Ergonomic keyboard based on electromagnetic induction principle switch

Abstract

The utility model relates to an ergonomic keyboard based on an electromagnetic induction principle switch, which belongs to the technical field of keyboards and comprises an outer frame, a flexible circuit board module and a plurality of electromagnetic shaft switches arranged on the flexible circuit board module. Compared with a traditional mechanical shaft or a film key, the electromagnetic induction switch has lower triggering force and higher response speed, and the pressing experience of a user can be improved. Meanwhile, the bottom of the electromagnetic shaft switch adopts the structure of the closed bottom plate, so that the metal block cannot protrude out of the bottom of the electromagnetic shaft switch, the shaft core is prevented from being influenced by the external environment, the accurate positioning of the switch stroke is improved, and the service life of the switch stroke is prolonged; therefore, clear sound (Hifi sound or mahjong sound) is generated, the pressing hand feeling of the electromagnetic shaft switch is improved, and the use experience of a user is guaranteed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of keyboard technology, specifically to an ergonomic keyboard based on the principle of electromagnetic induction switches. Background Technology

[0002] The computer keyboard is the most frequently used and most important input device. With the widespread use of computers and the rapid development of the internet, computers play an increasingly important role. Office work, gaming, and online chatting all require the use of a computer keyboard. However, prolonged use of a computer keyboard can easily lead to hand discomfort and cause chronic ailments such as frozen shoulder and wrist arthritis. From an ergonomic perspective, to improve work efficiency and sustain operation, operators should adopt a comfortable and natural posture. The abnormal posture adopted by workers due to existing keyboard operating conditions is a major cause of physical fatigue.

[0003] Therefore, ergonomic keyboards (English name: Natural Keyboard) have been introduced to the market. Ergonomic keyboards separate the left-hand key area and right-hand key area, which are prescribed by fingering, on the standard keyboard and form a certain angle so that the operator does not have to consciously squeeze their arms together and maintain a more natural posture, thereby reducing the operator's physical fatigue.

[0004] Currently, existing technologies primarily focus on optimizing the shape and structure of ergonomic keyboards, particularly the wrist rest, neglecting the key press experience. In practical applications, to reduce keyboard height, these ergonomic keyboards typically use low-profile or membrane switches. While these switches do lower the keyboard height, their press experience is inferior to mechanical or magnetic switches, feeling soft and lacking tactile feedback, easily leading to user fatigue during prolonged use. Furthermore, the key travel of these switches cannot be adjusted, failing to meet the usage habits of different users. Therefore, this paper proposes an ergonomic keyboard based on electromagnetic induction switches. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention provides an ergonomic keyboard based on the principle of electromagnetic induction switches to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0006] The objective of this utility model is achieved through the following means:

[0007] An ergonomic keyboard based on the principle of electromagnetic induction switches includes an outer frame, a flexible circuit board module, and a plurality of electromagnetic axis switches disposed on the flexible circuit board module. Each electromagnetic axis switch includes a housing and a shaft core that is vertically and flexibly disposed within the housing. A guide groove is provided inside the housing. The lower end of the shaft core slides into the guide groove via a guide post. A spring is provided on the outside of the guide groove to support the shaft core. An induction coil is disposed on the flexible circuit board module below the electromagnetic axis switch. A metal block for interacting with the induction coil is fitted into the bottom of the guide post. A closed bottom plate is provided at the bottom of the guide groove. When the shaft core is lowered to the bottom, the metal block contacts the closed bottom plate.

[0008] Furthermore, the middle part of the outer frame arches upward, making the height of the middle part of the outer frame greater than the height of the two ends in the length direction of the outer frame.

[0009] Furthermore, the thickness of the middle part of the outer frame is greater than the thickness of both ends of the outer frame in the length direction.

[0010] Furthermore, the bottom of the outer frame is provided with several support feet for constructing a plane.

[0011] Furthermore, the flexible circuit board module matches the deformation curvature of the outer frame. The flexible circuit board module includes an axis positioning plate, a flexible circuit board, and a rigid support plate that is attached to the inside of the outer frame. The flexible circuit board is attached to the upper end of the rigid support plate, and the axis positioning plate is fixedly disposed above the flexible circuit board. The axis positioning plate is provided with a locking position for fixing the electromagnetic axis switch.

[0012] Furthermore, the outer casing is composed of a top cover and a base.

[0013] Furthermore, the upper cover is provided with a positioning groove for accommodating the shaft core, and the inner wall of the positioning groove is evenly provided with a plurality of arc-shaped edges for abutting and engaging with the shaft core.

[0014] Furthermore, two tracks are symmetrically arranged inside the base, and the shaft core slides with the tracks through sliders on both sides, with a hollowed-out groove running through the track and the slider.

[0015] This invention achieves an electromagnetic induction switch through the cooperation of a metal block inside the shaft core and an induction coil on a flexible circuit board module. Compared to traditional mechanical or membrane electromagnetic shaft switches, it has a lower trigger force and a faster response speed, improving the user's pressing experience. Simultaneously, the closed base plate structure of the electromagnetic shaft switch prevents the metal block from protruding outwards, avoiding external environmental influences on the shaft core, improving the accuracy of the switch travel and extending its service life. When the shaft core is pressed to the bottom, the metal block collides with the closed base plate, producing a crisp sound (Hi-Fi sound or mahjong sound), enhancing the pressing feel of the electromagnetic shaft switch and ensuring a superior user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the ergonomic keyboard in this utility model;

[0017] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the ergonomic keyboard in this utility model;

[0018] Figure 3 This is a front view of the ergonomic keyboard in this utility model;

[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the electromagnetic shaft switch in this utility model;

[0020] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the electromagnetic shaft switch in this utility model;

[0021] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the electromagnetic shaft switch in this utility model;

[0022] Figure 7 This is a top view of the electromagnetic shaft switch in this utility model;

[0023] Figure 8 This is an exploded view of the central shaft of this utility model;

[0024] The reference numerals in the diagram are as follows: 1-Outer frame, 101-Support foot, 2-Electromagnetic shaft switch, 3-Housing shell, 3A-Top cover, 31A-Positioning groove, 32A-Rounded edge, 3B-Base, 31B-Guide groove, 32B-Closed base plate, 33B-Railway, 4-Shaft core, 401-Guide column, 402-Slider, 403-Key, 5-Spring, 6-Induction coil, 7-Metal block, 8-Shaft positioning plate, 9-Flexible circuit board, 10-Rigid support plate, 11-Hollowed groove, 12-Keycap. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0026] In this embodiment, refer to Figure 1 - Figure 8 The present invention relates to an ergonomic keyboard based on the principle of electromagnetic induction switches, comprising an outer frame 1, a flexible circuit board module, and a plurality of electromagnetic axis switches 2 disposed on the flexible circuit board module. Each electromagnetic axis switch 2 includes a housing 3 and a shaft core 4 movably disposed within the housing 3. A guide groove 31B is provided within the housing 3. The lower end of the shaft core 4 slides within the guide groove 31B via a guide post 401. A spring 5 is provided on the outer side of the guide groove 31B to support the shaft core 4. An induction coil 6 is disposed below the electromagnetic axis switch 2 on the flexible circuit board module. A metal block 7 for interacting with the induction coil 6 is fitted into the bottom of the guide post 401. A closed base plate 32B is provided at the bottom of the guide groove 31B. When the shaft core 4 is lowered to the bottom, the metal block 7 contacts the closed base plate 32B. The metal block 7 is preferably made of iron, copper, or aluminum.

[0027] Furthermore, the middle part of the outer frame 1 arches upward, making the height of the middle part of the outer frame 1 greater than the height of the two ends in the length direction of the outer frame 1, and the thickness of the middle part of the outer frame 1 greater than the thickness of the two ends in the length direction of the outer frame 1, forming a curved surface that conforms to the natural curvature of the human hand, so that users can reduce hand fatigue and improve comfort when typing for a long time.

[0028] Furthermore, the bottom of the outer frame 1 is provided with a plurality of support feet 101 for constructing a plane. The support feet 101 are evenly distributed around the bottom of the outer frame 1 to ensure that the keyboard is placed stably and to prevent shaking or sliding during use.

[0029] Furthermore, the flexible circuit board module features a thin design and is embedded within the outer frame 1, ensuring a compact and lightweight overall keyboard structure. Each electromagnetic switch 2 has an independently installed induction coil 6. When the switch core 4 descends, the metal block 7 approaches or contacts the induction coil 6, triggering a switch signal through electromagnetic induction to realize the function of the electromagnetic switch 2. This design eliminates the need for traditional mechanical contacts, reducing wear and increasing the keyboard's lifespan.

[0030] Furthermore, the flexible circuit board module matches the curvature of the outer frame 1. The flexible circuit board module includes a shaft positioning plate 8, a flexible circuit board 9, and a rigid support plate 10 fitted inside the outer frame 1. The flexible circuit board 9 is fitted onto the upper end of the rigid support plate 10. The shaft positioning plate 8 is fixedly positioned above the flexible circuit board 9 and has a locking position for fixing the electromagnetic axis switch 2. The rigid support plate 10 matches the curvature of the outer frame 1, allowing the flexible circuit board module to bend with the curvature of the outer frame 1 without causing damage or malfunction. This design not only ensures the keyboard's aesthetics and ergonomics but also its reliability and durability.

[0031] Furthermore, the outer casing 3 is composed of an upper cover 3A and a base 3B, which are connected by a snap fastener. The upper cover 3A has a positioning groove 31A for accommodating the shaft core 4. The inner wall of the positioning groove 31A is evenly provided with a plurality of arc-shaped edges 32A for abutting against the shaft core 4. The plurality of arc-shaped edges 32A evenly provided on the inner wall of the positioning groove 31A not only limit the shaft core 4, but also reduce the contact area with the shaft core 4. While ensuring the stable up and down movement of the shaft core 4, it can reduce the friction of the up and down movement of the shaft core 4, reduce the wear of the shaft core 4, and improve the smoothness of pressing the electromagnetic shaft switch 2.

[0032] Furthermore, two tracks 33B are symmetrically arranged inside the base 3B. The shaft core 4 slides with the tracks 33B through sliders 402 on both sides. A hollowed-out groove 11 is provided between the tracks 33B and the sliders 402. The hollowed-out groove 11 is designed to reduce the friction between the tracks 33B and the sliders 402, thereby improving the smoothness of the shaft core 4's up-and-down movement and reducing the wear of the shaft core 4.

[0033] Furthermore, the upper end of the spindle core 4 is provided with a key position 403 that can pass through the housing 3. The key position 403 is used to connect the keycap 12 for displaying characters. The key position 403 is arranged in a cross shape, and one of them has an outwardly protruding edge, which serves to prevent foolproof installation and avoid the keycap 12 from being installed in the wrong direction.

[0034] This invention achieves an electromagnetic induction switch by cooperating between the metal block 7 inside the shaft core 4 and the induction coil 6 on the flexible circuit board module. Compared with traditional mechanical shafts or membrane buttons, it has a lower trigger force and a faster response speed, improving the user's pressing experience. Simultaneously, the bottom of the electromagnetic shaft switch 2 adopts a closed base plate 32B structure, preventing the metal block 7 from protruding outwards from the bottom of the electromagnetic shaft switch 2. This avoids the shaft core 4 being affected by the external environment, improving the accuracy of the switch travel and extending its service life. When the shaft core 4 is pressed to the bottom, the metal block 7 collides with the closed base plate 32B, producing a crisp sound (Hi-fi sound or mahjong sound), improving the pressing feel of the electromagnetic shaft switch 2 and ensuring a better user experience.

[0035] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model in any way. Although the present utility model has been disclosed above with reference to a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any person skilled in the art can make some changes or modifications to the above-disclosed technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present utility model. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and modifications made to the above embodiments based on the present utility model without departing from the scope of the present utility model shall fall within the scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. An ergonomic keyboard based on the principle of electromagnetic induction switches, characterized in that, The device includes an outer frame (1), a flexible circuit board module, and several electromagnetic shaft switches (2) disposed on the flexible circuit board module. Each electromagnetic shaft switch (2) includes a housing (3) and a shaft core (4) disposed in the housing (3) in a height-adjustable manner. A guide groove (31B) is provided inside the housing (3). The lower end of the shaft core (4) slides with the guide groove (31B) through a guide post (401). A spring (5) is provided on the outside of the guide groove (31B) to support the shaft core (4). An induction coil (6) is provided below the electromagnetic shaft switch (2) on the flexible circuit board module. A metal block (7) for interacting with the induction coil (6) is fitted into the bottom of the guide post (401). A closed bottom plate (32B) is provided at the bottom of the guide groove (31B). When the shaft core (4) is lowered to the bottom, the metal block (7) contacts the closed bottom plate (32B).

2. The ergonomic keyboard based on the electromagnetic induction principle switch as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The middle part of the outer frame (1) arches upward, so that the height of the middle part of the outer frame (1) is greater than the height of the two ends of the outer frame (1) in the length direction.

3. The ergonomic keyboard based on the electromagnetic induction principle switch according to claim 2, characterized in that: The thickness of the middle part of the outer frame (1) is greater than the thickness of both ends of the outer frame (1) in the length direction.

4. The ergonomic keyboard based on the electromagnetic induction principle switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom of the outer frame (1) is provided with several support feet (101) for constructing the plane.

5. An ergonomic keyboard based on an electromagnetic induction principle switch according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that: The flexible circuit board module is matched with the deformation arc of the outer frame (1). The flexible circuit board module includes a shaft positioning plate (8), a flexible circuit board (9), and a rigid support plate (10) that is attached to the inside of the outer frame (1). The flexible circuit board (9) is attached to the upper end of the rigid support plate (10). The shaft positioning plate (8) is fixedly disposed above the flexible circuit board (9). The shaft positioning plate (8) is provided with a slot for fixing the electromagnetic shaft switch (2).

6. An ergonomic keyboard based on an electromagnetic induction principle switch according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that: The outer shell (3) is composed of a top cover (3A) and a base (3B).

7. An ergonomic keyboard based on an electromagnetic induction principle switch as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The upper cover (3A) is provided with a positioning groove (31A) for accommodating the shaft core (4), and a plurality of arc-shaped edges (32A) are evenly provided on the inner wall of the positioning groove (31A) for abutting and engaging with the shaft core (4).

8. The ergonomic keyboard based on the electromagnetic induction principle switch according to claim 6, characterized in that: Two tracks (33B) are symmetrically arranged inside the base (3B). The shaft (4) slides with the track (33B) through the sliders (402) on both sides. A hollowed-out groove (11) is provided between the track (33B) and the slider (402).

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