portion 323 is located between the matching portion 324 and the tubular portion 322, and the matching portion 324, the fixing portion 323 and the tubular portion 322 are configured to form a through hole 321. The key cap 34 is configured to match the matching portion 324, so that the matching portion 324 does not hinder the movement of the key cap 34 when the key cap 34 is pressed.

[0056] In some embodiments, a connecting portion 311 is disposed inside the key shaft 31 to connect with the key cap 34 through the connecting portion 311. The connecting portion 311 may be, for example, a cross-shaped connecting pin to facilitate connection with the key cap 34.

[0057] See also Figure 4 and Figure 5 In some embodiments, the hole wall of the through hole 321 forms a step surface 3211, and the position-limiting sealing part 33 enters the through hole 321 under the action of the gas in the chamber 14 and abuts against the step surface 3211. The hole wall of the through hole 321 also forms a through hole section (not shown in the figure), and the position-limiting sealing part 33 correspondingly forms a position-limiting section 3311 facing the through hole section to prevent the position-limiting sealing part 33 from rotating relative to the through hole 321, thereby preventing the gas flowing out of the chamber 14 from causing the key assembly 30 to rotate when the key assembly 30 is pressed. The through hole section can be formed on the tube wall corresponding to the tubular section 3221, for example.

[0058] In some embodiments, the limiting cut surface 3311 may be formed on the limiting portion 331 , for example.

[0059] See also Figure 3 In some embodiments, a plurality of trigger elements are disposed in the chamber 14. The key assembly 30 further includes a trigger portion 35, which is connected to the position-limiting seal portion 33 and is used to trigger the trigger element. The cross section of the trigger portion 35 is smaller than the cross section of the position-limiting seal portion 33, so that when the key assembly 30 is pressed, the gas in the chamber 14 can continuously provide a force to the position-limiting seal portion 33, so that the key assembly 30 can move upward under the force provided by the gas in the chamber 14 after being pressed, and achieve reset.

[0060] In some embodiments, the trigger portion 35 is connected to one end of the position limiting sealing portion 33 away from the through hole 321 and extends toward the bottom plate 12. Due to the provision of the trigger portion 35, there is space below the position limiting sealing portion 33, so that gas can enter below the position limiting sealing portion 33 and continuously provide force to the button assembly 30.

[0061] In some embodiments, the trigger element may include a photoelectric emitting tube 21 that laterally emits a light signal and a photosensitive diode 22 that laterally receives a light signal. The photoelectric emitting tube 21 is used to emit a light signal to the photosensitive diode 22, and the photosensitive diode 22 is configured to output different high and low levels when receiving a light signal and not receiving a light signal. When the key assembly 30 is not pressed, the photosensitive diode 22 can receive the light signal. When the key assembly 30 is pressed, the trigger part 35 can move downward into between the photoelectric emitting tube 21 and the photosensitive diode 22 to prevent the photosensitive diode 22 from receiving the light signal.

[0062] In some embodiments, when the button assembly 30 is not pressed, the photodiode 22 can receive the light signal emitted by the phototransmitter tube 21. In this case, the photodiode 22 outputs a high level. When the button assembly 30 is pressed, the trigger portion 35 moves downward into between the phototransmitter tube 21 and the photodiode 22, blocking the photodiode 22 from receiving the light signal. The photodiode 22 cannot receive the light signal. In this case, the photodiode 22 outputs a low level.

[0063] In some embodiments, the photoelectric emitting tube 21 may be an infrared photoelectric emitting tube that emits infrared light signals.

[0064] In other embodiments, the trigger element may also be a contact element.

[0065] In some embodiments, the keyboard 100 may further include a signal processing circuit for identifying whether the trigger element is triggered. Specifically, the signal processing circuit may receive the level signal output by the photodiode 22. After receiving the level signal, the signal processing circuit may parse the level signal and transmit the parsed information to the receiving device to complete a key input. The receiving device may be a computer or other device that supports human-computer interaction.

[0066] In some embodiments, the signal processing circuit may be provided by a circuit board 50. The circuit board 50 may be a printed circuit board. The circuit board 50 may be disposed in the chamber 14, and the trigger element may be disposed on the circuit board 50.

[0067] like Figure 6, which shows a partial schematic diagram of the circuit board of the keyboard 100 of the embodiment of the present application. In some embodiments, when the circuit board 50 is disposed in the chamber 14, the portion of the circuit board 50 facing the through hole 321 forms a slot 51 for the trigger part 35 to enter, and the photoelectric emission tube 21 and the photosensitive diode 22 are arranged on both sides of the slot 51. The slot 51 is opposite to the through hole 321, so that when the key assembly 30 is pressed, the trigger part 35 can enter the slot 51 to avoid adverse effects on the circuit board 50.

[0068] In some embodiments, the keyboard 100 further includes a plurality of support columns 60, which are disposed in the cavity 14 to support the cavity 14. Since the cavity 14 has a large cross-section, the cavity 14 is prone to collapse when the key assembly 30 is pressed. The support columns 60 are provided to support the cavity 14, so that the cover plate 11 can be prevented from being deformed.

[0069] See also Figure 6 In some embodiments, when the circuit board 50 is disposed in the chamber 14 , a plurality of clearance holes 52 may be further provided on the circuit board 50 for the support pillars 60 to pass through, so as to prevent the support pillars 60 from causing adverse effects on the circuit board 50 .

[0070] In other embodiments, see Figure 7 , the multiple trigger elements 20 may not be arranged inside the chamber 14, but may be arranged outside each chamber 14, and the key assembly 30 further includes: a trigger portion 35, which is used to trigger the trigger element 20. In such an embodiment, the circuit board 50 may be arranged outside each chamber 14, and the multiple trigger elements 20 may be arranged on the circuit board 50.

[0071] In some embodiments, a plurality of trigger elements 20 are disposed below each chamber 14. In such an embodiment, a circuit board 50 may be disposed at the bottom of each chamber 14. The trigger portion 35 may be disposed on the key shaft 31. When the key assembly 30 is pressed, the trigger portion 35 moves in the direction of the trigger element 20 along with the key shaft 31 in the chamber 14. When the trigger portion approaches the trigger element 20 (i.e., when the trigger portion 35 moves to a distance that can be sensed by the trigger element 20), the trigger element 20 can be triggered. In such an embodiment, the trigger element 20 is a proximity trigger element. In some embodiments, the trigger element 20 may be a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, or an eddy current sensor, and the trigger portion 35 may be a metal block. When the metal block moves downward, different level values ​​of these sensors will be triggered. In some embodiments, the trigger element 20 is a Hall sensor, and the trigger portion 35 may be a magnet. When the magnet moves downward and approaches the Hall sensor, the signal of the Hall sensor will be triggered.

[0072] In some embodiments, the trigger portion 35 may be disposed at the lower end of the key shaft 31. It is easy to understand that when the key assembly 30 further includes a position-limiting sealing portion 33, the trigger portion 35 may be disposed at the position-limiting sealing portion 33.

[0073] See also Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some embodiments, the keyboard 100 may further include a pressure sensor 70 , which is disposed in the chamber 14 for detecting the air pressure of the chamber 14 , and the gas supply member 40 is configured to inflate or deflate the chamber 14 according to the air pressure detected by the pressure sensor 70 .

[0074] The force provided by the gas in the chamber 14 to the key assembly 30 is equal to the product of the gas pressure in the chamber 14 and the cross-sectional area of ​​the limiting sealing portion 33. The force provided by the gas to the key assembly 30 can be adjusted by adjusting the gas pressure in the chamber 14.

[0075] In some embodiments, a pressure setting value may be set for the gas in the chamber 14 , and the gas supply 40 is configured to inflate or deflate the chamber 14 based on the gas pressure detected by the pressure sensor 70 and the pressure setting value.

[0076] When the air pressure in the chamber 14 detected by the pressure sensor 70 is lower than the pressure setting value, the gas supply member 40 inflates the chamber 14 so that the air pressure in the chamber 14 is substantially equal to the pressure setting value. When the air pressure in the chamber 14 detected by the pressure sensor 70 is higher than the pressure setting value, the gas supply member 40 deflates the chamber 14 so that the air pressure in the chamber 14 is substantially equal to the pressure setting value.

[0077] In some embodiments, the keyboard 100 may further include a plurality of light emitting members 80, which are disposed on the circuit board 50. The plurality of light emitting members 80 may be configured to emit light of different colors and frequencies to improve user experience.

[0078] In some embodiments, the keyboard 100 may also include a processor 90, which may receive a pressure setting value input by a user and an air pressure value detected by the pressure sensor 70. The processor 90 may send an instruction to the air pump on whether to inflate or deflate the chamber 14 based on the pressure setting value and the air pressure value detected by the pressure sensor 70.

[0079] In some embodiments, the maximum output power of the air pump may be, for example, 40 kPa. When the air pump outputs the maximum power, the maximum value of the air pressure in the chamber 14 is 40 kPa. At this time, the maximum force that each key assembly 30 can withstand is 80 g, i.e., 0.784 N. According to the maximum force that each key assembly 30 can withstand and the maximum value of the air pressure in the chamber 14, it can be determined that the minimum cross-sectional area of ​​the limiting sealing portion 33 is 19.6 square millimeters.

[0080] In some specific embodiments, the length of the through hole 321 can be designed to be 6 mm, for example. The cross section of the position-limiting seal portion 33 can be a 4 mm×5 mm rectangle, and the cross-sectional area is 20 square millimeters. When the output power of the air pump is 30 kPa, the force applied to the key assembly 30 is 60 g. When the output power of the air pump is adjusted to 20 kPa, the force applied to the key assembly 30 is 40 g.

[0081] Regarding the embodiments of the present application, it should also be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the embodiments of the present application and the features therein can be combined with each other to obtain new embodiments.

[0082] The above are only preferred embodiments of the present application and are not intended to limit the present application. For those skilled in the art, the present application may have various modifications and variations. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present application shall be included in the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A keyboard, comprising: A housing, a plurality of trigger elements and a plurality of key components, wherein the plurality of trigger elements and the plurality of key components are respectively arranged on the housing, and the key component is arranged to trigger a corresponding one of the trigger elements when it is pressed, characterized in that: The housing is configured to form at least one chamber, The keyboard further comprises: a gas supply member for supplying gas to the at least one chamber so that the gas in each chamber can provide a force to the corresponding one or more key assemblies. Wherein, the button assembly is further configured to enable the gas in a corresponding one of the chambers to flow out of the housing through the button assembly when it is pressed.

2. The keyboard according to claim 1, characterized in that The key assembly comprises: a key shaft and a key seat, wherein the key seat is mounted on the housing, the key seat has a through hole, and the key shaft is movably disposed in the through hole. When the key assembly is pressed, the key shaft moves downward relative to the through hole so that the through hole can be connected to a corresponding one of the chambers by gas, thereby allowing the gas in the chamber to flow out of the housing through the through hole.

3. The keyboard according to claim 2, characterized in that: The button assembly also includes: A limit seal portion is connected to the key shaft, and the limit seal portion is located in a corresponding one of the chambers to prevent the key shaft from being separated from the housing under the action of gas. Wherein, when the key assembly is not pressed, the limiting sealing portion abuts against the key seat under the action of the gas in the chamber to disconnect the gas connection between the through hole and the chamber.

4. The keyboard according to claim 3, characterized in that: The length of the position-limiting sealing portion in the radial direction of the through hole is greater than the radial length of the through hole, so that the position-limiting sealing portion abuts against the key seat under the action of the gas in the chamber.

5. The keyboard according to claim 3, characterized in that: The key base comprises: a tubular portion and a fixing portion, the tubular portion and the fixing portion are integrally formed, the tubular portion and the fixing portion are arranged to form the through hole, and the key shaft is movably arranged in the through hole; The shell is configured to form a shell through hole, the tubular portion is disposed in the shell through hole, and the fixing portion cooperates with the shell to fix the tubular portion to the shell.

6. The keyboard according to claim 5, characterized in that: The key assembly also includes a key cap, which is configured to be pressed by a user. The key base further includes a matching portion, wherein the matching portion, the fixing portion and the tubular portion are integrally formed, the fixing portion is located between the matching portion and the tubular portion, and the matching portion, the fixing portion and the tubular portion are arranged to form the through hole. The key cap is configured to cooperate with the matching portion, so that the matching portion will not hinder the movement of the key cap when the key cap is pressed.

7. The keyboard according to claim 3, characterized in that: The hole wall of the through hole forms a step surface, and the limiting sealing part enters the through hole under the action of the gas in the chamber and abuts against the step surface; The hole wall of the through hole also forms a through hole section, and the limiting sealing part correspondingly forms a limiting section facing the through hole section to prevent the limiting sealing part from rotating relative to the through hole.

8. The keyboard according to claim 3, characterized in that: The plurality of trigger elements are disposed in the at least one chamber, The button assembly also includes: a trigger part, which is connected to the limiting sealing part and is used to trigger the trigger element. The cross-section of the trigger part is smaller than the cross-section of the limiting sealing part, so that when the button assembly is pressed, the gas in the chamber can continue to provide force to the limiting sealing part.

9. The keyboard according to claim 8, characterized in that: The trigger element comprises a photoelectric emitting tube for emitting light signals laterally and a photosensitive diode for receiving light signals laterally, wherein the photoelectric emitting tube is used to emit light signals to the photosensitive diode, and the photosensitive diode is configured to output different levels when receiving the light signal and when not receiving the light signal; When the key assembly is not pressed, the photodiode can receive the light signal; When the key assembly is pressed, the trigger portion can move downward into between the photoelectric emitting tube and the photosensitive diode to prevent the photosensitive diode from receiving the light signal.

10. The keyboard according to claim 9, characterized in that: Also includes: A circuit board is arranged in the chamber, a portion of the circuit board facing the through hole forms a slot for the triggering part to enter, and the photoelectric emitting tube and the photosensitive diode are arranged relatively on both sides of the slot.

11. The keyboard according to claim 2, characterized in that: The plurality of trigger elements are disposed outside the at least one chamber, The button assembly further includes: a triggering portion, which is used to trigger the triggering element.

12. The keyboard according to claim 11, characterized in that The plurality of trigger elements are disposed below the at least one chamber; The trigger portion is disposed on the key shaft. When the key assembly is pressed, the trigger portion moves along with the key shaft in the cavity toward the trigger element. When the trigger portion approaches the trigger element, the trigger element can be triggered.

13. The keyboard according to claim 1, characterized in that Also includes: A plurality of support columns are arranged in the chamber and used for supporting the chamber.

14. The keyboard according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that: Also includes: A pressure sensor is disposed in the chamber and is used to detect the air pressure in the chamber. The gas supply is configured to inflate or deflate the chamber according to the gas pressure detected by the pressure sensor and a pressure setting value.

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