Keyboard key shaft and luminous keyboard

Abstract

The utility model relates to a keyboard key shaft and a luminous keyboard, the keyboard key shaft comprises a semitransparent upper cover, a transparent base and a transparent axis, and the semitransparent upper cover, the transparent base and the transparent axis are of axisymmetric structures; the transparent shaft center comprises a cross key shaft used for installing a key cap buckle cover, the semitransparent upper cover is in buckle butt joint with the transparent base, and the cross key shaft is arranged in the middle of the semitransparent upper cover and the transparent base; the keyboard key shaft comprises a mechanical shaft or a magnetic shaft. According to the light-emitting keyboard, light transmission can be improved, the light-emitting effect of an existing light-emitting keyboard can be improved when the light-emitting keyboard is cooperatively used with the light-emitting keyboard, the appearance of the whole keyboard is more attractive and neat, and the light effect of each key position is fuller and more uniform.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of computer keyboards, and more specifically, to a keyboard key switch and an illuminated keyboard. Background Technology

[0002] The key switches on existing keyboards mainly include two types: mechanical switches and magnetic switches. Backlit keyboards have LED lights on the keyboard casing to create keyboard lighting effects.

[0003] Different types of key switches cannot achieve effective light transmission when used with backlit keyboards, mainly for the following reasons:

[0004] The mechanical switch's structure, with its copper plate, blocks the backlighting on the keyboard casing, preventing it from transmitting light sufficiently.

[0005] In the structure of magnetic switches, some magnetic switches have light-transmitting openings on the top cover of the key switch. However, most magnetic switches only have openings on one side. When multiple LEDs are arranged around each key on the PCB board of the keyboard case, there is a defect of blocking light, which cannot support the combined application of multiple LEDs.

[0006] How to improve the compatibility between key switches and backlit keyboards, enhance the light transmittance and aesthetics of key switches, and transmit the light from the keyboard casing to the keycaps through the key switches are all technical problems that high-quality keyboards urgently need to solve. Utility Model Content

[0007] The purpose of this application is to provide a keyboard key switch and an illuminated keyboard that can improve light transmittance. When used in conjunction with an illuminated keyboard, it can improve the lighting effect of existing illuminated keyboards, making the overall appearance of the keyboard more beautiful and neat, and making the light effect of each key more full and uniform.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, in a first aspect, the present invention provides a keyboard key switch, which includes a semi-transparent top cover, a transparent base, and a transparent shaft, wherein the semi-transparent top cover, the transparent base, and the transparent shaft are all axially symmetrical structures;

[0009] The transparent axis includes a cross-shaped key axis for mounting keycaps; the semi-transparent top cover snaps into the transparent base; and the cross-shaped key axis is located at the center of the semi-transparent top cover and the transparent base.

[0010] The keyboard key switches include mechanical switches or magnetic switches.

[0011] In an optional embodiment, the translucent top cover, the transparent base, and the transparent shaft are all integrally injection molded structures. The translucent top cover is made of POM material, and the transparent base and the transparent shaft are made of PC material.

[0012] In an optional embodiment, the transparent shaft includes a mounting post for mounting a trigger sensor, the trigger sensor being fixedly connected to the bottom of the mounting post and capable of moving synchronously with the transparent shaft;

[0013] The mounting post is concentrically arranged with the cross-shaped key shaft and is located on the other side of the transparent shaft opposite to the cross-shaped key shaft.

[0014] In an optional embodiment, the keyboard key switch includes a keyboard mechanical switch, and the trigger sensor includes a trigger metal plate mounted on the bottom end of the mounting post.

[0015] In an optional embodiment, the keyboard key switch includes a keyboard magnetic switch, the trigger sensing element includes a magnetic switch permanent magnet, the mounting post includes an open recess at the bottom, and the magnetic switch permanent magnet is fixedly installed in the open recess.

[0016] In an optional embodiment, a return spring is sleeved on the outer side of the mounting post, the transparent shaft includes a limiting shoulder located between the cross key shaft and the mounting post, the top end of the return spring abuts against the bottom wall of the limiting shoulder, and the bottom end of the return spring abuts against the bottom wall of the transparent base.

[0017] In an optional embodiment, the transparent base is provided with a docking sleeve with an open top for the mounting column to extend into. The limiting shoulder is an inverted U-shaped plate structure. The side wall of the U-shaped plate structure is provided with limiting fins for the transparent axis to be limited and abut against the inside of the translucent top cover. The reset spring is located on the outside of the docking sleeve and on the inside of the side wall of the U-shaped plate structure.

[0018] In an optional embodiment, the translucent top cover is provided with a docking claw for snapping with the transparent base. The docking claw is located in the circumferential direction of the translucent top cover. The transparent base is provided with a snap-fit ​​shoulder, which is correspondingly provided with the docking claw and is used for snap-fit ​​connection by the docking claw.

[0019] In an optional embodiment, the translucent top cover is further provided with mounting claws for snapping the keyboard key switches onto the keyboard housing, and the transparent base is provided with clearance grooves for accommodating the mounting claws.

[0020] The transparent base is also provided with elastic claws, which include an elastic main claw that can be elastically embedded inside the translucent top cover, and an elastic secondary claw that is exposed outside the translucent top cover and can be elastically engaged with the keyboard housing.

[0021] Secondly, this utility model provides an illuminated keyboard, including a keyboard housing and a keyboard key switch as described in any of the foregoing embodiments. A PCB board is provided on the keyboard housing, and multiple sets of LED lights are provided on the PCB board, with each set of LED lights corresponding to one of the keyboard key switches.

[0022] The keyboard's key switches feature a semi-transparent top cover, a transparent base, and a transparent core, allowing the LED lights on the keyboard casing to fully transmit light while presenting a primary color frosted effect. This enhances the key switches' light transmittance and aesthetics, and also transmits the light through the key switches to the keycaps, improving the quality of the backlit keyboard.

[0023] The combination of a semi-transparent top cover, a transparent base, and a transparent key switch, all of which are axially symmetrical, creates a symmetrical integrated structure for the keyboard key switches, ensuring uniform light transmission from top to bottom.

[0024] The transparent switch includes a cross-shaped key switch for mounting keycaps, providing a structural basis for keycap mounting while allowing complete light transmission to the keycaps.

[0025] The semi-transparent top cover and transparent base are snapped together, making it easy to replace internal components. By placing the cross-shaped key switches in the center of the semi-transparent top cover and transparent base, combined with multiple LED lights around the keyboard key switches, the obstruction of light by some opaque structures can be reduced, ensuring light transmission.

[0026] The keyboard key switches in this invention are not limited to any particular type, including mechanical or magnetic switches, and can simultaneously meet the light transmission requirements of different types of keyboard key switches.

[0027] The keyboard key switch of this invention can reduce light scattering loss, optimize the uniformity and reflection path of the light, and the symmetrical integrated structure can make the light diffusely reflect inside the switch, eliminate the "light spot" phenomenon of traditional switches, achieve a crystal-like translucent texture, and greatly improve the light effect of the keyboard key switch.

[0028] Other features and advantages of this application will be described in detail in the following detailed description section. Attached Figure Description

[0029] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the key shaft structure in this application;

[0031] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the key shaft in this application;

[0032] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the split structure of the key shaft in this application;

[0033] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the illuminated keyboard in this application.

[0034] icon:

[0035] 1-Keyboard casing; 2-PCB board; 3-LED lights; 10-Key switches;

[0036] 11-Top cover; 111-Matching claw; 112-Installation claw;

[0037] 12-Base; 121-Matching sleeve; 122-Snap shoulder; 123-Allowing groove; 124-Elastic claw; 124a-Elastic main claw; 124b-Elastic secondary claw;

[0038] 13-Shaft; 131-Cross-key shaft; 132-Mounting post; 133-Limit shoulder; 134-Limit fin;

[0039] 14 - Magnetic shaft permanent magnet; 15 - Return spring. Detailed Implementation

[0040] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0041] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "inner" and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product is in use. They are used only for the convenience of describing this application and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0042] In the description of this application, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "setup" and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0043] The keyboard key switches and backlit keyboards in this application are mainly used in the field of backlit keyboards. By making necessary improvements to the structure of the keyboard key switches, the visual appeal of existing backlit keyboards is improved, and the disassembly and installation of the keyboard key switches are made more convenient, facilitating replacement on the keyboard casing.

[0044] See Figure 1 and combined Figures 2-3 The keyboard key switch 10 of this utility model has a main structure including a semi-transparent top cover 11, a transparent base 12 and a transparent switch core 13. From the perspective of improving light effect, the light source located on the keyboard shell 1 can be fully transmitted through the transparent base 12 and the transparent switch core 13. Combined with the semi-transparent top cover 11, a light effect of original color mist can be formed, thereby improving the light transmittance and aesthetics of the switch.

[0045] The translucent top cover 11, the transparent base 12, and the transparent key axis 13 are all axially symmetrical structures. Specifically, from the perspective of usage direction, the translucent top cover 11, the transparent base 12, and the transparent key axis 13 are all horizontally symmetrical and front-back symmetrical structures. Through this arrangement, a symmetrical integrated light guide structure of the keyboard key axis 10 can be formed, which can ensure that light passes through the front and back parts of the key axis evenly, thereby avoiding the problem of poor visual effect caused by uneven light in the prior art.

[0046] Compared to existing traditional key switches 10, the keyboard key switches 10 of this utility model make the light effect of each key more full and uniform, thereby improving the overall visual aesthetics of the keyboard.

[0047] The transparent switch 13 includes a cross-shaped key switch 131 for mounting keycap covers. The cross-shaped key switch 131 included in the transparent switch 13 provides a structural basis for the installation of keycaps. More importantly, it allows light to pass through completely, thereby enabling the keycaps connected and mounted on the cross-shaped key switch 131 to receive light rendering and improving the rendering effect of the keyboard.

[0048] The semi-transparent top cover 11 and the transparent base 12 are snapped together, which allows for the separation and disassembly of the frosted structure and the light-transmitting structure. The transparent top cover 11 can be replaced on the transparent base 12 according to different lighting effect requirements, thereby creating space for personalized lighting effect settings.

[0049] By setting the cross-shaped key 131 of the transparent shaft 13 in the center of the translucent top cover 11 and the transparent base 12, and by extending the cross-shaped key 131 from the translucent top cover 11, the light from the three LED lights at the bottom can be transmitted through the middle part of the key 10, ensuring uniform and coordinated light transmission and reducing the obstruction of light by the key 10 structure.

[0050] The key switch 10 structure in this invention can be applied to both mechanical and magnetic switch types, thus broadening the application range of the light-transmitting key switch 10 and improving the light effect of keyboards with different key switch 10 types.

[0051] Regarding the specific light transmission effects of the different structures mentioned above, the translucent top cover 11, the transparent base 12, and the transparent switch 13 are all integrally injection molded structures. Specifically, they are integrally injection molded plastic structures. More specifically, for the light mist transmission effect of the top cover 11, the translucent top cover 11 includes POM material. Meanwhile, based on the bottom structure of the key switch 10 and the light transmission requirements of the key switch 10 to the keycap, the transparent base 12 and the transparent switch 13 include PC material. This constitutes the key switch 10 as a whole that can transmit light evenly from top to bottom, making the light effect of the backlit keyboard richer and fuller.

[0052] Based on the basic function of the key shaft 10, the transparent shaft 13 includes a mounting post 132 for mounting a trigger sensor. The trigger sensor is fixedly connected to the bottom of the mounting post 132 and can move synchronously with the transparent shaft 13.

[0053] The mounting post 132 is concentrically positioned with the cross-shaped key switch 131 and is located on the opposite side of the transparent core 13 from the cross-shaped key switch 131. This arrangement, combined with the cross-shaped key switch 131 being positioned in the center of the translucent top cover 11 and the transparent base 12, minimizes the obstruction of light by the trigger sensor.

[0054] In the structure of the mechanical shaft, the trigger sensing element includes a trigger metal plate installed at the bottom of the mounting post 132.

[0055] In the structure of the magnetic shaft, the trigger sensing element includes a permanent magnet 14 in the form of a circular magnet, and the mounting post 132 includes an open recess at the bottom, in which the magnet is fixedly installed.

[0056] The above-mentioned configuration can meet the light transmission requirements of different key shaft 10 structures, and minimize the light obstruction by the trigger metal plate or magnetic shaft permanent magnet 14 located in the center.

[0057] Meanwhile, in order to ensure the normal reciprocating up and down movement of the key shaft 10, a return spring 15 is sleeved on the outside of the mounting post 132. The transparent shaft 13 includes a limiting shoulder 133 located between the cross key shaft 131 and the mounting post 132. The top end of the return spring 15 abuts against the bottom wall of the limiting shoulder 133, and the bottom end of the return spring 15 abuts against the bottom wall of the transparent base 12.

[0058] Furthermore, the transparent base 12 is provided with a docking sleeve 121 with an open top for the mounting post 132 to extend into. The limiting shoulder 133 is an inverted U-shaped plate structure. The side wall of the U-shaped plate structure is provided with limiting fins 134 for limiting the transparent shaft 13 to abut against the inside of the translucent top cover 11. The bottom of the return spring 15 is located on the outside of the docking sleeve 121, and the top of the return spring 15 is located on the inside of the side wall of the U-shaped plate structure.

[0059] The above-mentioned structure can meet the normal operation function of the key shaft 10. It should be noted that the above different structures are all made of transparent PC material, which can ensure the light transmittance of the shaft 13 and the base 12 to the greatest extent, and minimize the impact of the return spring 15 and necessary functional components on the light transmittance.

[0060] Regarding the detachable connection between the translucent top cover 11 and the transparent base 12 described above, the translucent top cover 11 is provided with docking claws 111 for snapping into the transparent base 12. The docking claws 111 are located circumferentially on the translucent top cover 11. Referring to the attached diagram, the docking claws 111 include four located at the four corners of the top cover 11. Correspondingly, the transparent base 12 is provided with snap-fit ​​shoulders 122. The snap-fit ​​shoulders 122 are correspondingly positioned to the docking claws 111 and are used for snap-fit ​​connection. By engaging the docking claws 111 onto the snap-fit ​​shoulders 122, a detachable connection between the two can be achieved, facilitating personalized light distribution at different axial positions.

[0061] From the perspective of detachably connecting the key switch 10 to the keyboard housing 1, based on the snap-fit ​​connection between the top cover 11 and the base 12, the semi-transparent top cover 11 is also provided with a mounting claw 112 for snapping the keyboard key switch 10 onto the keyboard housing 1, and the transparent base 12 is provided with a relief groove 123 for accommodating the mounting claw 112.

[0062] After the top cover 11 and the base 12 are fastened together, the mounting claw 112 can be accommodated in the relief groove 123 on the base 12. At the same time, there is a certain amount of elastic deformation space in the relief groove 123. The keyboard housing 1 includes a mounting plate for mounting the key switch 10 as a whole, and multiple mounting holes are provided on the mounting plate to ensure that the mounting claw 112 and the plate body at the mounting hole are engaged.

[0063] In addition to the fit between the top cover 11 and the mounting plate and mounting holes, the base 12 also has a flexible snap-fit ​​fit with the mounting plate and mounting holes to ensure structural stability during installation. Furthermore, the transparent base 12 also has another set of flexible structures, besides the docking claws 111, that snap-fit ​​with the top cover 11.

[0064] Specifically, the transparent base 12 is also provided with elastic claws 124. The elastic claws 124 include elastic main claws 124a that can be elastically embedded inside the translucent top cover 11. The elastic main claws 124a are located between the docking claws 111 and on the other side of the avoidance groove 123. Through the further cooperation between the elastic main claws 124a and the transparent top cover 11, the reliability of the cooperation between the base 12 and the top cover 11 can be guaranteed.

[0065] Meanwhile, the elastic claw 124 also includes an elastic secondary claw 124b exposed on the translucent upper cover 11 after the translucent upper cover 11 and the transparent base 12 are engaged. The elastic secondary claw 124b can be elastically engaged with the keyboard housing 1, thereby forming a cooperating relationship between the key switch 10 and the keyboard housing 1 in the circumferential direction, ensuring a stable and reliable connection.

[0066] Combination Figure 4 This utility model also provides an illuminated keyboard, including a keyboard housing 1 and the keyboard key switches 10 described above. A PCB board 2 is provided on the keyboard housing 1, and multiple sets of LED lights 3 are provided on the PCB board 2, with each set of LED lights 3 corresponding to a keyboard key switch 10.

[0067] More specifically, each group of LED lights 3 includes multiple light points surrounding the keyboard key switch 10. Combined with the symmetrical integrated structure of the keyboard key switch 10, it ensures that light passes through the switch evenly from top to bottom, making the keyboard lighting effect more uniform and layered, and able to render different forms of lighting effects, meeting the needs of high-quality keyboard functions, quality and lighting effects.

[0068] It should be noted that, where there is no conflict, the features in the embodiments of this application can be combined with each other.

[0069] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A keyboard key shaft, characterized by, The keyboard key switch includes a semi-transparent top cover, a transparent base, and a transparent core, all of which are axially symmetrical structures. The transparent axis includes a cross-shaped key axis for mounting keycaps; the semi-transparent top cover snaps into the transparent base; and the cross-shaped key axis is located at the center of the semi-transparent top cover and the transparent base. The keyboard key switches include mechanical switches or magnetic switches.

2. The keyboard key shaft of claim 1, wherein The translucent top cover, the transparent base, and the transparent shaft are all integrally injection molded structures. The translucent top cover is made of POM material, and the transparent base and the transparent shaft are made of PC material.

3. The keyboard key shaft of claim 1, wherein The transparent shaft includes a mounting post for mounting a trigger sensor, the trigger sensor being fixedly connected to the bottom of the mounting post and capable of moving synchronously with the transparent shaft; The mounting post is concentrically arranged with the cross-shaped key shaft and is located on the other side of the transparent shaft opposite to the cross-shaped key shaft.

4. The keyboard key shaft of claim 3, wherein The keyboard key switch includes a keyboard mechanical switch, and the trigger sensor includes a trigger metal plate installed at the bottom of the mounting post.

5. The keyboard key shaft of claim 3, wherein The keyboard key switch includes a keyboard magnetic switch, the trigger sensing element includes a magnetic switch permanent magnet, the mounting post includes an open recess at the bottom, and the magnetic switch permanent magnet is fixedly installed in the open recess.

6. The keyboard key shaft of claim 3, wherein A return spring is sleeved on the outer side of the mounting post. The transparent shaft includes a limiting shoulder located between the cross key shaft and the mounting post. The top end of the return spring abuts against the bottom wall of the limiting shoulder, and the bottom end of the return spring abuts against the bottom wall of the transparent base.

7. The keyboard key shaft of claim 6, wherein The transparent base is provided with a docking sleeve with an open top for the mounting column to extend into. The limiting shoulder is an inverted U-shaped plate structure. The side wall of the U-shaped plate structure is provided with limiting fins for the transparent axis to be limited and abut against the inside of the translucent top cover. The reset spring is located on the outside of the docking sleeve and on the inside of the side wall of the U-shaped plate structure.

8. The keyboard key shaft of claim 6, wherein The translucent top cover is provided with docking claws for snapping with the transparent base. The docking claws are located in the circumferential direction of the translucent top cover. The transparent base is provided with a buckle shoulder, which is correspondingly provided with the docking claws and is used for the docking claws to snap together.

9. The keyboard key shaft of claim 6, wherein, The translucent top cover is also provided with mounting claws for snapping the keyboard key switches onto the keyboard housing, and the transparent base is provided with clearance grooves for accommodating the mounting claws. The transparent base is also provided with elastic claws, which include an elastic main claw that can be elastically embedded inside the translucent top cover, and an elastic secondary claw that is exposed outside the translucent top cover and can be elastically engaged with the keyboard housing.

10. A backlit keyboard, characterized in that, The keyboard includes a keyboard housing and a keyboard key switch as described in any one of claims 1-9. A PCB board is provided on the keyboard housing, and multiple sets of LED lights are provided on the PCB board, with each set of LED lights corresponding to one of the keyboard key switches.

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