Keyboard key structure
By introducing an electronic ink display module and a near-field communication antenna into the keyboard key structure, combined with a scissor lift structure and a rubber dome, the problem of complex keyboard key structures in the prior art is solved, achieving structural simplification and functional diversification.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202520255904.2
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-02-18
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-06
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-02-18
AI Technical Summary
Existing keyboards have complex key structures, especially when they include an e-ink display module, the structural design is not simple enough.
An electronic ink display module is adopted, which includes a first flexible printed circuit board, a timing control integrated circuit, a near-field communication antenna, and an electronic ink display panel. Combined with keycaps and lower key substructures, the key function is realized through a scissor lift substructure and a rubber dome, and the near-field communication antenna is used to receive wireless character control signals to display characters.
The design of the keyboard keys has been simplified, the integration and space utilization efficiency of the e-ink display module have been improved, and the functional versatility of the keys has been enhanced.
Smart Images
Figure CN223884334U_ABST
Abstract
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present application relates to a key structure, in particular, to a keyboard key structure. BACKGROUND
[0002] A keyboard is an indispensable device for using a computer or a notebook computer; the keyboard comprises a plurality of keyboard keys. A related art keyboard key has a related art electronic ink display module to change the text displayed on the related art keyboard key, which is very convenient. However, the structure of the related art keyboard key is very complex, and this problem needs to be solved. SUMMARY
[0003] To solve the above problems, the present application aims to provide a keyboard key structure.
[0004] To achieve the above-mentioned purposes of the present application, the keyboard key structure of the present application comprises: a keyboard key substructure; and an electronic ink display module assembled to the keyboard key substructure, wherein the electronic ink display module comprises: a first flexible printed circuit board; a timing control integrated circuit sandwiched between the bent first flexible printed circuit board, the timing control integrated circuit being electrically connected to the first flexible printed circuit board; a near field communication antenna disposed on the first flexible printed circuit board, the near field communication antenna being electrically connected to the first flexible printed circuit board and the timing control integrated circuit; and an electronic ink display panel disposed on the first flexible printed circuit board, the electronic ink display panel being electrically connected to the first flexible printed circuit board, the timing control integrated circuit and the near field communication antenna.
[0005] Furthermore, in a specific embodiment of the keyboard key structure of the present application as described above, the keyboard key substructure comprises a keycap and a key lower substructure; the electronic ink display module is assembled to the keycap; the keycap is assembled to the key lower substructure; and the key lower substructure comprises a lower penetrating region.
[0006] Furthermore, in a specific embodiment of the keyboard key structure of the present application as described above, the key lower substructure and the electronic ink display module are disposed on a horizontal plane of the keycap.
[0007] Furthermore, in a specific embodiment of the keyboard key structure of the present application as described above, the key lower substructure is disposed on a horizontal plane of the keycap; and the electronic ink display module is disposed in a groove of the keycap adjacent to the horizontal plane.
[0008] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the keyboard key structure of the present application, the key lower substructure is disposed on a horizontal plane of the keycap; the electronic ink display module is disposed in an upper penetrating region of the keycap adjacent to the horizontal plane.
[0009] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the keyboard key structure of the present application, the key lower substructure further comprises a rubber dome and a scissor lifting substructure; the rubber dome and the scissor lifting substructure are disposed on a horizontal plane of the keycap.
[0010] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the keyboard key structure of the present application, the key lower substructure further comprises a bottom sticker; the scissor lifting substructure is disposed on the bottom sticker.
[0011] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the keyboard key structure of the present application, the key lower substructure further comprises a bracket; the bracket is disposed on the bottom sticker.
[0012] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the keyboard key structure of the present application, the key lower substructure further comprises a second flexible printed circuit board and a plurality of light emitting diodes; the second flexible printed circuit board is disposed on the bracket; the light emitting diodes are disposed on the second flexible printed circuit board.
[0013] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the keyboard key structure of the present application, the keyboard key substructure further comprises a printed layer; the printed layer is disposed on the keycap; the key lower substructure further comprises a membrane and a plurality of accommodating holes; the membrane is disposed on the second flexible printed circuit board; the rubber dome is disposed on the membrane; the accommodating holes pass through the bracket, the second flexible printed circuit board, and the membrane; the scissor lifting substructure is disposed on the bottom sticker through the accommodating holes; the upper penetrating region passes through the bottom sticker, the bracket, the second flexible printed circuit board, and the membrane.
[0014] The present application simplifies the structure of the keyboard key with the electronic ink display module.
[0015] For further understanding of the technology, method and effect of the present application and to achieve the intended purpose of the present application, please refer to the following detailed description and drawings; in addition, the purpose, characteristics and features of the present application can be understood more deeply and specifically; however, the drawings are provided only for reference and description, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0016] Figure 1 The exploded view of the first embodiment of the keyboard key structure of the present application.
[0017] Figure 2 Figure 1 is an exploded view of an electronic ink display module of the present application.
[0018] Figure 3 Figure 2 is a schematic view of an electronic ink display module of the first embodiment of the present application assembled to a keycap.
[0019] Figure 4 Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of an unpressed keyboard key structure of the first embodiment of the present application.
[0020] Figure 5 Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a pressed keyboard key structure of the first embodiment of the present application.
[0021] Figure 6 Figure 5 is a schematic view of an electronic ink display module of the second embodiment of the present application assembled to a keycap.
[0022] Figure 7 Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of an unpressed keyboard key structure of the second embodiment of the present application.
[0023] Figure 8 Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a pressed keyboard key structure of the second embodiment of the present application.
[0024] Figure 9 Figure 8 is an exploded view of a third embodiment of a keyboard key structure of the present application.
[0025] Figure 10 Figure 9 is a schematic view of an electronic ink display module of the third embodiment of the present application assembled to a keycap.
[0026] Figure 11 Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of an unpressed keyboard key structure of the third embodiment of the present application.
[0027] Figure 12 Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of a pressed keyboard key structure of the third embodiment of the present application.
[0028] Figure 13 Figure 12 is a schematic view of an application containing a plurality of keyboard key structures of the present application.
[0029] Wherein the reference signs:
[0030] 10: keyboard key structure
[0031] 20: keyboard key substructure
[0032] 30: electronic ink display module
[0033] 40: wireless character control signal
[0034] 202: keycap
[0035] 204: key lower substructure
[0036] 206: lower penetration area
[0037] 208: rubber dome
[0038] 210: scissor-lift substructure
[0039] 212: underlay
[0040] 214: support
[0041] 216: second flexible printed circuit board
[0042] 218: light-emitting diode
[0043] 220: diaphragm
[0044] 222: receiving hole
[0045] 224: printed layer
[0046] 302: first flexible printed circuit board
[0047] 304: timing control integrated circuit
[0048] 306: near field communication antenna
[0049] 308: electronic ink display panel
[0050] 2022: horizontal plane
[0051] 2024: recess
[0052] 2026: upper penetration area
[0053] 2028: bump
[0054] 3022: first portion
[0055] 3024: second portion
[0056] 3026: third portion
[0057] 3042: first surface
[0058] 3044: second surface
[0059] 3082: character
[0060] D1: pressing direction
[0061] D2: assembling direction DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0062] In this application, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of components and / or methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present application. Persons of ordinary skill in the art will recognize, however, that the application can be practiced without one or more of the specific details. In other instances, well-known details are not shown or described in order not to obscure aspects of the present application. The specific details and the illustrative examples that follow are exemplary only to establish a grounding for the present application and are not intended to constrain the scope of the present application. Rather, the present application should be limited only by the appended claims.
[0063] Figure 1 An exploded view of a first embodiment of a keyboard key structure 10 of the present application; Figure 2 An exploded view of an electronic ink display module 30 of the present application; Figure 3 An assembled view of the electronic ink display module 30 of the first embodiment of the present application assembled to a keycap 202; Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the keyboard key structure 10 of the present application not being pressed; Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the keyboard key structure 10 of the present application being pressed; please refer to Figures 1 to 5 .
[0064] The keyboard key structure 10 of the present application comprises a keyboard key substructure 20 and an electronic ink display module 30; the electronic ink display module 30 is assembled to the keyboard key substructure 20.
[0065] The electronic ink display module 30 comprises a first flexible printed circuit board 302, a timing control integrated circuit 304, a near field communication antenna 306, and an electronic ink display panel 308. The timing control integrated circuit 304 is sandwiched between the bent first flexible printed circuit board 302; the near field communication antenna 306 and the electronic ink display panel 308 are disposed on the first flexible printed circuit board 302; the first flexible printed circuit board 302, the timing control integrated circuit 304, the near field communication antenna 306, and the electronic ink display panel 308 are electrically connected to each other. The structure of the electronic ink display module 30 can be referred to as a sandwich structure. The first flexible printed circuit board 302 is a one-piece flexible printed circuit board.
[0066] The keyboard key substructure 20 comprises a keycap 202, a key lower substructure 204, and a printed layer 224. The electronic ink display module 30 is assembled to the keycap 202; the keycap 202 is assembled to the key lower substructure 204; the printed layer 224 is disposed on the keycap 202. The key lower substructure 204 and the electronic ink display module 30 are disposed on a horizontal plane 2022 of the keycap 202.
[0067] The lower substructure 204 of the button includes a lower penetration area 206, a rubber dome 208, a scissor lift substructure 210, a base 212, a bracket 214, a second flexible printed circuit board 216, multiple light-emitting diodes 218, a membrane 220, and multiple receiving holes 222.
[0068] The bracket 214 is disposed on the backing plate 212. The second flexible printed circuit board 216 is disposed on the bracket 214 for use by the keyboard key substructure 20 and the light-emitting diodes 218. The light-emitting diodes 218 and the diaphragm 220 are disposed on the second flexible printed circuit board 216. The light-emitting diodes 218 serve as the front light source of the electronic ink display panel 308 or the back light source of the printed layer 224. The rubber dome 208 is disposed on the diaphragm 220. The lower penetrating area 206 passes through the backing plate 212, the bracket 214, the second flexible printed circuit board 216, and the diaphragm 220.
[0069] The receiving holes 222, through the bracket 214, the second flexible printed circuit board 216, and the diaphragm 220, allow the scissor lift structure 210 to be disposed on the base plate 212 via the receiving holes 222. The rubber dome 208 and the scissor lift structure 210 are disposed on the horizontal plane 2022 of the keycap 202. In other words, the rubber dome 208 is disposed between the horizontal plane 2022 of the keycap 202 and the diaphragm 220, while the scissor lift structure 210 is disposed between the horizontal plane 2022 of the keycap 202 and the base plate 212.
[0070] Furthermore, when the keycap 202 is pressed (e.g.) Figure 5 As shown), the e-ink display module 30 moves synchronously in a pressing direction D1 to enter or pass through the lower penetrating area 206; for example, when the keycap 202 is pressed (as shown). Figure 5 As shown), the bottom of the electronic ink display module 30 extends beyond the substrate 212 by a distance (e.g., 0.4 mm) through the lower penetration area 206.
[0071] Furthermore, the first flexible printed circuit board 302 includes a first portion 3022, a second portion 3024, and a third portion 3026 (e.g., ...). Figure 3As shown), the second portion 3024 is disposed between the first portion 3022 and the third portion 3026. The second portion 3024 does not contact the timing control integrated circuit 304. The first portion 3022 contacts a first surface 3042 of the timing control integrated circuit 304 (that is, the first surface 3042 of the timing control integrated circuit 304 is soldered to the first portion 3022). The third portion 3026 contacts a second surface 3044 of the timing control integrated circuit 304. However, the second surface 3044 of the timing control integrated circuit 304 is not soldered to the third portion 3026, and the first surface 3042 of the timing control integrated circuit 304 is different from the second surface 3044. The timing control integrated circuit 304 is sandwiched between the first portion 3022 and the third portion 3026 (regardless of whether the keycap 202 is pressed; for example, when the keycap 202 is not pressed, or when the keycap 202 is pressed). Furthermore, the electronic ink display panel 308 is connected to the first portion 3022 and disposed on the first portion 3022; the near-field communication antenna 306 is disposed on the third portion 3026.
[0072] Furthermore, the timing control integrated circuit 304 is configured to receive a wireless character control signal 40 (such as...) via the near-field communication antenna 306 and the first flexible printed circuit board 302. Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 (As shown) to control the display of a character 3082 on the electronic ink display panel 308 via the first flexible printed circuit board 302 (e.g., Figure 2 (As shown).
[0073] like Figure 3 As shown, the assembly direction D2 (from bottom to top) of the electronic ink display module 30 to the keycap 202 is opposite to that shown in the figure. Figure 5 The pressing direction shown is D1 (from top to bottom).
[0074] Please refer to Figure 13 This is an application diagram (i.e., a part of the keyboard) that includes multiple keyboard key structures 10 disclosed herein. Figure 13As shown, the characters 3082 displayed on the e-ink display panels 308 of the keyboard key structures 10 are ↑Up, ←Left, ↓Down, and →Right, respectively, while the printed layers 224 of the keyboard key structures 10 display the English letters W, A, S, and D, respectively; in other words, the original English letter keys W, A, S, and D on the keyboard are used to control the up, left, down, and right directions, respectively. In another embodiment of this application, the character 3082 is a two-dimensional barcode (QR code), which can be scanned by a user using a suitable electronic device (e.g., a smartphone) to unlock, for example, a computer or laptop.
[0075] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the electronic ink display module 30 assembled to the keycap 202 according to the second embodiment of this application; Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the keyboard key structure 10 without being pressed in this application; Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the pressed keyboard key structure 10 of this application; please also refer to... Figures 6 to 8 The second embodiment of the keyboard key structure 10 of this application is largely the same as the first embodiment of the keyboard key structure 10 of this application described above, and therefore will not be repeated here.
[0076] In the first embodiment of the keyboard key structure 10 of this application, the lower substructure 204 of the key and the electronic ink display module 30 are disposed on the horizontal plane 2022 of the keycap 202 (at least as shown). Figure 4 (As shown). However, in the second embodiment of the keyboard key structure 10 of this application, the lower substructure 204 of the key is disposed on the horizontal plane 2022 of the keycap 202, but the electronic ink display module 30 is disposed in a groove 2024 of the keycap 202 adjacent to the horizontal plane 2022 (at least as shown). Figure 7 (As shown), to save more space. The horizontal plane 2022 is different from the groove 2024.
[0077] like Figure 6 As shown, the assembly direction D2 (from bottom to top) of the electronic ink display module 30 to the keycap 202 is opposite to that shown in the figure. Figure 8 The pressing direction shown is D1 (from top to bottom).
[0078] Figure 9 This is an exploded view of the third embodiment of the keyboard key structure 10 of this application; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the electronic ink display module 30 assembled to the keycap 202 according to the third embodiment of this application; Figure 11A cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of the keyboard key structure 10 of the present application, which is not pressed; Figure 12 A cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of the keyboard key structure 10 of the present application, which is pressed; please refer to Figures 9 to 12 The third embodiment of the keyboard key structure 10 of the present application is substantially the same as the first embodiment of the keyboard key structure 10 of the present application, and thus will not be described again.
[0079] In the first embodiment of the keyboard key structure 10 of the present application, the key lower substructure 204 and the electronic ink display module 30 are disposed on the horizontal plane 2022 of the keycap 202 (at least as shown in Figure 4 However, in the third embodiment of the keyboard key structure 10 of the present application, the key lower substructure 204 is disposed on the horizontal plane 2022 of the keycap 202, but the electronic ink display module 30 is disposed in an upper penetrating region 2026 of the keycap 202 adjacent to the horizontal plane 2022 (at least as shown in Figure 11 to save more space.
[0080] As shown in Figure 10 The assembly direction D2 (from top to bottom) of the electronic ink display module 30 to the keycap 202 is the same as the pressing direction D1 (from top to bottom) as shown in Figure 12 to avoid separation of the electronic ink display module 30 and the keycap 202 after assembly.
[0081] Furthermore, the electronic ink display module 30 is disposed on at least one protrusion 2028 of the keycap 202 in the upper penetrating region 2026.
[0082] For the second and third embodiments of the keyboard key structure 10 of the present application, if the electronic ink display module 30 does not touch the diaphragm 220 when the keycap 202 is pressed, the lower penetrating region 206 can not be provided; or the depth of the lower penetrating region 206 is determined according to overall design requirements. For the first and second embodiments of the keyboard key structure 10 of the present application, the keycap 202 is made of transparent material, so that the user can view the characters 3082 displayed by the electronic ink display panel 308.
[0083] The present application simplifies the structure of a keyboard key with an electronic ink display module.
[0084] While the application has been described with reference to the embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that the application is not limited to the details of the foregoing descriptions; a variety of alternatives and modifications will occur to those skilled in the art in view of the foregoing description, and the general principles described above. Therefore, all such alternatives and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the application.
Claims
1. A keyboard key structure, characterized by comprising: Comprising: a keyboard key substructure; and an electronic ink display module assembled to the keyboard key substructure, wherein the electronic ink display module comprises: a first flexible printed circuit board; a timing control integrated circuit sandwiched between the bent first flexible printed circuit board, electrically connected to the first flexible printed circuit board; a near field communication antenna disposed on the first flexible printed circuit board, electrically connected to the first flexible printed circuit board and the timing control integrated circuit; and an electronic ink display panel disposed on the first flexible printed circuit board, electrically connected to the first flexible printed circuit board, the timing control integrated circuit and the near field communication antenna.
2. The keyboard key structure of claim 1, wherein The keyboard key substructure comprises a key cap and a key lower substructure; the electronic ink display module is assembled to the key cap; the key cap is assembled to the key lower substructure; the key lower substructure comprises a lower penetration area.
3. The keyboard key structure of claim 2, wherein The key lower substructure and the electronic ink display module are disposed on a horizontal plane of the key cap.
4. The keyboard key structure of claim 2, wherein The key lower substructure is disposed on a horizontal plane of the key cap; the electronic ink display module is disposed in a groove of the key cap adjacent to the horizontal plane.
5. The keyboard key structure of claim 2, wherein The key lower substructure is disposed on a horizontal plane of the key cap; the electronic ink display module is disposed in an upper penetration area of the key cap adjacent to the horizontal plane.
6. The keyboard key structure of claim 2, wherein The key lower substructure further comprises a rubber dome and a scissor lift substructure; the rubber dome and the scissor lift substructure are disposed on a horizontal plane of the key cap.
7. The keyboard key structure of claim 6, wherein The key lower substructure further comprises a bottom sticker; the scissor lift substructure is disposed on the bottom sticker.
8. The keyboard key structure of claim 7, wherein The key lower substructure further comprises a bracket; the bracket is disposed on the bottom sticker.
9. The keyboard key structure of claim 8, wherein The key lower substructure further comprises a second flexible printed circuit board and a plurality of light emitting diodes; the second flexible printed circuit board is disposed on the bracket; the plurality of light emitting diodes are disposed on the second flexible printed circuit board.
10. The keyboard key structure of claim 9, wherein The keyboard key substructure further comprises a printed layer; the printed layer is disposed on the key cap; the key lower substructure further comprises a membrane and a plurality of accommodation holes; the membrane is disposed on the second flexible printed circuit board; the rubber dome is disposed on the membrane; the plurality of accommodation holes pass through the bracket, the second flexible printed circuit board and the membrane; The scissor lift substructure is disposed on the bottom sticker through the plurality of accommodation holes; the lower penetration area passes through the bottom sticker, the bracket, the second flexible printed circuit board and the membrane.