External computer keyboard

Abstract

The application relates to an external computer keyboard, which comprises a shell assembly and a keyboard assembly; the shell assembly comprises a first shell and a second shell which are detachably connected and enclose a containing cavity; a mainboard assembly is arranged in the containing cavity; the first shell has a first surface and a second surface which are opposite to each other; the first surface is located outside the containing cavity and is provided with a keyboard slot; the keyboard assembly is detachably arranged in the keyboard slot and is flush with or protrudes from the first surface. In the application, the keyboard assembly is arranged in the keyboard slot, so that the keyboard assembly is directly locked to the outer side of the first shell, that is, the keyboard assembly is assembled from the outside to the inside; the mainboard assembly is directly locked to the inner side of the second shell or the inner side of the first shell, the intermediate structural member for bearing the keyboard assembly and the mainboard assembly in the traditional technical means can be cancelled, the weight of the whole machine can be reduced, the thickness of the whole machine can be reduced, and the whole machine is light and thin.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of keyboard technology, and more particularly to an external computer keyboard. Background Technology

[0002] Due to market demand, ultra-thin and light laptops are increasingly favored by consumers and have become a market trend.

[0003] In laptop design, current technology generally employs a keyboard assembly approach from the inside out, typically using a metal bracket made of magnesium alloy, aluminum alloy, or galvanized sheet metal, which is then heat-fused to the laptop's C-shell. However, this technology usually requires a metal bracket (often made of magnesium alloy, aluminum alloy, or galvanized sheet metal), and does not contribute to weight reduction in ultra-thin laptops. Utility Model Content

[0004] This application provides an external computer keyboard that is assembled and fixed from the outside in, reducing the material of the hardware bracket and solving the problem of overall weight reduction.

[0005] Therefore, this application provides an external computer keyboard, comprising:

[0006] The housing assembly includes a detachably connected first housing and a second housing, which together form a receiving cavity; a main board assembly is disposed within the receiving cavity.

[0007] The first housing has a first surface and a second surface that are opposite to each other; the first surface is located outside the receiving cavity and is provided with a keyboard groove;

[0008] The keyboard assembly is detachably disposed in the keyboard slot and is flush with or protruding from the first surface.

[0009] As a preferred embodiment of this application, the keyboard assembly is provided with a plurality of keyboard latches; the side wall of the keyboard slot is provided with a plurality of snap-fit ​​slots;

[0010] The keyboard clip is inserted into the slot to fix the keyboard assembly to the keyboard slot.

[0011] As a preferred embodiment of this application, the keyboard slot is provided with a keyboard mounting frame, and the keyboard assembly is disposed on the keyboard mounting frame.

[0012] As a preferred embodiment of this application, the keyboard assembly has a plurality of positioning posts on its back side; the keyboard mounting frame has positioning holes corresponding to the positioning posts;

[0013] The positioning pin is inserted into the positioning hole to fix the keyboard assembly to the keyboard mounting frame.

[0014] As a preferred embodiment of this application, the keyboard mounting frame is in the form of a grid, and the grid structure includes multiple hollow sections, each of which is set to correspond to the key position of the keyboard component.

[0015] As a preferred embodiment of this application, the first surface is further provided with a touch groove, which is disposed adjacent to the keyboard groove.

[0016] As a preferred embodiment of this application, the touch slot is provided with a second mounting frame, the second mounting frame is detachably provided with a touch panel, and the touch panel is flush with the first surface.

[0017] As a preferred embodiment of this application, the first housing has a groove at the end near the keyboard slot and away from the touch slot. A pivot assembly is embedded in the groove, and the pivot assembly is rotatably connected to a display assembly, so that the display assembly can be opened or closed relative to the housing assembly.

[0018] The beneficial effects of this application are:

[0019] The external computer keyboard includes a housing assembly and a keyboard assembly; the housing includes a detachably connected first housing and a second housing, which together form a receiving cavity; a motherboard assembly is disposed within the receiving cavity; the first housing has a first surface and a second surface that are opposite to each other; the first surface is located outside the receiving cavity and has a keyboard groove; the keyboard assembly has key surfaces; the keyboard assembly is detachably disposed in the keyboard groove, and the key surfaces are flush with or protrude from the first surface.

[0020] Specifically, the keyboard assembly method is changed from the traditional inside-out assembly to outside-in assembly. In this application, the keyboard assembly is installed in the keyboard slot, thereby directly locking the keyboard assembly to the outside of the first housing, that is, realizing the external mounting of the keyboard assembly; the motherboard assembly is directly locked to the inside of the second housing or the inside of the first housing, which can eliminate the intermediate structural components (such as brackets) used to support the keyboard assembly and the motherboard assembly in the traditional technical means, thereby reducing the overall weight of the external computer keyboard, reducing the thickness of the external computer keyboard, and realizing the overall thinness and lightness of the machine. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, for those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1A front view of an external computer keyboard;

[0023] Figure 2 A rear view of an external computer keyboard without a second housing.

[0024] Figure 3 An exploded view of an external computer keyboard;

[0025] Figure 4 Another exploded view of an external computer keyboard;

[0026] Figure 5 Another exploded view of an external computer keyboard;

[0027] Figure 6 for Figure 1 The front view of the keyboard component in the image;

[0028] Figure 7 for Figure 1 The back view of the keyboard component in the image.

[0029] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0030] 1. First housing; 11. Groove; 12. Keyboard slot; 13. Touch slot; 14. Second mounting frame; 15. Keyboard mounting frame; 151. Positioning hole; 16. Snap-fit ​​slot; 2. Keyboard assembly; 21. Keyboard clip; 22. Positioning post; 3. Touchpad; 4. Second housing. Detailed Implementation

[0031] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0032] The following disclosure provides numerous different embodiments or examples for implementing various structures of this application. To simplify the disclosure, specific examples of components and arrangements are described below. These are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Furthermore, reference numerals and / or letters may be repeated in different examples. Such repetition is for simplification and clarity and does not in itself indicate a relationship between the various embodiments and / or arrangements discussed.

[0033] like Figures 1 to 7As shown, this application provides an external computer keyboard, including a housing assembly and a keyboard assembly 2. The housing assembly includes a detachably connected first housing 1 and a second housing 4, which together form a receiving cavity. Preferably, the first housing 1 can be made of a high-strength, lightweight material, which both replaces the support function and ensures structural stability. A motherboard assembly is disposed within the receiving cavity. The first housing 1 has a first surface and a second surface that are opposite to each other. The first surface is located outside the receiving cavity and has a keyboard slot 12. Preferably, the keyboard slot 12 can be understood as a hollow area on the first housing 1 for mounting the keyboard assembly 2. The keyboard assembly 2 is detachably disposed in the keyboard slot 12 and is flush with or protrudes from the first surface.

[0034] Among them, such as Figures 1 to 7 As shown, a detachable first housing 1 and second housing 4 are combined to form an internal cavity, thereby physically isolating the motherboard assembly and keyboard assembly 2. The first housing 1 also functions as a keyboard base, eliminating the need for a separate bracket. The keyboard assembly 2 is externally embedded into the keyboard slot 12, breaking away from the traditional inside-out installation method. The keyboard assembly 2 is directly embedded into the keyboard slot 12 from the outside of the housing, i.e., assembled from the outside in, and secured to the outside of the first housing 1 by locking. Furthermore, the motherboard assembly is directly locked to the inside of the second housing 4 or the inside of the first housing 1, eliminating the need for a traditional keyboard bracket and transitional structure. This reduces the overall weight and thickness of the external computer keyboard, achieving a slimmer and lighter design. In addition, the keys of the keyboard assembly 2 are flush with or slightly convex to the first surface of the first housing 1, ensuring tactile feedback while preventing accidental touches, and further reducing the overall thickness.

[0035] It is important to note that by directly attaching the motherboard assembly to the inside of the second housing 4 and the external mounting of the keyboard assembly 2, the installation of the keyboard assembly 2 and the motherboard assembly becomes independent. This ensures that when the keyboard assembly 2 is disassembled for cleaning, repair, or replacement, the motherboard assembly remains protected by the housing. Furthermore, replacing the keyboard does not require disassembling the motherboard assembly, thus reducing the risk of damage. Similarly, when disassembling the housing to inspect the motherboard assembly or replace the battery, it is not necessary to disassemble the keyboard assembly 2.

[0036] In this embodiment, as Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, the keyboard assembly 2 is provided with multiple keyboard clips 21; preferably, the keyboard clips 21 are located on the edge sidewall of the keyboard assembly 2 and are integrally formed with the keyboard assembly 2; the sidewall of the keyboard slot 12 is provided with multiple snap-fit ​​slots 16; wherein, when installing the keyboard assembly 2, the keyboard clips 21 are aligned and inserted into the snap-fit ​​slots 16 on the sidewall of the keyboard slot 12, so that the keyboard assembly 2 is fixed to the keyboard slot 12. That is, by aligning the keyboard clips 21 and inserting them into the snap-fit ​​slots 16, assembly can be completed without tools, which greatly improves the efficiency of maintenance or replacement, and can also avoid the misalignment problem caused by traditional screw fixing, ensuring that the keyboard assembly 2 and the first housing 1 fit seamlessly. In addition, the sidewall snap-fit ​​structure saves the assembly space between the keyboard assembly 2 and the housing, further reducing the overall thickness of the device and achieving a thinner and lighter overall design. At the same time, the weight of the whole machine is also reduced due to the elimination of the addition of other components.

[0037] In this embodiment, as Figures 1 to 5 As shown, a keyboard mounting frame 15 is provided in the keyboard slot 12, and the keyboard assembly 2 is disposed in the keyboard mounting frame 15; wherein, the keyboard mounting frame 15 is used to support the keyboard assembly 2, thereby enhancing the firmness and stability of the keyboard assembly 2 and the first housing 1, and preventing the keyboard assembly 2 from shaking or tilting when the user types.

[0038] In this embodiment, as Figure 7 As shown, the keyboard assembly 2 has multiple positioning posts 22 on its back side; preferably, the positioning posts 22 are hollow structures with internal threads; the keyboard mounting frame 15 has positioning holes 151 corresponding to the positioning posts 22; preferably, the positioning holes 151 are through holes penetrating the keyboard mounting frame 15; wherein, under the cooperation of the keyboard buckle 21 and the snap-fit ​​groove 16, the keyboard assembly 2 and the first housing 1 are initially positioned and fixed, and then the positioning posts 22 are further inserted into the positioning holes 151 to fix the keyboard assembly 2 to the keyboard mounting frame 15. Screws can then be passed through the through holes and screwed into the threads of the positioning posts 22 to further lock the keyboard assembly 2.

[0039] In another embodiment, the keyboard assembly 2 has a plurality of tapered positioning posts 22 on its back side, the end diameter of the positioning post 22 being smaller than the root diameter; the keyboard mounting frame 15 has stepped positioning holes 151 that match the tapered positioning posts 22; the tapered positioning posts 22 are pressed into the stepped positioning holes 151 to form a self-locking fixation, eliminating the need for additional screws or clips, and further improving the fixed assembly of the keyboard assembly 2 and the first housing 1.

[0040] In this embodiment, as Figures 1 to 5As shown, the keyboard mounting frame 15 is in the shape of a grid. The grid structure includes multiple hollow sections. Compared with a solid frame, the hollow sections can reduce the amount of material used to reduce weight. At the same time, the hollow sections can also form air channels and improve heat dissipation efficiency. Each hollow section corresponds to the key position of the keyboard component 2, that is, each hollow section corresponds to a single key, forming a "micro-framework" unit with independent key support, preventing keycaps from sinking and improving structural stability.

[0041] In this embodiment, as Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the first surface is also provided with a touch groove 13, which is arranged adjacent to the keyboard groove 12. The touch groove 13 can be a touchpad 3 or a handwriting screen, and is spaced apart from the edge of the keyboard groove 12, allowing the user's finger to slide naturally and reducing the input mode switching time.

[0042] In this embodiment, as Figures 1 to 5 As shown, a second mounting frame 14 is provided within the touch groove 13. The second mounting frame 14 is detachably equipped with a touch panel 3, and the touch panel 3 is flush with the first surface. The second mounting frame 14 supports the touch panel 3, thereby enhancing the firmness and stability of the installation between the touch panel 3 and the first housing 1, and preventing the touch panel 3 from shaking or tilting when the user uses it.

[0043] In this embodiment, as Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the first housing 1 has a groove 11 at its end near the keyboard slot 12 and away from the touch slot 13. Preferably, the groove 11 is close to the edge of the keyboard slot 12 to ensure that the hinge assembly does not interfere with the keyboard assembly 2 or the touch area. The hinge assembly is embedded in the groove 11, and under the locking of the second housing 4 and the first housing 1, the embedding stability of the hinge assembly is ensured, while avoiding protrusions affecting the closed thickness of the device. In addition, the hinge assembly is rotatably connected to the display assembly, allowing the display assembly to be opened or closed relative to the housing assembly. When the display assembly is closed, the inner surface of the display assembly covers the keyboard surface of the keyboard assembly 2, ensuring that the display assembly does not contact the keyboard assembly 2 when closed.

[0044] In another embodiment, the first housing 1 is provided with a plurality of functional interfaces on both sides, including a charging interface, a power switch interface and a data transmission interface. The functional interfaces are distributed at intervals along the side of the first housing 1 and are electrically connected to the motherboard assembly in the receiving cavity.

[0045] In this application, the assembly method of the keyboard component 2 is changed from the traditional inside-out assembly to the outside-in assembly. Specifically, the keyboard component 2 is installed in the keyboard slot 12, thereby directly locking the keyboard component 2 to the outside of the first housing 1, that is, realizing the external mounting of the keyboard component 2; the motherboard component is directly locked to the inside of the second housing 4 or the inside of the first housing 1, which can eliminate the intermediate structural component (such as the bracket) used to support the keyboard component 2 and the motherboard component in the traditional technical means, thereby reducing the overall weight of the external computer keyboard, reducing the thickness of the external computer keyboard, and realizing the overall thinness and lightness of the machine.

[0046] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have different focuses. For parts that are not described in detail in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments.

[0047] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0048] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0049] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0050] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature being directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0051] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. The illustrative expressions of the above terms in this specification should not be construed as necessarily referring to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification.

[0052] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Since these modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims and their equivalents, this application also intends to include these modifications and variations.

[0053] The above description describes specific embodiments of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of various equivalent modifications or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application, and these modifications or substitutions should all be covered within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An external computer keyboard, characterized in that, include: The housing assembly includes a first housing (1) and a second housing (4) that are detachably connected, the first housing (1) and the second housing (4) forming a receiving cavity; the receiving cavity is provided with a main board assembly; The first housing (1) has a first surface and a second surface that are opposite to each other; the first surface is located outside the receiving cavity and is provided with a keyboard groove (12); The keyboard assembly (2) is detachably disposed in the keyboard slot (12) and is flush with or protruding from the first surface.

2. The external computer keyboard according to claim 1, characterized in that, The keyboard assembly (2) is provided with multiple keyboard latches (21); the side wall of the keyboard slot (12) is provided with multiple snap-fit ​​slots (16); The keyboard latch (21) is inserted into the snap-fit ​​slot (16) to fix the keyboard assembly (2) in the keyboard slot (12).

3. The external computer keyboard according to claim 1, characterized in that, The keyboard slot (12) is provided with a keyboard mounting frame (15), and the keyboard assembly (2) is disposed on the keyboard mounting frame (15).

4. The external computer keyboard according to claim 3, characterized in that, The keyboard assembly (2) has a plurality of positioning posts (22) on its back; the keyboard mounting frame (15) has positioning holes (151) corresponding to the positioning posts (22); The positioning pin (22) is inserted into the positioning hole (151) to fix the keyboard assembly (2) to the keyboard mounting frame (15).

5. The external computer keyboard according to claim 1, characterized in that, The keyboard mounting frame (15) has a grid-like structure, which includes multiple cutouts, each cutout corresponding to the key position of the keyboard assembly (2).

6. The external computer keyboard according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first surface is also provided with a touch groove (13), which is arranged adjacent to the keyboard groove (12).

7. The external computer keyboard according to claim 6, characterized in that, The touch slot (13) is provided with a second mounting frame (14), and the second mounting frame (14) is detachably provided with a touch panel (3), and the touch panel (3) is flush with the first surface.

8. The external computer keyboard according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first housing (1) has a groove (11) at the end of the side near the keyboard slot (12) and away from the touch slot (13). A rotating shaft assembly is embedded in the groove (11). The rotating shaft assembly is rotatably connected to a display assembly, so that the display assembly can be opened or closed relative to the housing assembly.

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