Modularized keyboard

Abstract

The utility model discloses a modularized keyboard which comprises a plurality of shaft bodies and a plurality of connecting pieces, a plurality of keycaps, wherein each keycap is connected to the corresponding shaft body; the mounting structure comprises a plurality of mounting modules, each shaft body is mounted on the corresponding mounting module, and the adjacent mounting modules are detachably connected through a first connecting structure; and the shell comprises an upper cover and a lower cover which are connected with each other, the upper cover comprises a plurality of upper cover modules for accommodating the mounting modules, and the adjacent upper cover modules are detachably connected through second connecting structures. According to the keyboard, each shaft body and the corresponding installation module are correspondingly installed, the upper cover is composed of the upper cover modules capable of containing the installation modules, the adjacent installation modules are detachably connected through the first connecting structures, and the adjacent upper cover modules are detachably connected through the second connecting structures, so that free customization and convenient maintenance and replacement of keyboard layout are achieved; therefore, the maintenance difficulty and cost are reduced; and meanwhile, diversified use requirements of users are also met.

Description

A modular keyboard Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of computer peripheral technology, and in particular to a modular keyboard. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional keyboards typically employ a fixed key layout, which leads to several limitations: First, standardized key arrangements cannot accommodate the personalized needs of different users, such as those with unique hand shapes, usage habits, or specific scenario requirements, severely restricting the flexibility and diversity of the user experience. Second, this monolithic design necessitates the replacement of the entire keyboard when a component fails, increasing the financial burden on users and causing resource waste and environmental pollution. Furthermore, the fixed layout limits keyboard customization possibilities; users cannot flexibly adjust it to meet the needs of different scenarios, such as multilingual input, gaming, or professional design. Simultaneously, the assembly structure of traditional keyboards also has significant shortcomings; the connections between components are often non-removable or difficult to disassemble, causing considerable inconvenience for repair, cleaning, and personalization modifications. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a modular keyboard that addresses the problems of poor user experience and resource waste caused by the fixed key layout of traditional keyboards.

[0004] This utility model provides a modular keyboard, including: multiple switches;

[0005] Multiple keycaps, each keycap being connected to a corresponding switch;

[0006] The mounting structure includes multiple mounting modules, each of the shafts is mounted on a corresponding mounting module, and adjacent mounting modules are detachably connected via a first connecting structure.

[0007] The housing includes an upper cover and a lower cover connected to each other. The upper cover includes a plurality of upper cover modules that accommodate the mounting module. Adjacent upper cover modules are detachably connected by a second connection structure.

[0008] Furthermore, the second connection structure includes:

[0009] The first mounting component includes a first groove disposed on one of the top cover modules, and a protruding plug structure disposed in the first groove facing the other top cover module.

[0010] The second mounting component includes a second groove disposed on an adjacent upper cover module, the second groove having a corresponding insertion hole structure facing one of the upper cover modules;

[0011] The connector includes a first arc-shaped connecting portion and a second arc-shaped connecting portion arranged opposite to each other. The first arc-shaped connecting portion is provided with a recessed structure facing the first mounting member. When the first arc-shaped connecting portion is inserted into the first groove, the plug structure is inserted into the recessed structure. The second arc-shaped connecting portion is provided with a protruding structure facing the second mounting member. When the second arc-shaped connecting portion is inserted into the second groove, the protruding structure is inserted into the socket structure.

[0012] Furthermore, the first connection structure includes a first mounting hole disposed on one of the mounting modules, a second mounting hole disposed on the adjacent other mounting module, and a connector inserted between the first mounting hole and the second mounting hole.

[0013] Furthermore, the connector is a pin or snap-fit ​​structure.

[0014] Furthermore, it also includes a positioning plate, which comprises multiple positioning modules, with each shaft positioned in a corresponding positioning module, and the positioning module fixed above the corresponding mounting module.

[0015] Furthermore, it also includes a circuit board, on which multiple circuit modules are provided, each circuit module is mounted below a corresponding mounting module, and each shaft is electrically connected to the corresponding circuit module.

[0016] Furthermore, each of the circuit modules is provided with an elastic terminal that can undergo elastic deformation, and adjacent circuit modules are electrically connected through the elastic terminal.

[0017] Furthermore, the lower cover includes multiple lower cover modules, each of which is installed below a corresponding circuit module.

[0018] Furthermore, the lower cover module is provided with mounting holes for fixing the circuit module.

[0019] Furthermore, it also includes a tripod, with a first magnetic structure on the lower cover and a second magnetic structure on the tripod, the first magnetic structure and the second magnetic structure being magnetically connected.

[0020] This utility model discloses a modular keyboard, comprising: multiple switches; multiple keycaps, each keycap connected to a corresponding switch; a mounting structure including multiple mounting modules, each switch mounted on a corresponding mounting module, adjacent mounting modules being detachably connected via a first connecting structure; and a housing, the housing including a connected upper cover and a lower cover, the upper cover including multiple upper cover modules for accommodating mounting modules, adjacent upper cover modules being detachably connected via a second connecting structure. This utility model, by correspondingly mounting each switch to a mounting module, and by using multiple upper cover modules for accommodating mounting modules, with adjacent mounting modules detachably connected via the first connecting structure and adjacent upper cover modules detachably connected via the second connecting structure, achieves free customization of the keyboard layout and convenient repair and replacement, thereby reducing repair difficulty and cost; it also meets the diverse usage needs of users. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the modular keyboard provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 is a structural schematic diagram of the modular keyboard provided in an embodiment of the present invention from another perspective;

[0024] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the second connection structure provided in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0025] Figure 4 is a structural schematic diagram of the connector provided in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0026] Explanation of the markings in the image:

[0027] 1. Switch body; 2. Keycap; 3. Mounting structure; 4. Housing; 40. Top cover; 401. Top cover module; 41. Bottom cover; 411. First magnetic attraction structure; 5. First connecting structure; 50. First mounting hole; 51. Second mounting hole; 52. Connector; 6. Second connecting structure; 60. First mounting piece; 601. First groove; 602. Plug structure; 61. Second mounting piece; 611. Second groove; 612. Socket structure; 62. Connector; 621. First arc-shaped connecting part; 6211. Recessed structure; 622. Second arc-shaped connecting part; 6221. Protruding structure; 7. Positioning plate; 8. Circuit board; 80. Flexible terminal; 9. Stand; 90. Second magnetic attraction structure. Detailed Implementation

[0028] 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, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0029] It should be understood that, when used in this specification and the appended claims, the terms "comprising" and "including" indicate the presence of the described features, integrals, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components and / or collections thereof.

[0030] It should also be understood that the terminology used in this specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0031] It should also be further understood that the term "and / or" as used in this specification and the appended claims refers to any combination of one or more of the associated listed items and all possible combinations, and includes such combinations.

[0032] Please refer to Figures 1 and 2. This embodiment of the present invention provides a modular keyboard, including: multiple switches 1; multiple keycaps 2, each keycap 2 being connected to a corresponding switch 1; a mounting structure 3, including multiple mounting modules, each switch 1 being mounted on a corresponding mounting module, adjacent mounting modules being detachably connected via a first connecting structure 5; and a housing 4, the housing 4 including an upper cover 40 and a lower cover 41 connected together, the upper cover 40 including multiple upper cover modules 401 for accommodating the mounting modules, adjacent upper cover modules 401 being detachably connected via a second connecting structure 6.

[0033] In this embodiment, each switch 1 is fixed in its corresponding independent mounting module, and the keycap 2 is installed on top of the switch 1 via a plug-in method. The mounting modules are detachably connected through the first connecting structure 5 to form a complete key matrix. The top cover module 401 (see Figure 3) is designed according to the arrangement of the mounting modules, and adjacent top cover modules 401 are detachably connected through the second connecting structure 6. When the keyboard layout needs to be adjusted, the mounting module of the area to be adjusted and the corresponding top cover module 401 can be completely disassembled and reassembled. It should be noted that the top cover 40 includes a shell that surrounds multiple keycaps 2 and multiple switches 1, and the top cover 40 includes a top cover module 401 that can accommodate multiple mounting modules, and the bottom cover 41 includes a base plate connected to the shell.

[0034] In summary, by installing each switch 1 in relation to the mounting module, and by forming a top cover 40 consisting of multiple top cover modules 401 that can accommodate the mounting modules, and by detachably connecting adjacent mounting modules through a first connecting structure 5 and detachably connecting adjacent top cover modules 401 through a second connecting structure 6, the keyboard layout can be freely customized and easily repaired and replaced, thereby reducing the difficulty and cost of repair; at the same time, it also meets the diverse usage needs of users.

[0035] In a specific embodiment, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the second connection structure 6 includes: a first mounting member 60, including a first groove 601 disposed on one of the upper cover modules 401, wherein a protruding plug structure 602 is disposed in the first groove 601 facing the other upper cover module 401; a second mounting member 61, including a second groove 611 disposed on an adjacent other upper cover module 401, wherein a corresponding insertion hole structure 612 is disposed in the second groove 611 facing the upper cover module 401; and a connector 62, including a first arc-shaped connector disposed opposite to each other. The first arc-shaped connecting part 621 has a recessed structure 6211 facing the first mounting member 60. When the first arc-shaped connecting part 621 is inserted into the first groove 601, the plug structure 602 is inserted into the recessed structure 6211. The second arc-shaped connecting part 622 has a protruding structure 6221 facing the second mounting member 61. When the second arc-shaped connecting part 622 is inserted into the second groove 611, the protruding structure 6221 is inserted into the socket structure 612.

[0036] In this embodiment, the first groove 601 is a slot-shaped space located at the edge of the upper cover module 401. The plug structure 602 is a columnar protrusion extending from the inner wall of the first groove 601, and its diameter corresponds to the spatial dimensions of the recessed structure 6211, achieving mechanical positioning during insertion. The socket structure 612 is a through hole provided in the inner wall of the second groove 611, and its diameter matches the cross-sectional dimensions of the protrusion structure 6221, ensuring a stable connection after insertion. In addition, the first arc-shaped connecting part 621 is a bent component on one side of the connector 62, and the curvature of the recessed structure 6211 matches the surface contour of the plug structure 602, facilitating quick engagement. The second arc-shaped connecting part 622 is a bent component on the other side of the connector 62, and the shape of its protrusion structure 6221 forms an interference fit with the inner wall contact surface of the socket structure 612.

[0037] Specifically, when two adjacent top cover modules 401 need to be connected, the first arc-shaped connecting part 621 of the connector 62 is first inserted into the first groove 601. At this time, the plug structure 602 is embedded in the recessed structure 6211, forming an axial constraint. Then, the second arc-shaped connecting part 622 is inserted into the second groove 611, and the protruding structure 6221 enters the insertion hole structure 612. Radial pressure is generated through the elastic deformation of the arc-shaped component. During disassembly, the deformation pressure is released by pressing the arc-shaped areas on both sides of the connector 62, and the connector 62 can be pulled out from the first groove 601 and the second groove 611, realizing the separation of the two adjacent top cover modules 401.

[0038] In summary, the detachable connection of two adjacent top cover modules 401 enables independent replacement and layout adjustment of the key units, significantly reducing maintenance costs and resource waste. Users can freely combine module units of different sizes or functions to quickly build a personalized keyboard layout that conforms to ergonomics. In addition, when a local key malfunctions, only the corresponding top cover module 401 needs to be replaced, avoiding the entire keyboard being scrapped due to the damage of a single component.

[0039] Furthermore, as shown in FIG1, the first connection structure 5 includes a first mounting hole 50 disposed on one of the mounting modules, a second mounting hole 51 disposed on the adjacent other mounting module, and a connector 52 inserted between the first mounting hole 50 and the second mounting hole 51.

[0040] In this embodiment, the first mounting hole 50 and the second mounting hole 51 are through-hole structures provided on the sidewalls of adjacent mounting modules, used to form assembly channels for the connector 52. The connector 52 refers to a mechanical component that connects two mounting modules, and physical locking between the modules is achieved by inserting it into the holes of the first mounting hole 50 and the second mounting hole 51.

[0041] Specifically, when assembling the keyboard, the first mounting holes 50 and second mounting holes 51 of adjacent mounting modules are axially aligned, and the connector 52 is inserted into the through hole. The outer diameter of the connector 52 is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the mounting hole, and the friction generated by the interference fit or elastic clip keeps the adjacent mounting modules fixedly connected. When a mounting module malfunctions, it can be replaced simply by pulling out the connector 52, without disassembling the entire keyboard structure. For example, the pin-type connector 52 can be designed with a limiting flange at the tail, which abuts against the outer wall of the mounting module after insertion to prevent it from falling off.

[0042] It should be noted that the first connecting structure 5 and the second connecting structure 6 can adopt the same structural form to realize the detachable connection of their respective components. In this embodiment and the above embodiments, the first connecting structure 5 and the second connecting structure 6 are different, but both realize the detachable connection.

[0043] Through the above technical solution, this embodiment solves the problem of traditional keyboards being unable to perform partial repairs. The connector 52 connection method allows for quick disassembly and replacement of individual installation modules, preventing the entire keyboard from being rendered unusable due to partial failures. Simultaneously, the modular design allows users to adjust the key layout according to their needs, such as moving the numeric keypad module to the left side to adapt to specific operational scenarios.

[0044] Specifically, the connector 52 is a pin or a snap-fit ​​structure. A pin is a rod-shaped connecting component with a cylindrical or rectangular cross-section, while a snap-fit ​​structure is a connection form that includes a flexible latch and a slot. The tilt angle of the latch and the depth of the slot can be adjusted according to the connection requirements of the installation module.

[0045] Specifically, when adjacent mounting modules are connected, the pin can be inserted along the axial direction of the first mounting hole 50 and the second mounting hole 51, achieving positioning and fixation of the mounting module through clearance fit. When a snap-fit ​​structure is used, the elastic latch is compressed and deformed during insertion until it snaps into the slot and returns to its original shape, forming a self-locking connection. Both methods allow the mounting modules to be quickly separated without the aid of external tools, thus adapting to the independent maintenance or replacement needs of mounting modules in different areas.

[0046] Furthermore, the modular keyboard also includes a positioning plate 7, which includes multiple positioning modules. Each switch 1 is positioned in a corresponding positioning module, and the positioning module is fixed above the corresponding mounting module.

[0047] In this embodiment, the positioning plate 7 is a plate-shaped structure used to support and fix the shaft 1. The positioning module is a unit structure in the positioning plate 7 that independently supports a single shaft 1, and its size can be adapted to shafts 1 of different specifications. The bottom of the shaft 1 is embedded in the limiting groove of the positioning module, which can be fastened by a snap-fit ​​to prevent the shaft 1 from shifting during the pressing process.

[0048] Specifically, the positioning module is independently installed on top of the corresponding mounting module. When a shaft 1 needs repair or replacement, only the corresponding positioning module and mounting module assembly needs to be disassembled, without disassembling the entire mounting structure 3 and positioning plate 7. The positioning module and mounting module are axially fixed through physical limiting. For example, a protruding structure 6221 is set at the bottom of the positioning module to cooperate with the groove on the top of the mounting module, ensuring that the shaft 1 and the contacts of the circuit module are precisely aligned.

[0049] Furthermore, the modular keyboard also includes a circuit board 8, on which multiple circuit modules are provided. Each circuit module is installed below a corresponding mounting module, and each switch 1 is electrically connected to the corresponding circuit module.

[0050] In this embodiment, the key signal partitioning control is achieved through independent circuit modules. Each circuit module is an independent functional circuit unit, which can be implemented using a modular design integrating contacts and signal processing chips. Each module corresponds to a single key or key group (a switch 1 and a keycap 2 fitted onto the switch 1), realizing signal transmission and processing functions.

[0051] Specifically, in the modular keyboard structure, each switch 1 has an independent circuit module underneath it. The electrical signal generated by the switch 1 is directly transmitted to the corresponding circuit module through contacts. When a key malfunctions, only the corresponding mounting module and the circuit module below it need to be removed and replaced; the entire circuit board 8 does not need to be replaced. Signal transmission between circuit modules can be achieved through a preset bus interface, such as setting conductive contacts on the edges of adjacent circuit modules, so that multiple circuit modules can be spliced ​​together to form a complete circuit path.

[0052] In a specific embodiment, each circuit module is provided with an elastic terminal 80 capable of elastic deformation, and adjacent circuit modules are electrically connected through the elastic terminal 80. In this embodiment, the design of the elastic terminal 80 ensures stable transmission of electrical signals between adjacent circuit modules, maintaining connection reliability even in the presence of minor displacement or vibration, thus guaranteeing normal keyboard function. When multiple circuit modules are assembled under the mounting module, the elastic terminals 80 of adjacent circuit modules deform due to physical contact. The elastic reaction force generated by the deformation creates continuous contact pressure between the terminals, thereby forming a conductive path between adjacent circuit modules. For example, when a circuit module needs to be replaced, it is only necessary to disconnect the mechanical connection between that module and other modules. At this time, the elastic terminal 80 automatically springs back and disengages, achieving rapid separation. When reinstalled after replacement, the elastic terminal 80 deforms again to rebuild the electrical connection.

[0053] Furthermore, the lower cover 41 includes multiple lower cover 41 modules, each of which is installed below a corresponding circuit module. In this embodiment, the lower cover 41 also adopts a modular structure design, with each lower cover 41 module matching a corresponding circuit module. That is, each lower cover 41 module is an independent support unit that forms a one-to-one correspondence with a circuit module. When it is necessary to maintain or replace a specific circuit module, only the corresponding lower cover 41 module needs to be disassembled to complete the operation. For example, when a user needs to upgrade the circuit function of a local button, the lower cover 41 module of the target area can be disassembled separately without affecting the structural integrity of other areas.

[0054] Furthermore, the lower cover 41 module is provided with mounting holes for fixing the circuit module. In this embodiment, the lower cover 41 module is a detachable partial component in the bottom structure of the keyboard. Each lower cover 41 module supports one circuit module, and partial replacement is achieved through modular design. The mounting holes can be threaded holes, snap-fit ​​holes, or positioning holes, and their size matches the fixing end of the circuit module. Fixing is accomplished by bolts, snap-fits, or connectors 52.

[0055] Specifically, the mounting holes are located on the lower cover module 41. When the circuit module is fixed to the lower cover module 41, the fastener passes through the mounting holes to lock it in place, forming a rigid connection between the circuit module and the lower cover module 41. This structure allows for individual replacement of the circuit module by simply removing the corresponding lower cover module 41 in case of a circuit module failure, without the need to disassemble the entire keyboard.

[0056] In some specific implementations, the mounting holes can be countersunk to hide the head of the fastener; or asymmetrically distributed positioning holes can be used in conjunction with a foolproof structure to avoid incorrect assembly direction; or auxiliary positioning posts can be added to cooperate with the positioning holes of the circuit module to improve assembly accuracy.

[0057] Furthermore, the modular keyboard also includes a stand 9, a first magnetic structure 411 is provided on the lower cover 41, and a second magnetic structure 90 is provided on the stand 9, with the first magnetic structure 411 and the second magnetic structure 90 being magnetically connected.

[0058] In this embodiment, the surface of the lower cover 41 is provided with an installation area that matches the shape of the leg 9. The first magnetic structure 411 is embedded inside the lower cover 41, and the second magnetic structure 90 is embedded in the connecting end of the leg 9. When the leg 9 approaches the installation area of ​​the lower cover 41, it automatically attracts and positions itself under the action of magnetism. During disassembly, the magnetic connection can be released by applying a vertical separation force. It should be noted that the tilt angle of the leg 9 can be adapted by adjusting the installation position of the magnetic structure. For example, the first magnetic structure 411 can be set in multiple positioning slots of the lower cover 41 to achieve switching between two support angles of 15° and 30°, further improving the user's comfort.

[0059] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on its differences from other embodiments. Similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to interchangeably. For the apparatus disclosed in the embodiments, since it corresponds to the method disclosed in the embodiments, the description is relatively simple; relevant parts can be referred to in the method section. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications to this utility model without departing from its principles, and these improvements and modifications also fall within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.

[0060] It should also be noted that, in this specification, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusivity.

[0061] The term "comprises" implies that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Unless otherwise specified, an element defined by the phrase "comprises a..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

Claims

1. A modular keyboard, characterized in that, include: Multiple shafts; Multiple keycaps, each keycap being connected to a corresponding switch; The mounting structure includes multiple mounting modules, each of which is mounted on a corresponding mounting module, and adjacent mounting modules are detachably connected via a first connecting structure; the housing includes an upper cover and a lower cover connected to each other, the upper cover including multiple upper cover modules that accommodate the mounting modules, and adjacent upper cover modules are detachably connected via a second connecting structure.

2. The modular keyboard according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second connection structure includes: a first mounting member, including a first groove disposed on one of the top cover modules, wherein a protruding plug structure is disposed in the first groove facing the other top cover module; a second mounting member, including a second groove disposed on an adjacent other top cover module, wherein a corresponding insertion hole structure is disposed in the second groove facing the top cover module; and a connector, including a first arc-shaped connecting portion and a second arc-shaped connecting portion disposed opposite to each other, wherein the first arc-shaped connecting portion is provided with a recessed structure facing the first mounting member, wherein when the first arc-shaped connecting portion is inserted into the first groove, the plug structure is inserted into the recessed structure, and the second arc-shaped connecting portion is provided with a protruding structure facing the second mounting member, wherein when the second arc-shaped connecting portion is inserted into the second groove, the protruding structure is inserted into the insertion hole structure.

3. The modular keyboard according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first connection structure includes a first mounting hole disposed on one of the mounting modules, a second mounting hole disposed on the adjacent other mounting module, and a connector inserted between the first mounting hole and the second mounting hole.

4. The modular keyboard according to claim 3, characterized in that, The connector is a pin or snap-fit ​​structure.

5. The modular keyboard according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a positioning plate, which comprises multiple positioning modules. Each shaft is positioned in a corresponding positioning module, and the positioning module is fixed above the corresponding mounting module.

6. The modular keyboard according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a circuit board on which multiple circuit modules are provided. Each circuit module is installed below a corresponding mounting module, and each shaft is electrically connected to the corresponding circuit module.

7. The modular keyboard according to claim 6, characterized in that, Each of the circuit modules is provided with an elastic terminal that can undergo elastic deformation, and adjacent circuit modules are electrically connected through the elastic terminal.

8. The modular keyboard according to claim 6, characterized in that, The lower cover includes multiple lower cover modules, each of which is installed below a corresponding circuit module.

9. The modular keyboard according to claim 8, characterized in that, The lower cover module is provided with mounting holes for fixing the circuit module.

10. The modular keyboard according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a tripod, with a first magnetic structure on the lower cover and a second magnetic structure on the tripod, the first magnetic structure and the second magnetic structure being magnetically connected.

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