Key structure for a keyboard

Abstract

The utility model relates to keyboard key technical field discloses a key structure for keyboard, including upper cover and base, the base is located below cover, the base with the upper cover between being equipped with the axle core, the axle core with the base between being equipped with reset elastic part, the base and upper cover between still being equipped with the contact structure for signal trigger, the base bottom surface is equipped with the soft rubber layer for reducing the noise. Through setting up soft rubber layer, when the key is pressed, the vibration and noise produced in the process of spreading to the downward, will first contact the soft rubber layer, because the soft rubber layer has certain flexibility and damping characteristic, it can absorb and attenuate part vibration energy, makes the noise in the process of spreading to get the preliminary weakening, the sound emitted presents more muffled and clean single effect, greatly reduces the intensity of noise diffusion to the outside, effectively reduces the overall noise level, avoids the influence of others or oneself because of each time pressing will produce larger noise.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Keyboards, as essential input devices for computers and other electronic devices, are widely used in various fields such as office work, entertainment, and learning. With the increasing prevalence of electronic devices and the growing demands of users for a better user experience, keyboard performance and quality have become increasingly important, with the key structure design playing a crucial role in the overall performance of the keyboard.

[0003] Currently, each key on a mechanical keyboard is equipped with an independent mechanical switch. These switches trigger key signals by opening and closing metal contacts. When a key is pressed, the key shaft moves downward, pushing the internal spring and metal contacts to generate an electrical signal. However, existing keyboard keys generate considerable noise with each press, especially in environments with high noise control requirements, such as conference rooms and recording studios. This noise not only affects the user's concentration but may also disturb the work and study of others nearby.

[0004] Therefore, a new technical solution needs to be researched to address the above problems. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of this, the present invention addresses the deficiencies of the existing technology, and its main purpose is to provide a key structure for a keyboard.

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

[0007] A key structure for a keyboard includes an upper cover and a base; the base is located below the upper cover; a shaft is provided between the base and the upper cover; a reset elastic element is provided between the shaft and the base; a contact structure for signal triggering is also provided between the base and the upper cover; and a soft rubber layer for noise reduction is provided on the bottom surface of the base.

[0008] As further explained, the soft rubber layer includes a bottom surface and multiple sets of upwardly extending extensions; the bottom surface is disposed on the bottom surface of the base; the multiple sets of extensions are circumferentially distributed on the outer edge of the bottom surface.

[0009] As a further explanation, the bottom surface is also provided with an upwardly extending fixing part; the fixing part extends from the base into the upper cover from bottom to top; a fixing groove for engaging the fixing part is provided between the base and the upper cover.

[0010] As further explained, the soft rubber layer is a sound-absorbing material, and the softness and hardness of the soft rubber layer are 70-90 degrees.

[0011] As further explained, the thickness of the soft adhesive layer is 0.3-1mm.

[0012] As further explained, the sound-absorbing material is silicone, TPU, or TPE.

[0013] As a further explanation, the outer side of the base is provided with a snap-fit ​​groove for snapping the extension, and the outer side of the extension protrudes beyond the outer side of the snap-fit ​​groove.

[0014] As a further explanation, the base is provided with a guide groove for guiding the shaft core, and the end of the guide groove extends to the outside of the base; the bottom surface is provided with a wrapping part corresponding to the guide groove in the center; the wrapping part wraps the outer surface of the guide groove.

[0015] As further explained, the contact structure includes terminals and springs; the terminals and springs are arranged side by side within the base.

[0016] By incorporating a soft rubber layer, when a key is pressed, the vibrations and noise generated will first come into contact with the soft rubber layer as they propagate downwards. Due to the flexibility and damping properties of the soft rubber layer, it can absorb and attenuate some of the vibration energy, weakening the noise during propagation and producing a more muffled, clean, and singular sound. Furthermore, the smooth surface of the soft rubber layer on the bottom of the key is in a vacuum state with the PCB panel inside the keyboard, resulting in very little noise generated when the key is pressed, further effectively reducing the overall noise level and preventing significant noise from affecting others or oneself with each press. At the same time, the soft rubber layer includes a bottom surface and multiple upward-extending extensions, with the extensions circumferentially distributed on the outer edge of the bottom surface. This increases the contact area and tightness between the soft rubber layer and the base and surrounding environment, making the connection between the soft rubber layer and the base and surrounding environment more secure. The extensions can better block and absorb noise and vibration emanating from the edge of the key, reducing the resonance between the vibration generated when the key is pressed and the surrounding environment, forming a comprehensive noise reduction barrier and further improving noise reduction performance. Attached Figure Description

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

[0018] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of a key structure for a keyboard provided by this utility model;

[0019] Figure 2 An exploded view of a key structure for a keyboard provided by this utility model;

[0020] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of the soft adhesive layer provided by this utility model;

[0021] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of the base provided by this utility model.

[0022] The following are the labeling elements in the figure:

[0023] 10. Top cover; 12. Base; 121. Fixing groove; 122. Snap-fit ​​groove; 123. Guide groove;

[0024] 13. Shaft core; 14. Contact structure; 14a. Terminal; 14b. Spring;

[0025] 20. Soft rubber layer; 21. Bottom layer; 22. Extension; 23. Fixing part; 24. Wrapping part. Detailed Implementation

[0026] To make the technical problems, technical solutions, and beneficial effects to be solved by this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0027] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly on or indirectly on that other component. When a component is referred to as being "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to or indirectly connected to that other component.

[0028] It should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0031] In one embodiment of this utility model, such as Figure 1-4 As shown, a key structure for a keyboard is provided, including an upper cover 10 and a base 12. The base 12 is located below the upper cover 10. A pivot 13 is provided between the base 12 and the upper cover 10. A reset elastic element, which is a reset spring, is provided between the pivot 13 and the base 12. The specific model of the reset elastic element needs to be selected by the designer according to the actual working conditions; there is no specific model restriction, and each case should be analyzed individually. A contact structure 14 for signal triggering is also provided between the base 12 and the upper cover 10. A soft rubber layer 20 for noise reduction is provided on the bottom surface of the base 12.

[0032] By setting up a soft rubber layer 20, when a key is pressed, the vibration and noise generated will first come into contact with the soft rubber layer 20 as it propagates downwards. Due to the flexibility and damping characteristics of the soft rubber layer 20, it can absorb and attenuate some of the vibration energy, thus weakening the noise during propagation. The sound produced will be more muffled and cleaner. In addition, the smooth surface of the soft rubber layer 20 on the bottom of the key is in a vacuum state with the PCB panel inside the keyboard. When the key is pressed, the noise it generates is very small, further effectively reducing the overall noise level and preventing the large noise generated each time it is pressed from affecting others or oneself. Meanwhile, the soft rubber layer 20 includes a bottom surface and multiple sets of upwardly extending extensions 22, and the multiple sets of extensions 22 are circumferentially distributed on the outer edge of the bottom surface 21. This increases the contact area and tightness between the soft rubber layer 20 and the base 12 and the surrounding environment, making the connection between the soft rubber layer 20 and the base 12 and the surrounding environment tighter. The extensions 22 can better block and absorb noise and vibration emitted from the edge of the button, reduce the resonance between the vibration generated when the button is pressed and the surrounding environment, form an all-round noise reduction barrier, and further improve the noise reduction performance.

[0033] Preferably, the soft rubber layer 20 includes a bottom surface and multiple sets of upwardly extending extensions 22. The bottom surface is located on the bottom surface of the base 12. The multiple sets of extensions 22 are circumferentially distributed on the outer edge of the bottom surface 21. By providing the extensions 22 and the bottom surface, the contact area and tightness between the soft rubber layer 20 and the base 12 and the surrounding environment are increased, making the engagement between the soft rubber layer 20 and the base 12 and the surrounding environment more secure, improving the stability of the engagement. Furthermore, the extensions 22 can better block and absorb noise and vibration emitted from the edge of the key, reducing the resonance between the vibration generated when the key is pressed and the surrounding environment, forming an all-around noise reduction barrier, resulting in a more muffled and clean sound, thus improving noise reduction performance. At the same time, the tighter engagement between the soft rubber layer 20 and the base 12 and the surrounding environment also prevents inconsistent key response distances caused by key vibration during use or transportation, effectively avoiding minute differences in key response speed caused by key vibration, and improving the lifespan of the key.

[0034] In this embodiment, the bottom surface and the extension 22 are integrally formed. By adopting an integrally formed soft rubber layer 20, the weak link between the two is eliminated, making the soft rubber layer 20 stronger and more durable. It can withstand frequent key presses without being easily damaged, thus extending the service life of the soft rubber layer 20 and reducing the maintenance cost of the keyboard.

[0035] In other embodiments, the bottom surface and the extension 22 are designed as separate structures but are integrated by adhesive bonding or other splicing methods. During production, if a component is defective, only that component needs to be replaced, without discarding the entire soft adhesive layer 20, thus improving material utilization and reducing production costs. Simultaneously, this design facilitates the flexible replacement of extensions 22 of different specifications or materials according to different noise reduction requirements and usage scenarios, increasing the flexibility and customizability of the keyboard key structure.

[0036] Furthermore, an upwardly extending fixing part 23 is provided on the bottom surface. The fixing part 23 extends from the base 12 into the upper cover 10 from bottom to top. A fixing groove 121 for engaging the fixing part 23 is provided between the base 12 and the upper cover 10. By providing the fixing part 23, the soft rubber layer 20 can be firmly fixed between the base 12 and the upper cover 10, ensuring that the soft rubber layer 20 will not loosen or shift during frequent key presses, always remaining in the optimal noise reduction position, and continuously and stably performing its noise reduction function, avoiding the problem of reduced noise reduction effect due to loosening of the soft rubber layer 20. At the same time, it enhances the overall stability of the key structure and extends the lifespan of the keyboard keys.

[0037] Furthermore, the soft rubber layer 20 is a sound-absorbing material, preferably silicone, TPU, or TPE. The soft rubber layer 20 has a hardness of 70-90 degrees. By selecting silicone, TPU, or TPE as the sound-absorbing material, it possesses good elasticity and flexibility, better adapting to the pressing and rebounding actions of the buttons. It also has excellent sound absorption performance; the relative movement and friction between molecules can convert sound energy into heat energy, effectively absorbing the noise generated by button pressing.

[0038] Meanwhile, the soft rubber layer 20 has a hardness controlled between 70 and 90 degrees. The sound-absorbing material can better absorb the noise generated by the key press. The hardness of 70 to 90 degrees ensures that the soft rubber layer 20 has enough elasticity to withstand the key press and rebound. It will not be too hard to effectively absorb sound, nor too soft to affect the key feel and service life. While ensuring good noise reduction effect, it also takes into account the key's comfort and stability.

[0039] Furthermore, the thickness of the soft rubber layer 20 is 0.3-1mm, and the glossy surface of the bottom of the soft rubber layer 20 is bonded to the surface of the PCB board inside the keyboard, creating a vacuum between them. In this case, the glossy surface of the bottom of the soft rubber layer 20 serves as an adhesive, thereby improving the bonding effect between the glossy surface of the bottom of the soft rubber layer 20 and the surface of the PCB board inside the keyboard. By creating a vacuum between the glossy surface of the soft rubber layer on the bottom of the key and the PCB panel inside the keyboard, the noise generated when the key is pressed is very small, further effectively reducing the overall noise level and preventing significant noise from affecting others or oneself with each press.

[0040] In this embodiment, the thickness of the software layer needs to be determined based on the gap between the bottom surface of the actual base 12 and the keyboard contact surface to avoid it being too thick or too thin. An appropriate thickness can ensure that the soft rubber layer 20 has enough material to absorb and attenuate noise, thereby achieving a good noise reduction effect.

[0041] Furthermore, the outer surface of the base 12 is provided with a snap-fit ​​groove 122 for snapping the extension 22, and the outer side of the extension 22 protrudes beyond the outer side of the snap-fit ​​groove 122. By providing the snap-fit ​​groove 122 and having the outer side of the extension 22 protrude beyond the outer side of the snap-fit ​​groove 122, the tightness of the connection between the soft rubber layer 20 and the base 12 is enhanced. The protruding part of the extension 22 can form a tighter seal around the button, better preventing noise from leaking out from the connection between the button and the base 12, and further improving the noise reduction and sealing performance.

[0042] Furthermore, the base 12 is provided with a guide groove 123 for guiding the spindle 13, and the end of the guide groove 123 extends to the outside of the base 12. A corresponding wrapping portion 24 is provided in the center of the bottom surface. The wrapping portion 24 wraps the outer surface of the guide groove 123. By providing the wrapping portion 24 in the center of the bottom surface to wrap the outer surface of the guide groove 123, the vibration and noise generated during the movement of the spindle 13 can be reduced from propagating outward through the guide groove 123, thus lowering the overall noise level of the keyboard keys. Simultaneously, by wrapping the outside of the guide groove 123 with the wrapping portion 24, the connection between the outside of the guide groove 123 and the keyboard is made tighter, avoiding any issues of misalignment or gaps, improving the fit between the two, and further reducing the overall noise level of the keyboard keys.

[0043] Preferably, the contact structure 14 includes a terminal 14a and a spring 14b. The terminal 14a and the spring 14b are arranged side by side within the base 12. When the button is pressed, due to the flexibility and damping characteristics of the soft rubber layer 20, it can absorb and attenuate some of the vibration energy, reducing the jitter that occurs during the contact between the terminal 14a and the spring 14b, thereby extending the service life of the terminal 14a and the spring 14b.

[0044] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present utility model, and only specifically describe the technical principles of the present utility model. These descriptions are only for explaining the principles of the present utility model and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present utility model in any way. Based on this explanation, any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model, as well as other specific embodiments of the present utility model that can be conceived by those skilled in the art without creative effort, should be included within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A key structure for a keyboard, characterized in that, The device includes a top cover and a base; the base is located below the top cover; a shaft is provided between the base and the top cover; a reset elastic element is provided between the shaft and the base; a contact structure for signal triggering is also provided between the base and the top cover; a soft rubber layer for noise reduction is provided on the bottom surface of the base; the soft rubber layer includes a bottom surface and multiple sets of upwardly extending extensions; the bottom surface is located on the bottom surface of the base; the multiple sets of extensions are circumferentially distributed on the outer edge of the bottom surface.

2. The key structure for a keyboard according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom surface is also provided with an upwardly extending fixing part; the fixing part extends from the base into the upper cover from bottom to top; a fixing groove for engaging the fixing part is provided between the base and the upper cover.

3. The key structure for a keyboard according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, The soft rubber layer is a sound-absorbing material, and the softness and hardness of the soft rubber layer are 70-90 degrees.

4. The key structure for a keyboard according to claim 3, characterized in that, The thickness of the soft rubber layer is 0.3-1mm.

5. The key structure for a keyboard according to claim 4, characterized in that, The sound-absorbing material is silicone, TPU, or TPE.

6. The key structure for a keyboard according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The outer side of the base is provided with a snap-fit ​​groove for snapping the extension, and the outer side of the extension protrudes beyond the outer side of the snap-fit ​​groove.

7. The key structure for a keyboard according to claim 6, characterized in that, The base has a guide groove for guiding the shaft core, and the end of the guide groove extends to the outside of the base; the bottom surface has a wrapping part corresponding to the guide groove in the center; the wrapping part wraps the outer surface of the guide groove.

8. The key structure for a keyboard according to claim 1, characterized in that, The contact structure includes terminals and springs; the terminals and springs are arranged side by side within the base.

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