Keyboard key detection device

Abstract

A keyboard key detection device includes a support device, a cover plate, ejector pins, and a control unit. The support device includes multiple telescopic units, each including a fixed part and a movable part that can telescopically move relative to the fixed part. The movable part is positioned corresponding to the keycap position of the keyboard under test. Each movable part abuts against the keycap when extended and disengages from the keycap when retracted. The cover plate is located above the support device and has multiple through holes for accommodating ejector pins. The positions of each through hole correspond to the opening positions on the back of the keyboard under test. When the keyboard under test is placed face down on the support device, the multiple extended movable parts abut against the corresponding keycaps to support the keyboard. In the retracted state, a gap is formed between the movable parts and their corresponding keycaps, leaving the keycaps suspended. The cover plate covers the back of the keyboard under test, and the ejector pins pass through the through holes and the openings on the back of the keyboard to abut against the keycaps. This solution can provide overall support for keyboards with small gaps while avoiding mechanical interference to the keys being tested.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of keyboard key detection, and in particular to a keyboard key detection device. Background Technology

[0002] Computer keyboards are generally assembled from an aluminum substrate, a circuit board, a scissor-switch support, and keycaps. The keycaps and the scissor-switch support are usually referred to as the keys. The keycaps are fastened to the scissor-switch support using a snap-fit ​​and sliding mechanism, while the scissor-switch support is engaged with a hook in the aluminum substrate via a hinge mechanism, thus achieving overall positioning and freedom of movement.

[0003] In the keyboard manufacturing process, it's crucial not only to ensure the keycaps and scissor-switch support are properly assembled to prevent them from detaching due to insecure assembly or misalignment causing one side of the keycap to warp, but also to ensure their proper functioning. This includes ensuring the support provides consistent and stable rebound force and pressure to the keycaps, and transmitting accurate pressure signals to the circuit board when a keycap is pressed. Therefore, after assembling the computer keyboard, the keys need to be tested to identify any defective keys. To this end, the industry has developed various key testing devices.

[0004] A keyboard key detection device is provided in Chinese utility model application number 2025210221771. The principle is that a pin is vertically inserted into the internal space of the key from above through a through-hole on the back of the keyboard substrate, and abuts against the periphery of the keycap. Vertical pressure is applied to the upper surface of the pin to obtain corresponding mechanical test data, thereby detecting whether the keyboard keycap has structural defects. In this utility model device, a support plate supports the keyboard. The support plate has multiple support ribs and a groove formed by the support ribs. The keyboard is positioned on the support plate with the keycaps facing downwards, and the keycaps are accommodated in the groove. The support ribs pass through the gaps around the keycaps, abutting against and supporting the keyboard substrate, thus avoiding interference with the detection process.

[0005] However, there is a type of keyboard on the market with very small gaps. Due to considerations such as aesthetics and miniaturization, the keys are arranged extremely closely with very small gaps, making it difficult to use support ribs to support the keyboard as a whole. If the support structure touches the keys, it will cause mechanical interference during the key detection process and affect the detection results. Therefore, the detection device mentioned above cannot be used to perform the detection.

[0006] How to overcome the shortcomings of the existing technologies is the subject of this solution. Utility Model Content

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide a keyboard key detection device that can provide overall support for a small-gap keyboard while avoiding mechanical interference to the keys being tested.

[0008] The technical solution adopted in this utility model is: A keyboard key detection device for detecting a keyboard under test includes a support device, a cover plate, pins, and a control unit. The support device includes multiple independently controllable telescopic units. Each telescopic unit includes a fixed part and a movable part that can telescopically move relative to the fixed part. The movable part is set to correspond to the keycap position of the keyboard under test. Each movable part abuts against the keycap when it is extended and disengages from the keycap when it is retracted. The cover plate is located above the support device and has multiple through holes that can accommodate the ejector pins. The position of each through hole corresponds to the opening position on the back of the keyboard to be tested. When the keyboard under test is placed face down on the support device, multiple protruding movable parts abut against the corresponding keycaps to support the keyboard under test; in the retracted state, the movable parts form a gap with their corresponding keycaps, and the keycaps are suspended; the cover plate covers the back of the keyboard under test, and the ejector pin passes through the through hole and the opening on the back of the keyboard under test to abut against the keycaps. The control unit is electrically connected to each of the telescopic units and is configured to receive control signals and drive each of the telescopic units to extend or retract its movable part. When the control unit controls the movable part corresponding to the keycap under test to be in the retracted state, it simultaneously controls the movable parts corresponding to other keycaps (excluding the keycap under test) to be in the extended state. The control unit controls the extension and retraction states of the telescopic units one by one to complete the detection of all keycaps.

[0009] In a further technical solution, the support device also includes a limiting plate, which is located on the top of the support device and has multiple limiting channels. The limiting channels pass through the limiting plate along the extension and retraction direction of the movable part and are used to accommodate the extension and retraction movement of the movable part. The upper surface of the movable part in the extended state protrudes from the upper surface of the limiting plate.

[0010] In a further technical solution, the upper surface of the limiting plate is provided with multiple alignment protrusions, which abut against the outer periphery of the keyboard to be tested, and the multiple alignment protrusions together define an alignment frame for limiting the keyboard to be tested.

[0011] In a further technical solution, the number and position of the active parts correspond one-to-one with the number and position of the keycaps.

[0012] In a further technical solution, the ejector pin includes an upper end and an ejector pin body; the diameter of the through hole is larger than the diameter of the ejector pin body and smaller than the diameter of the upper end.

[0013] In a further technical solution, the ejector pin also includes a lower end portion; the diameters of the upper end portion, the ejector pin body, and the lower end portion decrease sequentially.

[0014] In a further technical solution, a guide sleeve is embedded in the through hole of the cover plate.

[0015] In a further technical solution, the control unit includes multiple signal output terminals; the multiple signal output terminals are electrically connected to the corresponding telescopic units.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: This device works in concert through multiple independently controllable telescopic units, so that multiple movable parts form multiple support points when extended, corresponding to support each keycap of the keyboard under test, so as to provide overall support for the keyboard under test. When a selected key is being tested, the movable part of the corresponding telescopic unit can be retracted to avoid the key and keep it in a suspended state without interference, thus completely avoiding mechanical interference from the support structure to the key's movement. During this process, the other telescopic units remain in a supporting state to ensure that the overall stability of the keyboard is not affected, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the key detection data. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Appendix Figure 1 This is an exploded view of an embodiment of this solution; Appendix Figure 2 This is a front view of the keyboard under test in this embodiment of the solution; Appendix Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the back of the keyboard under test in this embodiment of the solution; Appendix Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the support device in this embodiment of the solution; Appendix Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the limiting plate in this embodiment of the solution; Appendix Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the working principle of the keycaps under supported conditions in this embodiment of the solution; Appendix Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the working principle of the keycaps in the suspended state in this embodiment of the solution; Appendix Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the working principle of the keycap under detection in this embodiment of the solution; Appendix Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the ejector pin in this embodiment of the solution; Appendix Figure 10 This is a partial schematic diagram of the detection process in this embodiment of the solution; Appendix Figure 11 This is a mechanical data graph of the good product inspection results in this embodiment of the solution; Appendix Figure 12 This is a mechanical data diagram of the defective product detection results in this embodiment of the solution.

[0018] In the above attached figures: 1. Keyboard under test; 11. Keyboard base plate; 12. Keycap; 13. Opening; 2. Support device; 21. Telescopic unit; 211. Fixed part; 212. Movable part; 22. Limiting plate; 221. Limiting channel; 222. Alignment protrusion; 3. Cover plate; 31. Ejector pin; 311. Upper end; 312. Ejector pin body; 313. Lower end; 32. Through hole; 41. Probe; 42. Force sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments: The terms "upper" and "lower" used in this article are directional terms. In this case, they are only used to describe the positional relationship between the structures and are not used to limit the scope of protection of this case or the specific direction in actual implementation.

[0020] like Figures 1 to 12 The embodiment shown provides a keyboard key detection device.

[0021] This device is used to detect the keyboard under test, such as... Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the keyboard under test 1 includes a keyboard base plate 11 and a plurality of keycaps 12 disposed on the front side of the keyboard base plate 11, and an opening 13 is provided on the back side of the keyboard base plate 11 corresponding to the position of each keycap 12.

[0022] like Figure 1 , Figure 4 As shown, the device includes a support device 2, a cover plate 3, a pin 31, and a control unit; The support device 2 includes multiple independently controllable telescopic units 21. Each telescopic unit 21 includes a fixed part 211 and a movable part 212 that can be telescopically moved relative to the fixed part 211. The movable part 212 is set to correspond to the keycap 12 of the keyboard 1 under test. Each movable part 212 abuts against the keycap 12 when it is extended and disengages from the keycap 12 when it is retracted. The cover plate 3 is located above the support device 2 and has multiple through holes 32 that can accommodate the ejector pins 31. The position of each through hole 32 corresponds to the position of the opening 13 on the back of the keyboard 1 to be tested. When the keyboard under test 1 is placed face down on the support device 2, multiple protruding movable parts 212 abut against the corresponding keycaps 12 to support the keyboard under test 1; in the retracted state, the movable parts 212 form a gap with their corresponding keycaps 12, and the keycaps 12 are suspended; the cover plate 3 covers the back of the keyboard under test 1, and the ejector pin 31 passes through the through hole 32 and the opening 13 on the back of the keyboard under test 1 to abut against the keycaps 12; The control unit is electrically connected to each of the telescopic units 21 and is configured to receive control signals and drive each of the telescopic units 21 to extend or retract its movable part 212. When the control unit controls the movable part 212 corresponding to the keycap 12 under test to be in the retracted state, it simultaneously controls the movable parts 212 corresponding to other keycaps 12 to be in the extended state. The control unit controls the extension and retraction states of the telescopic units 21 one by one to complete the detection of all keycaps 12.

[0023] The telescopic unit 21 refers to the actuator that can perform telescopic actions according to the operation. The telescopic unit 21 can be controlled independently, meaning that each telescopic unit 21 can be controlled individually to perform telescopic actions. The fixed part 211 of the telescopic unit 21 is fixed on the support device 2, and the movable part 212 can move up and down. In the extended state, the movable part 212 is used to support the corresponding keycap 12. When retracted, it leaves the contact with the corresponding keycap 12, so that the keycap 12 is in a suspended state without interference for detection.

[0024] In this embodiment, the telescopic unit 21 is an electrically controlled structure that receives external electrical signals for control and performs telescopic actions under electric drive. Specifically, it can be a telescopic electromagnet, which works by generating a magnetic field through an electromagnetic coil to attract the iron core. After power is cut off, the iron core is reset by a spring, achieving the telescopic effect. This type of telescopic electromagnet is existing technology, and its structure and principle are well known to those skilled in the art, so it will not be described in detail in this embodiment. Other types of electrically controlled telescopic mechanisms, such as linear braking devices and linear motors, can also be used. Using an electrically controlled mechanism will bring the beneficial effects of convenient control and operation.

[0025] In this embodiment, the upper surface of the movable part 212 used for support is rectangular, which corresponds to the shape of the keycap 12, and can provide more support area and improve support stability. In actual implementation, other arbitrary shapes can also be used.

[0026] In order to achieve a more precise detection effect, four openings 13 can be provided on the back of the keyboard base plate 11 corresponding to the four corners of each keycap 12, and through holes 32 and ejector pins 31 with corresponding number and position can be provided on the cover plate 3.

[0027] In this context, the front of the keyboard 1 under test refers to the side with keys, while the back refers to the side without keys that is opposite to the front.

[0028] like Figures 6 to 8 As shown, during testing, the probe 41, connected to the force sensor 42, presses against the upper end 311 of the push pin 31. The probe 41 is the force-applying component. By controlling the probe 41 to apply force to the push pin 31 and causing the force sensor 42 to collect data, the force data diagram of the corresponding button can be obtained. Figure 6The keycap 12 is in a supported state. When it is necessary to test the keycap 12, the corresponding movable part 212 is controlled to retract, so that the keycap 12 is in the supported state. Figure 7 The keycap 12 is suspended in mid-air. Then, the probe 41 and pin 31 are pressed down on the edge of the keycap 12, causing the keycap 12 to drop to a defined height to complete the detection. Figure 8 As shown; after the test is completed, it will be reset to... Figure 6 state.

[0029] The height can be adjusted according to different key types. For general computer keyboards, it can be selected within the range of 1mm to 1.5mm.

[0030] Mechanical data graphs Figure 11 , Figure 12 As shown, the test results for good and defective products are respectively represented; the Y-axis represents the magnitude of the force and reaction force detected by the force sensor 42 on the probe 41, and the X-axis represents the vertical displacement of the probe 41. During the test, a threshold for good product testing results and a good product judgment standard can be established, and the test results can be compared with these standards to determine whether the product to be tested is a good or defective product.

[0031] This device utilizes multiple independently controllable telescopic units 21 working in concert to create multiple support points when the multiple movable parts 212 are extended, corresponding to the keycaps 12 of the keyboard under test 1, thus providing overall support for the keyboard under test 1. When a selected key is being tested, the movable part 212 of the corresponding telescopic unit 21 can be controlled to retract, thus avoiding the key and placing it in a suspended state without interference, completely preventing mechanical interference from the support structure to the key's movement. During this process, the remaining telescopic units 21 remain in a supporting state, ensuring that the overall stability of the keyboard is not affected, thereby guaranteeing the accuracy of the key detection data.

[0032] When all keys of the keyboard 1 under test need to be tested, they can be tested one by one or in batches to ensure that there are always enough movable parts 212 extending out to support the keyboard 1 under test during the test; specifically, at least three movable parts 212 that provide support at the same time must not be on the same straight line.

[0033] It is worth mentioning that in this embodiment, the number and position of the movable parts 212 correspond one-to-one with the number and position of the keycaps 12, which has the advantage of simple control logic. In actual implementation, only a few movable parts 212 sufficient to provide support for the keyboard 1 under test can be set. These few movable parts 212 correspond only to some of the keycaps 12, providing multiple support points for the keyboard 1 under test. Other keycaps 12 do not have corresponding movable parts 212 for support. When the other part of the keycaps 12 is detected, there is no need to retract the movable parts 212. This can reduce the required number of telescopic units 21 and reduce costs. In actual implementation, one movable part 212 can also support multiple keycaps 12.

[0034] Furthermore, by adjusting the height of each movable part 212 in the extended state, the resulting support surface can accommodate various irregularly shaped keyboards of different heights, thus having the advantage of wide applicability.

[0035] In this embodiment, the control unit includes a signal input terminal and multiple signal output terminals; the signal input terminal is connected to a signal input unit, which can generate a control signal for the control unit to identify in response to user operation; the multiple signal output terminals are respectively electrically connected to corresponding telescopic units 21, and each telescopic unit 21 is configured to telescopicate according to the output signal of the signal output terminal.

[0036] The signal output terminal corresponds one-to-one with the telescopic unit 21 to enable individual control of each telescopic unit 21.

[0037] The control unit can be a programmable logic controller or a microcontroller, and the signal input unit can be a computer.

[0038] For example, the operator inputs control commands into the computer, which serves as the signal input unit. The computer generates control signals based on the control commands, and the control signals are input to the control unit via a level conversion chip. The control unit divides the signal path into multiple parts through an I / O expansion circuit, forming multiple signal output terminals that are respectively connected to the telescopic electromagnet, which serves as the telescopic unit 21. Each output terminal is equipped with a switching circuit, which can be composed of relays or MOSFETs. After parsing the control signals, the control unit controls the corresponding switching circuit, which drives the electromagnet to be energized and de-energized to control the telescopic unit 21 to perform the telescopic action.

[0039] By controlling the device through the above control logic, the automation level of the device can be improved, the extension and retraction states of each extension unit 21 can be switched easily, and the detection efficiency can be improved.

[0040] In this embodiment, as Figure 1 , Figure 5As shown, the support device 2 also includes a limiting plate 22, which is located on the top of the support device 2 and has multiple limiting channels 221. The limiting channels 221 extend through the limiting plate 22 along the extension and retraction direction of the movable part 212 and are used to accommodate the extension and retraction movement of the movable part 212. The upper surface of the movable part 212 in the extended state protrudes from the upper surface of the limiting plate 22.

[0041] Each limiting channel 221 can accommodate a movable part 212 for telescopic movement. The shape of the limiting channel 221 is adapted to the contour of the movable part 212, so that the movable part 212 is restricted by the limiting channel 221 and can only move in the telescopic direction. This can prevent the movable part 212 from tilting during movement, thus avoiding affecting the support and detection effects.

[0042] In the extended state, the height difference between the upper surface of the movable part 212 and the upper surface of the limiting plate 22 must be greater than the maximum stroke of the keycap 12 from the supported state to the detected state, so as to avoid the keycap 12 from contacting the limiting plate 22 and being interfered with during the detection stroke.

[0043] The limiting plate 22 can be installed on the support device 2 by means of a fixed connection structure such as screws or slots, so as to ensure that the limiting plate 22 is accurately connected with the moving part 212 of each telescopic unit 21.

[0044] In this embodiment, the support device 2 is provided with an alignment structure, which enables the support device 2 to be accurately aligned with the keyboard 1 to be tested.

[0045] Specifically, the upper surface of the limiting plate 22 is provided with multiple alignment protrusions 222. These protrusions 222 abut against the outer periphery of the keyboard 1 to be tested, and together they define an alignment frame for positioning the keyboard 1. By positioning the keyboard 1, it is accurately aligned with the support device 2. The alignment structure is not limited to this; it can be an alignment pin and alignment hole, a positioning groove and positioning rib, or other structural components that allow for accurate alignment of the two parts.

[0046] In addition, the cover plate 3 and the support device 2 also need to be aligned to ensure that the ejector pins 31 on the cover plate 3 can pass through the back opening 13 of the keyboard base plate 11 during testing; for example, alignment can be achieved by an external flip mechanism, wherein the support device 2 is fixed on the base of the flip mechanism and the cover plate 3 is fixed on the flip of the flip mechanism, and the positions of the two are adjusted so that the flip mechanism can be accurately aligned when closed.

[0047] In this embodiment, as Figure 9As shown, the ejector pin 31 includes an upper end portion 311 and an ejector pin body 312; the diameter of the through hole 32 is larger than the diameter of the ejector pin body 312 and smaller than the diameter of the upper end portion 311. The ejector pin 31 also includes a lower end portion 313; the diameters of the upper end portion 311, the ejector pin body 312, and the lower end portion 313 decrease sequentially.

[0048] The sum of the lengths of the pin body 312 and the lower end 313 is greater than the sum of the thickness of the cover plate 3 and the distance between the bottom surface of the cover plate 3 and the keycap 12.

[0049] On the one hand, the ejector pin 31 adopts this structure, so that the ejector pin 31 is not easy to fall off the cover plate 3 during the production and testing process. On the other hand, the smaller the diameter of the through hole 32, the more accurate the positioning; the larger the upper end 311 of the ejector pin 31, the easier it is to control the force-applying component. The ejector pin 31 adopts the above structure, which makes the detection positioning accurate and the force-applying component easy to control.

[0050] In addition, a guide sleeve can be embedded in the through hole 32 of the cover plate 3 to allow the ejector pin 31 to slide in the guide sleeve; the guide sleeve can be made of metal or wear-resistant material, which can prevent the guide hole on the cover plate 3 from being worn or shifted in position during use, thereby improving the service life and positioning accuracy of the cover plate 3.

[0051] The above embodiments are only for illustrating the technical concept and features of this utility model, and are intended to enable those skilled in the art to understand the content of this utility model and implement it accordingly. They should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this utility model. All equivalent changes or modifications made in accordance with the spirit and essence of this utility model should be included within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. A keyboard key detection device for detecting a keyboard (1) under test, characterized in that: It includes a support device (2), a cover plate (3), a ejector pin (31), and a control unit; The support device (2) includes multiple independently controllable telescopic units (21), each telescopic unit (21) including a fixed part (211) and a movable part (212) that can be telescopically moved relative to the fixed part (211); the movable part (212) is set to correspond to the keycap (12) of the keyboard (1) under test, each movable part (212) abuts against the keycap (12) when extended, and disengages from the keycap (12) when retracted. The cover plate (3) is located above the support device (2) and has multiple through holes (32) that can accommodate the ejector pin (31). The position of each through hole (32) corresponds to the position of the opening (13) on the back of the keyboard (1) to be tested. When the keyboard (1) under test is placed face down on the support device (2), multiple protruding movable parts (212) abut against the corresponding keycaps (12) to support the keyboard (1) under test; the movable parts (212) in the retracted state form a gap with their corresponding keycaps (12), and the keycaps (12) are suspended; the cover plate (3) covers the back of the keyboard (1) under test, and the ejector pin (31) passes through the through hole (32) and the opening (13) on the back of the keyboard (1) under test to abut against the keycaps (12); The control unit is electrically connected to each of the telescopic units (21) and drives each of the telescopic units (21) to extend or retract its movable part (212). When the control unit controls the movable part (212) corresponding to the keycap (12) under test to be in the retracted state, it simultaneously controls the movable parts (212) corresponding to other keycaps (12) to be in the extended state. The control unit controls the extension and retraction states of the telescopic units (21) one by one to complete the detection of all keycaps (12).

2. The keyboard key detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The support device (2) also includes a limiting plate (22), which is located on the top of the support device (2) and has multiple limiting channels (221). The limiting channels (221) extend through the limiting plate (22) along the extension and retraction direction of the movable part (212) to accommodate the extension and retraction movement of the movable part (212). The upper surface of the movable part (212) in the extended state protrudes from the upper surface of the limiting plate (22).

3. The keyboard key detection device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The upper surface of the limiting plate (22) is provided with a plurality of alignment protrusions (222), which abut against the outer periphery of the keyboard (1) to be tested, and the plurality of alignment protrusions (222) together define an alignment frame for limiting the keyboard (1) to be tested.

4. The keyboard key detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The number and position of the active parts (212) correspond one-to-one with the number and position of the keycaps (12).

5. The keyboard key detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ejector pin (31) includes an upper end (311) and an ejector pin body (312); the diameter of the through hole (32) is larger than the diameter of the ejector pin body (312) and smaller than the diameter of the upper end (311).

6. The keyboard key detection device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The ejector pin (31) also includes a lower end (313); the diameters of the upper end (311), the ejector pin body (312), and the lower end (313) decrease sequentially.

7. The keyboard key detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A guide sleeve is embedded in the through hole (32) of the cover plate (3).

8. The keyboard key detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control unit includes multiple signal output terminals; the multiple signal output terminals are electrically connected to the corresponding telescopic units (21).

9. A keyboard key detection device according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The telescopic unit (21) is a telescopic electromagnet or a linear braking device.

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