Key and modular keyboard with dynamic display function

Abstract

This utility model discloses a key with dynamic display function and a modular keyboard. The key includes a keycap, a switch, a PCB board, terminals, and metal springs. The keycap includes an outer layer, an inner layer, and a display screen. The outer layer has a display section, and the display screen is sandwiched between the outer and inner layers. The switch includes a switch cover, a switch seat, a switch core, and a spring-loaded reset element. The switch core has a trigger section. The PCB board is detachably electrically connected to the display screen, and a switch connector is embedded in the PCB board. The terminals and metal springs are both located in the assembly cavity, and the pins of the terminals and metal springs are engaged in the switch connector. The contact points of the terminals and the contact points of the metal springs are connected or disconnected under the drive of the trigger section of the switch core. This utility model's key gives the key a dynamic display function, allowing users to intuitively and conveniently obtain the character, shortcut key, and icon information represented by the key according to different usage scenarios, improving the functionality of the key and the user interaction experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of computer input device technology, and specifically to a button with dynamic display function. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, most traditional keyboards on the market use a fixed key layout. While this standardized layout makes it easy for users to quickly learn and use, it fails to meet the personalized needs of different users. For example, for users accustomed to special input methods, or those with physical disabilities or operational difficulties, the fixed key layout may lead to operational difficulties or even prevent normal use. Furthermore, traditional keyboards have poor functional expandability, typically only possessing basic character input functions, making it difficult to deeply interact and integrate with smart devices, and thus failing to meet users' needs for multi-functional input and quick operation.

[0003] In terms of portability, traditional keyboards are bulky and heavy, especially full-size keyboards, which take up a lot of space when carried around, causing inconvenience to users. Users in scenarios such as mobile work and travel often want to reduce their reliance on additional devices and improve the portability and flexibility of their devices. However, while existing portable keyboards have reduced in size, they often cannot compare with standard keyboards in terms of functionality and user experience, making it difficult to balance portability and practicality.

[0004] In conclusion, existing traditional keyboards have significant shortcomings in terms of personalization, function expansion, and portability, and cannot meet the growing and diverse needs of users. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of this, the present invention proposes a button with dynamic display function to solve at least one of the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] A button with dynamic display function, comprising:

[0008] The keycap includes an outer layer, an inner layer, and a display screen. The top of the outer layer has a display section, and the display screen is sandwiched between the top surface of the outer layer and the top surface of the inner layer, with the display section and the display screen facing each other vertically.

[0009] The switch body includes a switch cover, a switch seat, a switch core, and a resilient reset element. The switch cover and the switch seat are fastened together and together form an assembly cavity. The resilient reset element is disposed in the assembly cavity and can extend and retract in the vertical direction. The top end of the switch core is embedded in the inner layer of the keycap, and the bottom end of the switch core moves through the switch cover and abuts against the top end of the resilient reset element. The side wall of the switch core is provided with a trigger part.

[0010] The PCB board is detachably electrically connected to the display screen via a screen cable, and the PCB board is equipped with a shaft connector.

[0011] Terminals and metal springs are disposed opposite each other in the assembly cavity, and the pins of the terminals and metal springs are fixedly inserted through the shaft seat and snapped into the shaft connector.

[0012] The contact points of the terminal and the contact points of the metal spring are connected or disconnected under the drive of the trigger part of the shaft core.

[0013] To better achieve the above technical solution, optionally, the display unit is made of electrochromic material, which is non-transparent when the display screen is in a power-off state and transparent when the display screen is powered on.

[0014] Optionally, the bottom surface of the bearing seat is provided with a positioning post at the center, and the center of the PCB board is provided with a positioning hole that mates with the positioning post.

[0015] Optionally, the spindle includes a spindle body, guide bars fixed on both sides of the spindle body, and an anti-rotation insertion part fixed on the top of the spindle body. The inner side of the top of the inner layer of the keycap is provided with a connecting groove that engages with the anti-rotation insertion part, and the spindle seat is provided with two guide grooves that slide with the two guide bars.

[0016] Optionally, the shaft core body has a first guide post at the center of its bottom surface, and the shaft seat has a second guide post located in the assembly cavity and coaxial with the first guide post. The elastic reset element is a compression spring, and the two ends of the compression spring are respectively sleeved on the first guide post and the second guide post.

[0017] Optionally, the two outer sides of the shaft cover are provided with downwardly extending elastic buckles, and the two outer sides of the shaft seat are provided with side bosses, and the elastic buckles are fastened to the side bosses.

[0018] A modular keyboard includes a keyboard body, on which at least one of the aforementioned keys with dynamic display function is provided. The PCB board is circuitically connected to the keyboard body, and the dynamic display key can be programmably configured.

[0019] Optionally, the PCB board is fixed on the keyboard body, and the pins of the terminals and metal springs are snapped into the switch connector.

[0020] Optionally, the keyboard body may have a built-in face recognition module or fingerprint recognition module.

[0021] Optionally, the keyboard body is equipped with a wireless module and is connected to an external display and interaction module via the wireless module.

[0022] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0023] This invention relates to a button with dynamic display function. By placing a display screen between the outer and inner layers of the keycap, and electrically connecting the display screen to the PCB board, the button is given dynamic display functionality. This allows users to intuitively and conveniently obtain the character, shortcut key, and icon information represented by the button according to different usage scenarios, greatly improving the button's functionality and user interaction experience. The pins of the terminals and metal springs are snapped into the shaft connector, achieving a detachable connection. This allows users to easily replace or upgrade the button according to their needs, thereby extending the button's lifespan and providing space for personalized customization.

[0024] This utility model discloses a modular keyboard. When a key with dynamic display function is added to the keyboard body, the keyboard possesses customization, dynamic display, and touch interaction capabilities, fully meeting the personalized needs of different users. Simultaneously, users can expand the keyboard's functionality according to actual needs, achieving an effective balance between performance and portability. This not only enhances the keyboard's adaptability but also provides broad possibilities for future hardware or software upgrades. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a button with dynamic display function according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0026] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Exploded view;

[0027] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the angle between the middle terminal and the metal spring;

[0028] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the middle terminal and the metal spring at another angle;

[0029] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 A 3D schematic diagram of the inner layer 11 of the middle keycap;

[0030] Figure label:

[0031] Keycap outer layer 10, display section 101, keycap inner layer 11, connecting groove 111, display screen 12, screen cable 121, light shield 13;

[0032] Shaft cover 20, elastic buckle 201, shaft seat 21, positioning insert 211, second guide post 212, guide groove 213, side boss 214, shaft core body 221, guide bar 222, anti-rotation insertion part 223, trigger part 224, first guide post 225, elastic reset element 23;

[0033] PCB board 30, positioning socket 301, shaft connector 31, terminal 40, metal spring 41, pin 42, contact point 43. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The technical solution of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. Identical components are indicated by the same reference numerals.

[0035] Please see Figures 1 to 5 This utility model discloses a key with dynamic display function, including keycaps, switches, PCB board 30, terminals 40 and metal springs 41.

[0036] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the keycap includes an outer keycap layer 10, an inner keycap layer 11, and a display screen 12. The top of the outer keycap layer 10 has a display section 101, and the display screen 12 is sandwiched between the top surface of the outer keycap layer 10 and the top surface of the inner keycap layer 11, with the display section 101 and the display screen 12 facing each other vertically.

[0037] The switch includes a switch cover 20, a switch seat 21, a switch core, and a resilient reset element 23. The switch cover 20 and the switch seat 21 are fastened together and together form an assembly cavity. The resilient reset element 23 is disposed in the assembly cavity and can extend and retract in the vertical direction. The top end of the switch core is embedded in the inner layer 11 of the keycap, and the bottom end of the switch core moves through the switch cover 20 and abuts against the top end of the resilient reset element 23. The side wall of the switch core is provided with a trigger part 224. The PCB board 30 is detachably electrically connected to the display screen 12 through the screen cable 121. The PCB board 30 is embedded with a switch connector 31. The terminal 40 and the metal spring 41 are disposed opposite each other in the assembly cavity. The pins 42 of the terminal 40 and the metal spring 41 are fixedly inserted through the switch seat 21 and snapped into the switch connector 31. The contact point 43 of the terminal 40 and the contact point 43 of the metal spring 41 are connected or disconnected under the drive of the trigger part 224 of the switch core to complete the transmission of the key signal.

[0038] This invention discloses a button with dynamic display function. A display screen 12 is installed between the outer layer 10 and the inner layer 11 of the keycap. The display screen 12 is electrically connected to the PCB board 30, giving the button a dynamic display function. This allows users to intuitively and conveniently obtain the characters, shortcut keys, and icon information represented by the button according to different usage scenarios. Compared with traditional static buttons, this greatly improves the button's functionality and user interaction experience. The pins 42 of the terminal 40 and the metal spring 41 are snapped into the shaft connector 31, achieving a detachable connection. This allows users to easily replace or upgrade the button according to their needs, thereby extending the button's lifespan and providing users with space for personalized customization.

[0039] In the embodiments of this utility model, the display unit 101 is non-transparent when the display screen 12 is in a power-off and screen-off state, and is transparent when the display screen 12 is powered on and the screen is lit. Specifically, the display unit 101 adopts a liquid crystal dimming film. The display unit 101 becomes transparent after the display screen 12 is lit, thereby clearly revealing the content of the display screen 12. When the display screen 12 is off, it is black. The display unit 101 with this feature can completely hide the input content of the buttons in public places when the screen is off, effectively protecting the user's privacy information and avoiding information leakage.

[0040] In this embodiment of the invention, a light-shielding sheet 13 is also sandwiched between the top surface of the outer layer 10 of the keycap and the top surface of the inner layer 11 of the keycap. The light-shielding sheet 13 covers the non-effective display area of ​​the display screen 12, so that the effective pixel area of ​​the display unit 101 and the non-effective display area are physically isolated from each other. This effectively reduces the light leakage phenomenon in the non-effective display area of ​​the display screen 12, improves the contrast and clarity of the display screen, and makes the display effect of the display unit 101 purer and more beautiful, bringing users a better visual experience.

[0041] In the embodiments of this utility model, a positioning pin 211 is provided at the center of the bottom surface of the shaft seat 21, and a positioning hole 301 that cooperates with the positioning pin 211 is provided at the center of the PCB board 30. By cooperating with the positioning pin 211 and the positioning hole 301, the relative position between the shaft and the PCB board 30 can be ensured to be accurate and error-free, thus ensuring the accuracy and stability of the installation.

[0042] like Figure 2As shown in Figure 5, in this embodiment of the present invention, the spindle includes a spindle body 221, guide strips 222 fixed on both sides of the spindle body 221, and an anti-rotation insertion part 223 fixed on the top of the spindle body 221. The anti-rotation insertion part 223 is a cross-shaped protrusion. The inner side of the top of the keycap inner layer 11 is provided with a connecting groove 111 that engages with the anti-rotation insertion part 223. The connecting groove 111 is a cross-shaped groove structure. The cross-shaped protrusion and the cross-shaped groove structure are connected to the spindle and the keycap as a whole by an interference fit. The spindle seat 21 is provided with two guide grooves 213 that slide with the two guide strips 222. By cooperating with the guide strips 222 and the guide grooves 213, it is ensured that the spindle can only move in a preset manner, thereby ensuring the consistency and stability of the key trigger action and effectively improving the key feel and reliability.

[0043] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in an embodiment of the utility model, the trigger portion 224 of the shaft core is located on the side wall between the two guide bars 222. The specific structures of the terminal 40, the metal spring 41, and the trigger portion 224 are all prior art and will not be described in detail here.

[0044] In an embodiment of this utility model, a first guide post 225 is provided at the center of the bottom surface of the shaft core body 221, and a second guide post 212 is provided in the assembly cavity and coaxial with the first guide post 225. The elastic reset element 23 is a compression spring, and the two ends of the compression spring are respectively sleeved on the first guide post 225 and the second guide post 212. The first guide post 225 and the second guide post 212 limit and guide the compression spring, effectively preventing the compression spring from shifting or twisting during compression and reset.

[0045] In an embodiment of the utility model, the two outer sides of the shaft cover 20 are provided with downwardly extending elastic buckles 201, and the two outer sides of the shaft seat 21 are provided with side bosses 214. The elastic buckles 201 are fastened to the side bosses 214. Specifically, two elastic buckles 201 are provided at intervals on the two outer sides of the shaft cover 20. The side bosses 214 and the elastic buckles 201 are matched one-to-one. The connection method of elastic buckles 201 and side bosses 214 not only ensures the tight connection between the shaft cover 20 and the shaft seat 21, but also facilitates disassembly and assembly operations.

[0046] Example 2

[0047] This embodiment provides a modular keyboard based on Embodiment 1, including a keyboard body. The keyboard body is provided with at least one key with dynamic display function as in Embodiment 1. The PCB board is connected to the keyboard body circuit, and the dynamic display key can be configured programmably.

[0048] This modular keyboard, according to an embodiment of the present invention, can independently perform all basic input tasks when the keyboard body does not have keys with dynamic display functionality, offering high portability and suitability for scenarios requiring lightweight devices. When keys with dynamic display functionality are added, the keyboard gains customization, dynamic display, and touch interaction capabilities, fully meeting the personalized needs of different users. Furthermore, users can expand the keyboard's functionality according to their actual needs, achieving an effective balance between performance and portability. This not only enhances the keyboard's adaptability but also provides broad possibilities for future hardware or software upgrades.

[0049] Example 3

[0050] This embodiment further optimizes the modular keyboard based on Embodiment 2. The keyboard body has a built-in face recognition module or fingerprint recognition module. Through the built-in biometric module, the keyboard can identify the user's identity. Only authorized users can use the keyboard, thereby effectively preventing unauthorized operation and information theft by others, and providing reliable protection for the user's data security and privacy.

[0051] Example 4

[0052] This embodiment further optimizes the modular keyboard of Embodiment 3. The keyboard body is equipped with a wireless module, which connects to an external display and interaction module. The external modules can provide more complex display interfaces or extended operational functions, and users can freely choose whether to connect these external modules according to specific usage scenarios. This structure ensures the keyboard's portability while allowing for functional expansion by connecting external modules when necessary, thus improving the keyboard's flexibility and adaptability to various scenarios.

[0053] The technical solution of this utility model has been described in detail above with reference to specific embodiments. The specific embodiments described are used to help understand the concept of this utility model. Derivations and modifications made by those skilled in the art based on the specific embodiments of this utility model also fall within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A button with dynamic display function, characterized in that, include: The keycap includes an outer keycap layer (10), an inner keycap layer (11), and a display screen (12). The top of the outer keycap layer (10) has a display section (101), and the display screen (12) is sandwiched between the top surface of the outer keycap layer (10) and the top surface of the inner keycap layer (11), with the display section (101) and the display screen (12) facing each other vertically. The shaft body includes a shaft cover (20), a shaft seat (21), a shaft core, and an elastic reset element (23). The shaft cover (20) and the shaft seat (21) are fastened together and together form an assembly cavity. The elastic reset element (23) is disposed in the assembly cavity and can extend and retract in the vertical direction. The top end of the shaft core is embedded in the inner layer (11) of the keycap, and the bottom end of the shaft core moves through the shaft cover (20) and abuts against the top end of the elastic reset element (23). The side wall of the shaft core is provided with a trigger part (224). PCB board (30), the PCB board (30) is detachably electrically connected to the display screen (12) via screen cable (121), and the PCB board (30) is fitted with a shaft connector (31); Terminal (40) and metal spring (41) are disposed opposite each other in the assembly cavity. The pins (42) of the terminal (40) and metal spring (41) are fixedly inserted through the shaft seat (21) and snapped into the shaft connector (31). The contact point (43) of the terminal (40) and the contact point (43) of the metal spring (41) are connected or disconnected under the drive of the trigger part (224) of the shaft core.

2. A button with dynamic display function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The display unit (101) is made of electrochromic material. When the display screen (12) is in a power-off and off state, it is in a non-transparent state. When the display screen (12) is powered on and lit, it is in a transparent state that allows light to pass through.

3. A button with dynamic display function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom surface of the bearing seat (21) is provided with a positioning pin (211), and the center of the PCB board (30) is provided with a positioning hole (301) that cooperates with the positioning pin (211).

4. A button with dynamic display function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The spindle includes a spindle body (221), guide strips (222) fixed on both sides of the spindle body (221), and an anti-rotation insertion part (223) fixed on the top of the spindle body (221). The inner side of the top of the keycap inner layer (11) is provided with a connecting groove (111) that is inserted and cooperates with the anti-rotation insertion part (223). The shaft seat (21) is provided with two guide grooves (213) that slide and cooperate with the two guide strips (222).

5. A button with dynamic display function according to claim 4, characterized in that, The bottom center of the shaft core body (221) is provided with a first guide post (225), and the shaft seat (21) is provided with a second guide post (212) located in the assembly cavity and coaxial with the first guide post (225). The elastic reset element (23) is a compression spring, and the two ends of the compression spring are respectively sleeved on the first guide post (225) and the second guide post (212).

6. A button with dynamic display function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shaft cover (20) has downwardly extending elastic buckles (201) on its two opposite outer sides, and the shaft seat (21) has side bosses (214) on its two opposite outer sides. The elastic buckles (201) are fastened to the side bosses (214).

7. A modular keyboard, characterized in that: The keyboard body includes at least one key with dynamic display function as described in any one of claims 1-6, and the PCB board is connected to the keyboard body circuit. The dynamic display key can be configured programmably.

8. A modular keyboard according to claim 7, characterized in that, The PCB board (30) is fixed on the keyboard body, and the pins (42) of the terminals (40) and metal springs (41) are snapped into the switch connector (31).

9. A modular keyboard according to claim 8, characterized in that, The keyboard body has a built-in facial recognition module or fingerprint recognition module.

10. A modular keyboard according to claim 9, characterized in that, The keyboard body is equipped with a wireless module, which connects to an external display and interaction module.

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