Novel keyboard core structure

Abstract

The utility model discloses a novel keyboard core structure, which comprises a mounting plate, an FPC (flexible printed circuit) board, a plurality of rubber buttons and a button cover plate, the FPC board is arranged at the upper end of the mounting plate and fixedly connected with the mounting plate, and the plurality of rubber buttons are all placed on the FPC board. The plurality of key cover plates are arranged corresponding to the plurality of rubber keys, and the key cover plates are arranged at the upper ends of the corresponding rubber keys; a springback mechanism is arranged between the mounting plate and the key cover plate; the springback mechanism comprises a springback plate and a springback frame, the springback plate and the springback frame are obliquely arranged and are opposite in inclination direction, the springback plate is arranged in the springback frame in a sleeved mode, the middle of the springback plate is connected with the middle of the springback frame through a pin shaft to form an X-shaped cross structure, and the bottom end of the springback plate and the bottom end of the springback frame are both connected with the upper end of the mounting plate. The top ends of the springback plate and the springback frame are connected with the bottom end of the key cover plate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of keyboards, and in particular to a novel keyboard core structure. Background Technology

[0002] A keyboard is one of the computer input devices used to input information such as text, numbers, and symbols. It typically consists of a series of keys, each representing a specific character or function. Keyboards can be divided into standard keyboards and multimedia keyboards, as well as some special-function keyboards, such as gaming keyboards and mechanical keyboards. In computer operation, the keyboard is one of the most frequently used input devices. It can be used in conjunction with other input devices such as a mouse and touchpad to help users complete various operations and tasks.

[0003] A keyboard typically consists of a keyboard shell and a keyboard core installed inside the shell. The keyboard core activates the keys through pressing. Patent number ZL201510446439.1 discloses a keyboard key and keyboard, which resets the key using the elasticity of a rubber button after pressing. While this achieves the reset effect, over time, the rubber button ages faster, its elasticity decreases, the reset time becomes longer, and the reset height becomes lower, failing to reach the initial key height. This affects the keyboard's usability and shortens its lifespan, necessitating improvement. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to address the above-mentioned problems by providing a novel keyboard core structure that is simple in structure and has better rebound performance.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of this utility model is as follows:

[0006] A novel keyboard core structure includes a mounting plate, an FPC board, rubber buttons, and key covers. The FPC board is mounted on the upper part of the mounting plate and fixedly connected to it. Several rubber buttons are placed on the FPC board, and several key covers are corresponding to several rubber buttons, with each key cover positioned above a corresponding rubber button. A spring-loaded mechanism is provided between the mounting plate and the key covers. The spring-loaded mechanism includes a spring-loaded plate and a spring-loaded frame. Both the spring-loaded plate and the spring-loaded frame are inclined in opposite directions. The spring-loaded plate is fitted inside the spring-loaded frame. The middle of the spring-loaded plate and the middle of the spring-loaded frame are connected by a pin to form an X-shaped cross structure. The bottom ends of both the spring-loaded plate and the spring-loaded frame are connected to the upper part of the mounting plate, and the top ends of both the spring-loaded plate and the spring-loaded frame are connected to the bottom end of the key covers.

[0007] Furthermore, the mounting plate is provided with two mutually symmetrical first buckle protrusions and two mutually symmetrical second buckle protrusions. The tops of the two first buckle protrusions pass through the clearance holes provided on the FPC plate and are connected to the pins on both sides of the bottom end of the rebound plate. The tops of the two second buckle protrusions pass through the clearance holes provided on the FPC plate and are engaged with the bottom sides of the rebound frame.

[0008] Furthermore, a first engaging groove is provided on one side of the first buckle protrusion, and first through holes corresponding to the first buckle protrusion are symmetrically provided on both sides of the bottom end of the spring plate, with a first pin provided on one side of the first through hole; when the first buckle protrusion is connected to the spring plate, the first buckle protrusion is inserted into the corresponding first through hole and rotatably connected to the first pin through the first engaging groove; a second engaging groove is provided on one side of the second buckle protrusion, and second through holes corresponding to the second buckle protrusion are symmetrically provided on both sides of the bottom end of the spring frame, with a first locking post provided on one side of the second through hole; when the second buckle protrusion is connected to the spring frame, the second buckle protrusion is inserted into the corresponding second through hole and engaged with the first locking post through the second engaging groove, thus restricting the first locking post from rotating within the second engaging groove.

[0009] Furthermore, the bottom end of the button cover is provided with two mutually symmetrical third buckle protrusions and two mutually symmetrical fourth buckle protrusions. The bottom ends of the two third buckle protrusions are connected to the pins on both sides of the top of the rebound plate, and the bottom ends of the two fourth buckle protrusions are engaged with the top sides of the rebound frame.

[0010] Furthermore, the third buckle protrusion is provided with a third engaging groove, and the top of the spring plate is symmetrically provided with third through holes corresponding to the third buckle protrusion on both sides, with a second pin on one side of the third through hole; when the third buckle protrusion is connected to the spring plate, the third buckle protrusion is inserted into the corresponding third through hole and rotatably connected to the second pin through the third engaging groove; the fourth buckle protrusion is provided with a fourth engaging groove on one side, and the top of the spring frame is symmetrically provided with second locking posts on both sides; when the fourth buckle protrusion is connected to the spring frame, the fourth engaging groove engages with the second locking posts and restricts the second locking posts from rotating within the fourth engaging groove.

[0011] Furthermore, the center of the rebound plate is provided with a central hole, which avoids the rubber button. The bottom end of the rubber button passes through the central hole and contacts the upper end of the FPC plate, while the top end of the rubber button contacts the bottom end face of the button cover.

[0012] Furthermore, the first through hole and the third through hole are respectively located at both ends of the width direction of the spring plate, and the planar projection of the width direction of the spring plate is consistent with the width direction of the button cover.

[0013] Furthermore, the rebound plate is a rectangular polyethylene rebound plate, and the rebound frame is a rectangular polyethylene rebound frame.

[0014] Furthermore, the novel keyboard core structure is installed inside the keyboard casing.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the advantages and positive effects of this utility model are:

[0016] This invention employs a spring-loaded mechanism between the mounting plate and the key cover. When the key cover is pressed, the spring plate and spring frame in the mechanism rotate relative to each other and move downwards. After the spring frame moves downwards, its connection with the mounting plate and key cover deforms. When the key cover is released, the spring frame returns to its original shape and rotates the spring plate in the opposite direction to the original key height. The spring-loaded mechanism provides the primary force for the key cover to reset, while the rubber button provides auxiliary force. This design avoids long reset times and low reset heights after prolonged use, improving the keyboard's usability. Furthermore, it avoids prolonged pressure on the rubber button, slowing down its aging and effectively extending the keyboard's lifespan. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a partial assembly structure of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a partial assembly structure of the present invention. Figure 2 ;

[0021] Figure 4 This is an assembly structure diagram of the springback mechanism;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a partial structural diagram of the mounting plate;

[0023] Figure 6 This is a bottom view of the button cover. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made by those skilled in the art to all other embodiments obtained without creative effort should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0025] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, this embodiment discloses a novel keyboard core structure, which is installed inside the keyboard casing. It includes a mounting plate 1, an FPC board 2, rubber buttons 3, and key covers 4. The FPC board 2 is disposed on the upper end of the mounting plate 1 and fixedly connected to it. There are several rubber buttons 3, all placed on the FPC board 2. There are several key covers 4, each corresponding to a rubber button 3, and each key cover 4 is positioned on the upper end of the corresponding rubber button 3. A spring-loaded mechanism 5 is provided between the mounting plate 1 and the key covers 4.

[0026] The rebound mechanism 5 includes a rebound plate 51 and a rebound frame 52. The rebound plate 51 is a rectangular polyethylene rebound plate, and the rebound frame 52 is a rectangular polyethylene rebound frame. The rebound plate 51 and the rebound frame 52 are both inclined and in opposite directions. The rebound plate 51 is fitted inside the rebound frame 52. The middle two sides of the rebound plate 51 are provided with third pins 515, which are connected to pin holes 524 provided on both sides of the middle two sides of the rebound frame 52. After the two are connected, they form an X-shaped cross structure. The bottom ends of the rebound plate 51 and the rebound frame 52 are connected to the upper end of the mounting plate 1, and the top ends of the rebound plate 51 and the rebound frame 52 are connected to the bottom end of the button cover plate 4.

[0027] The mounting plate 1 is provided with two symmetrical first buckle protrusions 101 and two symmetrical second buckle protrusions 103. The tops of the two first buckle protrusions 101 pass through the clearance holes 201 provided on the FPC plate 2 and are connected to the pins on both sides of the bottom end of the spring plate 51. The tops of the two second buckle protrusions 103 pass through the clearance holes 201 provided on the FPC plate 2 and are engaged with the bottom sides of the spring frame 52.

[0028] The first buckle protrusion 101 has a first engaging groove 102 on one side. The bottom end of the spring plate 51 has symmetrically arranged first through holes 511 corresponding to the first buckle protrusion 101 on both sides. A first pin 512 is provided on one side of each through hole 511. When the first buckle protrusion 101 is connected to the spring plate 51, the first buckle protrusion 101 is inserted into the corresponding first through hole 511 and rotatably connected to the first pin 512 through the first engaging groove 102. The second buckle protrusion 103 has a first engaging groove 102 on one side. The spring frame 52 is provided with a second engaging groove 104. The bottom ends of the spring frame 52 are symmetrically provided with second through holes 521 corresponding to the second buckle protrusions 103. A first locking post 522 is provided on one side of the second through hole 521. When the second buckle protrusion 103 is connected to the spring frame 52, the second buckle protrusion 103 is inserted into the corresponding second through hole 521 and engaged with the first locking post 522 through the second engaging groove 104, thus restricting the first locking post 522 from rotating within the second engaging groove 104.

[0029] The bottom of the button cover plate 4 is provided with two mutually symmetrical third buckle protrusions 401 and two mutually symmetrical fourth buckle protrusions 403. The bottom ends of the two third buckle protrusions 401 are connected to the pins on both sides of the top of the spring plate 51, and the bottom ends of the two fourth buckle protrusions 403 are engaged with the top sides of the spring frame 52.

[0030] The third buckle protrusion 401 is provided with a third engaging groove 402. The top of the spring plate 51 is symmetrically provided with third through holes 513 corresponding to the third buckle protrusion 401 on both sides. A second pin 514 is provided on one side of the third through hole 513. When the third buckle protrusion 401 is connected to the spring plate 51, the third buckle protrusion 401 is inserted into the corresponding third through hole 513 and rotatably connected to the second pin 514 through the third engaging groove 402. The fourth buckle protrusion 403 is provided with a fourth engaging groove 404 on one side. The top of the spring frame 52 is symmetrically provided with second locking posts 523 on both sides. When the fourth buckle protrusion 403 is connected to the spring frame 52, the fourth engaging groove 404 engages with the second locking posts 523 and restricts the second locking posts 523 from rotating within the fourth engaging groove 404.

[0031] In normal operation, the top of the spring plate and spring frame are in a higher position. When the button cover is pressed, the second pin at the top of the spring plate rotates relative to the third engagement groove at the bottom of the button cover, the first pin at the bottom of the spring plate rotates relative to the first engagement groove at the top of the mounting plate, and the middle of the spring plate rotates relative to the spring frame. Simultaneously, the middle of the spring frame rotates relative to the spring plate, causing the second locking pin at the top of the spring frame to twist and deform with the fourth engagement groove at the bottom of the button cover, and the first locking pin at the bottom of the spring frame to twist and deform with the second engagement groove at the top of the mounting plate. At this time, the top of the spring plate and spring frame are in a lower position. When the button cover is released, the first and second locking pins in the spring frame move in the opposite direction of the twisting and deformation, causing the spring frame and spring plate to rotate in the opposite direction, ultimately restoring the top of the spring plate and spring frame to the higher position, thus achieving the effect of resetting the pressed button.

[0032] During the pressing process of the spring plate and spring frame, the distance between the top of the spring plate and the top of the spring frame, and the distance between the bottom of the spring plate and the bottom of the spring frame, will increase slightly. In this design, the first engaging groove connected to the first pin and the fourth engaging groove connected to the second engaging post are both open structures on the outside. When the distance between the top of the spring plate and the top of the spring frame increases, the second engaging post at the top of the spring frame will move outward a certain distance relative to the fourth engaging groove, but will not disengage from the fourth engaging groove. When the distance between the bottom of the spring plate and the bottom of the spring frame increases, the first pin at the bottom of the spring plate will move outward a certain distance relative to the first engaging groove, but will not disengage from the first engaging groove. After the button is released, the spring plate and spring frame rise and return to their original positions. At the same time, the polyethylene material properties of the spring plate and spring frame give them a certain bending deformation capability, avoiding the situation where the spring mechanism cannot press down or the pressing distance is limited due to the distance change during the pressing process, further improving the use effect of this utility model.

[0033] The rebound plate 51 has a central hole 516 at its center position, which avoids the rubber button 3. The bottom end of the rubber button 3 passes through the central hole 516 and contacts the upper end of the FPC plate 2. The top end of the rubber button 3 contacts the bottom end face of the button cover plate 4.

[0034] When the button cover is pressed, it squeezes the top of the rubber button downwards. The bottom of the rubber button has a raised structure that contacts the FPC board when pressed, thus making the circuit at that position on the FPC board conductive and achieving the operation of the keyboard button. When the button cover is released, the rubber button will return to its original position under the action of the rubber elasticity, waiting for the next button press operation.

[0035] The first through hole 511 and the third through hole 513 are respectively provided at both ends of the width direction of the spring plate 51, and the planar projection of the width direction of the spring plate 51 is consistent with the width direction of the button cover plate 4.

[0036] In the design, the width direction of the spring plate and the spring frame can be set according to the shape of different key cover plates. It can be set along the length direction of the key cover plate or along the width direction of the key cover plate. Preferably, the width direction of the key cover plate is used as the projection direction of the width direction of the spring plate and the spring frame on the ground.

[0037] This invention employs a spring-loaded mechanism between the mounting plate and the key cover. When the key cover is pressed, the spring plate and spring frame in the mechanism rotate relative to each other and move downwards. After the spring frame moves downwards, its connection with the mounting plate and key cover deforms. When the key cover is released, the spring frame returns to its original shape and rotates the spring plate in the opposite direction to the original key height. The spring-loaded mechanism provides the primary force for the key cover to reset, while the rubber button provides auxiliary force. This design avoids long reset times and low reset heights after prolonged use, improving the keyboard's usability. Furthermore, it avoids prolonged pressure on the rubber button, slowing down its aging and effectively extending the keyboard's lifespan.

Claims

1. A novel keyboard core structure, comprising a mounting plate, an FPC board, rubber buttons, and key covers, wherein the FPC board is disposed on the upper end of the mounting plate and fixedly connected to the mounting plate; there are a plurality of rubber buttons, all of which are placed on the FPC board; there are a plurality of key covers, each corresponding to a plurality of rubber buttons, and the key covers are disposed on the upper end of the corresponding rubber buttons; characterized in that: A spring-loaded mechanism is provided between the mounting plate and the button cover. The spring-loaded mechanism includes a spring-loaded plate and a spring-loaded frame. Both the spring-loaded plate and the spring-loaded frame are inclined in opposite directions. The spring-loaded plate is fitted inside the spring-loaded frame. The middle part of the spring-loaded plate and the middle part of the spring-loaded frame are connected by a pin to form an X-shaped cross structure. The bottom ends of both the spring-loaded plate and the spring-loaded frame are connected to the upper end of the mounting plate, and the top ends of both the spring-loaded plate and the spring-loaded frame are connected to the bottom end of the button cover.

2. The novel keyboard core structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The mounting plate is provided with two symmetrical first buckle protrusions and two symmetrical second buckle protrusions. The tops of the two first buckle protrusions pass through the clearance holes provided on the FPC plate and are connected to the pins on both sides of the bottom end of the rebound plate. The tops of the two second buckle protrusions pass through the clearance holes provided on the FPC plate and are engaged with the bottom sides of the rebound frame.

3. The novel keyboard core structure as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The first buckle protrusion has a first engaging groove on one side, and the bottom end of the spring plate has symmetrical first through holes corresponding to the first buckle protrusion on both sides. A first pin is provided on one side of the first through hole. When the first buckle protrusion is connected to the spring plate, the first buckle protrusion is inserted into the corresponding first through hole and rotatably connected to the first pin through the first engaging groove. The second buckle protrusion has a second engaging groove on one side, and the bottom end of the spring frame has symmetrical second through holes corresponding to the second buckle protrusion on both sides. A first locking post is provided on one side of the second through hole. When the second buckle protrusion is connected to the spring frame, the second buckle protrusion is inserted into the corresponding second through hole and engaged with the first locking post through the second engaging groove, thus restricting the first locking post from rotating within the second engaging groove.

4. The novel keyboard core structure as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The bottom of the button cover is provided with two symmetrical third buckle protrusions and two symmetrical fourth buckle protrusions. The bottom ends of the two third buckle protrusions are connected to the pins on both sides of the top of the rebound plate, and the bottom ends of the two fourth buckle protrusions are engaged with the top of the rebound frame.

5. The novel keyboard core structure as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The third buckle protrusion is provided with a third engaging groove, and the top of the spring plate is symmetrically provided with third through holes corresponding to the third buckle protrusion on both sides. A second pin is provided on one side of the third through hole. When the third buckle protrusion is connected to the spring plate, the third buckle protrusion is inserted into the corresponding third through hole and rotatably connected to the second pin through the third engaging groove. The fourth buckle protrusion is provided with a fourth engaging groove on one side, and the top of the spring frame is symmetrically provided with second locking posts on both sides. When the fourth buckle protrusion is connected to the spring frame, the fourth engaging groove engages with the second locking posts and restricts the second locking posts from rotating within the fourth engaging groove.

6. The novel keyboard core structure as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The rebound plate has a central hole at its center to avoid the rubber button. The bottom of the rubber button passes through the central hole and contacts the upper end of the FPC plate. The top of the rubber button contacts the bottom end face of the button cover.

7. The novel keyboard core structure as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The first through hole and the third through hole are respectively located at both ends of the width direction of the spring plate, and the planar projection of the width direction of the spring plate is consistent with the width direction of the button cover.

8. The novel keyboard core structure as described in claim 7, characterized in that: The rebound plate is a rectangular polyethylene rebound plate, and the rebound frame is a rectangular polyethylene rebound frame.

9. The novel keyboard core structure as described in claim 8, characterized in that: The novel keyboard core structure is installed inside the keyboard casing.

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