Keyboard assembly, operating panel assembly, and medical device

Abstract

The utility model relates to a keyboard assembly, operating panel assembly and medical equipment, keyboard assembly includes the shell, and the shell has a accommodation cavity, keyboard, the keyboard sets up in the accommodation cavity, and connector, the connector is connected with the keyboard electricity via the cable, wherein, the connector fixed mounting is in the lateral wall of shell, and the connector's plug -in part extends to the lateral wall of shell.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of medical equipment technology, and in particular to a keyboard assembly, an operation panel assembly, and a medical device. Background Technology

[0002] In modern medical equipment, efficient and reliable human-computer interfaces are crucial for ensuring clinical efficiency and safety. While touchscreen technology has made many operations possible, physical keyboards still offer irreplaceable advantages for tasks such as data entry and quick command input. Therefore, there are designs that allow the keyboard to be hidden, such as sliding or flipping it to be stored inside the work surface. This configuration effectively reduces the size of the work surface when not in use, resulting in a cleaner and more streamlined appearance. It also reduces gaps and unevenness in the work surface, facilitating cleaning and disinfection, and meeting the stringent infection control requirements of the medical environment.

[0003] However, while hidden keyboards offer significant advantages, most currently available hidden keyboards are installed using screws or multiple sets of clips, and their structural design does not adequately consider ease of assembly and disassembly. Furthermore, the electrical connection between the keyboard and the corresponding device relies entirely on manual alignment by the operator, which is not only inefficient and time-consuming but also highly susceptible to bending or damage to connector pins due to alignment errors, posing a risk to connection reliability. Utility Model Content

[0004] This utility model was made in view of the above-mentioned problems. Its purpose is to provide a keyboard assembly, operation panel assembly and medical device that can realize a hidden keyboard in a modular way, which not only achieves a neat appearance and easy cleaning, but also enables quick and reliable installation. While ensuring reliability, it significantly shortens the assembly time, reduces installation costs and facilitates maintenance.

[0005] This utility model relates to a keyboard assembly, comprising: a housing having a receiving cavity; a keyboard disposed within the receiving cavity; and a connector electrically connected to the keyboard via a cable, wherein the connector is fixedly mounted on the side wall of the housing, and the insertion portion of the connector extends beyond the side wall of the housing.

[0006] Preferably, the side wall of the housing is provided with a groove, the groove including a wing extending from the top of the left and right side walls toward the center line of the groove, the connector is placed in the groove and is limited in the up and down and left and right directions by the wall of the groove and the wing.

[0007] Preferably, the connector includes a main body and a plug-in part, with a boss provided at the bottom of the groove. The main body is engaged with the side of the boss facing the inside of the groove, and the plug-in part is engaged with the side of the boss facing the outside of the housing.

[0008] Preferably, at least one positioning post is provided in the side wall of the housing below the part where the connector is fixed.

[0009] Preferably, at least one protrusion is provided on the inner side of the housing, the protrusion being configured to protrude into the housing and abut against it when the keyboard is displaced.

[0010] Preferably, it further includes a track portion, which is fixedly installed on the bottom of the housing, and the keyboard slides relative to the housing via the track portion.

[0011] Preferably, it includes at least one conductive spring, which is mounted on the track portion and exposed to the keyboard surface.

[0012] Preferably, the keyboard has a built-in Hall element.

[0013] This utility model also relates to an operation panel assembly, including: an operation panel; and a keyboard assembly as described in any of the above claims, wherein the keyboard assembly is fixed below the operation panel.

[0014] Preferably, the system includes a connector that mates with the connector of the keyboard assembly, the connector being fixedly mounted to the bottom of the operation panel and configured to be pluggably electrically connected to the connector.

[0015] Preferably, at least one mating hole is provided at the bottom of the operation panel. The mating hole is located below the plug and is configured to engage with the positioning post formed on the keyboard assembly.

[0016] Preferably, at least one mating hole is provided at the bottom of the operation panel. The mating hole is located below the plug and is configured to engage with the positioning post formed on the keyboard assembly.

[0017] Preferably, at least one pair of limiting blocks are provided on both sides of the bottom of the operation panel, and the spacing between the at least one pair of limiting blocks is adapted to the width of the keyboard assembly, so that the keyboard assembly is accommodated between the at least one pair of limiting blocks.

[0018] This utility model also relates to a medical device, including the operation panel assembly described in any of the above claims.

[0019] Preferably, the medical device includes at least one of an ultrasound imaging device, an anesthesia machine, a monitoring device, an electrocardiograph, and a medical trolley. Attached Figure Description

[0020] A better understanding of the present invention can be achieved by describing exemplary embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0021] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing a keyboard assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a partially enlarged view of the connector in a keyboard assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a side sectional view of the connector in a keyboard assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a top view showing the internal structure of the housing in a keyboard assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a side view illustrating a keyboard assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 6 This is a side view illustrating a keyboard assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an operation panel assembly according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure below the operation panel in an operation panel assembly according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 9 This is a side sectional view showing the operation panel assembly according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 10 This is a perspective view illustrating a medical device according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 11 This is a perspective view illustrating a medical device according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The following describes specific embodiments of this utility model. It should be noted that, in order to provide a concise description, this specification cannot provide a detailed description of all features of the actual embodiments. It should be understood that, in the actual implementation of any embodiment, just as in any engineering or design project, various specific decisions are often made to achieve the developer's specific goals and to meet system-related or business-related constraints, and this can change from one embodiment to another. Furthermore, it is understood that although the efforts made in this development process may be complex and lengthy, for those skilled in the art related to the content disclosed in this utility model, some design, manufacturing, or production modifications based on the technical content disclosed in this disclosure are merely conventional technical means and should not be construed as insufficient content of this disclosure.

[0033] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in the claims and description shall have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this utility model pertains. The terms "first," "second," and similar words used in the specification and claims of this utility model patent application do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. The terms "an" or "a" and similar words do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one. The terms "comprising" or "including" and similar words mean that the element or object preceding "comprising" or "including" encompasses the element or object listed following "comprising" or "including" and its equivalents, and do not exclude other elements or objects. The terms "connected" or "linked" and similar words are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, nor are they limited to direct or indirect connections.

[0034] The following is a detailed description of the various embodiments of this utility model.

[0035] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a keyboard assembly is provided.

[0036] Figure 1 This is a perspective view illustrating a keyboard assembly 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 As shown, the keyboard assembly 100 mainly includes a housing 110, a keyboard 120, and a connector 130. The housing 110 is the main structural component of the entire keyboard assembly, and a receiving cavity for accommodating components such as the keyboard is formed inside the housing 110. This receiving cavity is defined by the side walls of the housing 110. In some embodiments, the housing 110 may be made of plastic (e.g., ABS, PC, etc.) or metal (e.g., aluminum alloy, etc.) through injection molding or die casting processes.

[0037] The keyboard 120 is disposed within the receiving cavity of the housing 110. In some embodiments, the keyboard 120 may be fixedly mounted within the receiving cavity by means of rails, clips, screws, etc. Furthermore, the keyboard 120 may be of any type known to those skilled in the art. For example, in some embodiments, the keyboard 120 may be a mechanical keyboard, a membrane keyboard, or an electrostatic capacitive keyboard, etc.

[0038] Connector 130 is electrically connected to keyboard 120 via a cable. For example... Figure 1 As shown, connector 130 is fixedly mounted to the side wall of housing 110 and configured to extend beyond the side wall of housing 110. The specific mounting method will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, Figure 1 The diagram shows connector 130 as an example of a USB interface, but it is not limited to this. Connector 130 can be a connector conforming to various general-purpose or proprietary interface standards, such as USB Type-A, USB Type-C, HDMI, D-Sub, or a custom interface. Furthermore, the cable can be any type well known to those skilled in the art. For example, in some embodiments, the cable can use FPC (flexible printed circuit board) or insulated wire, etc.

[0039] Figure 2 This is a partially enlarged view showing the connector 130 in a keyboard assembly 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 As shown, a groove 140 is provided on at least one side wall of the housing 110. The groove 140 includes two walls on the left and right sides, and a rear wall connected to the two walls. The two walls and the rear wall form an internal space to precisely accommodate and fix the connector 130.

[0040] In some embodiments, the slot 140 further includes wings 140a and 140b extending from the top of the left and right side walls toward the centerline of the slot. When the connector 130 is placed in the slot 140, these two opposing wings 140a and 140b cover part of the upper surface of the connector 130 from above, thereby limiting the connector 130 in the vertical direction and preventing it from coming off upward. At the same time, the left and right side walls of the slot 140 clamp and limit the connector 130 placed therein in the horizontal direction, ensuring that the connector 130 is horizontally centered and stable in the slot 140, and avoiding lateral swaying in the slot. Thus, when the connector 130 is placed in the slot 140, the connector 130 is clamped and limited in the vertical and horizontal directions by the synergistic action of the left and right side walls of the slot and the wings 140a and 140b, so that the connector 130 can be stably positioned in the slot 140, and the mechanical positioning of the connector 130 can be completed without additional screws or other fasteners.

[0041] In addition, such as Figure 2 As shown, an outlet is provided on the rear wall of the slot 140 for the cable of the connector 130 to pass through and enter the receiving cavity of the housing 110 to make an electrical connection with the keyboard 120. In some embodiments, after the cable passes through the outlet, a slack is retained in the receiving cavity. For example, the cable can be arranged in a U-shape, a loop, or an S-shape. This arrangement can effectively absorb and buffer external vibrations or tensile stress generated during installation, preventing stress concentration at the connection between the connector and the cable. In addition, in some other embodiments, a cable fixing structure can be provided on the bottom surface of the housing 110. For example, one or more cable clips (not shown) can be provided to fix and guide the cable so that it extends orderly to the keyboard 120 to achieve electrical connection. This can effectively absorb stress generated by external tension or internal structural displacement, and can prevent the cable from moving randomly in the receiving cavity or interfering with other components, further improving the reliability of the connection.

[0042] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, elastic buffers 141a and 141b are respectively provided on the rear wall of the groove 140 facing the inside of the groove and on the left and right sides of the outlet. The elastic buffers 141a and 141b have good resilience and durability, and can be made of materials such as rubber, silicone, thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (TPU), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or foamed polymer.

[0043] The shape of the elastic buffer can be determined based on the buffering requirements and installation space. For example, in some embodiments, it can be, but is not limited to, a cylinder, prism, hemisphere, or a block structure with a corrugated contact surface. Furthermore, the number of elastic buffers is not limited to one on each side and can be adjusted according to the size of the connector 130 and the desired buffering effect. For example, in some embodiments, more elastic buffers can be arranged around the outlet, such as in a matrix or ring array, to provide more uniform buffering support.

[0044] By providing an elastic buffer at a corresponding position on the rear wall of the slot 140, the connector 130 can stably abut against the slot 140, absorbing assembly gaps caused by manufacturing tolerances and preventing loosening of the connector 130 in the insertion and removal direction, thereby ensuring the stability of the signal connection. Furthermore, during the installation of the keyboard assembly 100 to the corresponding device, the damping effect of the elastic buffer can also buffer the insertion and removal of the connector 130, reducing the risk of mechanical damage to the interface caused by alignment deviations or excessive insertion and removal speeds. Thus, by utilizing the elastic buffer, multiple functions of vibration buffering, gap elimination, stable connection, and interface protection are comprehensively achieved, thereby greatly improving the overall mechanical reliability and long-term stability of the keyboard assembly 100. In this exemplary embodiment, the corresponding device refers to the operation panel assembly described later. However, it is not limited to this; the corresponding device can be any device integrating a connector-compatible plug and serving as the mounting carrier for the keyboard assembly 100, such as the main unit or operating console of medical equipment such as ultrasound imaging devices, anesthesia machines, monitoring equipment, electrocardiographs, and medical carts.

[0045] The following is based on Figure 3 The connector 130 will be further described in detail. Figure 3 This is a side sectional view showing the connector 130 in a keyboard assembly 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 As shown, the connector 130 includes a main body portion 130a with a relatively large cross-section and a mating portion 130b with a relatively small cross-section. Furthermore, a boss 141 is provided at the bottom of the groove 140. This boss 141 can be integrally injection molded with the side wall of the housing 110 or the bottom of the groove 140, or it can be mounted to the side wall of the housing 110 or the bottom of the groove 140 using known fixing methods.

[0046] When the connector 130 is fixed inside the groove 140, the boss 141 is positioned between the main body 130a and the insertion portion 130b of the connector 130. Specifically, the main body 130a of the connector 130 is positioned on the side of the boss 141 facing the inside of the groove 140, while the insertion portion 130b of the connector 130 is positioned on the side of the boss 141 facing the outside of the housing 110.

[0047] Using the above structure, the installation position of connector 130 within slot 140 can be precisely defined, ensuring that the plug portion 130b can extend beyond the side wall of housing 110 at a predetermined and accurate length, thereby ensuring a reliable electrical connection when mating with the corresponding device. Simultaneously, when the keyboard assembly 100 needs to be removed, the pulling force acting on housing 110 can be directly and effectively transmitted to connector 130 itself through the boss 141, allowing connector 130 to be pulled out of the corresponding device synchronously and smoothly. This fundamentally avoids the "connector jamming" problem that may occur due to unreliable force transmission paths—that is, housing 110 being pulled but connector 130 remaining stuck in the plug portion of the corresponding device—and effectively prevents damage to the connector or cable interface. Therefore, by providing a boss at the bottom of the slot, precise connector positioning and reliable force transmission can be achieved in a simple and reliable manner, significantly improving the reliability and convenience of keyboard assembly installation, use, and maintenance.

[0048] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, at least one positioning post 111 is provided in the side wall of the housing 110, below the portion corresponding to the fixed connector 130. The number of positioning posts 111 is not limited to one. In some embodiments, the number of positioning posts 111 may also be multiple. For example, multiple positioning posts 111 can be provided and configured with different lengths to form a hierarchical guide to improve the guiding accuracy and fault tolerance of the connector 130 mating process.

[0049] The positioning post 111 is preferably integrally formed with the housing 110 and extends outward from the side wall of the housing 110 in a direction parallel to the connector 130. However, it is not limited to this, and the positioning post 111 can also be installed on the side wall of the housing 110 by a known fixing method.

[0050] Furthermore, the positioning post 111 is preferably configured such that its length extending outward from the side wall of the housing 110 is longer than the length of the insertion portion 130b of the connector 130. Thus, when the keyboard assembly 100 is installed into the corresponding device, the positioning post 111 engages with a pre-set mating hole on the corresponding device (not shown). Specifically, before the insertion portion 130b of the connector 130 physically abuts against the connector of the corresponding device, the positioning post 111 is first inserted into the corresponding mating hole to achieve precise pre-positioning. Then, as the positioning post 111 further inserts into the mating hole for engagement, the insertion portion 130b of the connector 130, precisely guided by the positioning post 111, reliably inserts into the connector, reaching the preset mating depth, thereby achieving a stable electrical connection.

[0051] In this exemplary embodiment, by providing the positioning post 111, the risk of the connector 130's insertion portion 130b impacting the mating hole in a tilted or misaligned manner due to initial positional deviation is eliminated, effectively preventing pin bending or interface damage. Furthermore, before the connector 130 undergoes final mating, the keyboard assembly 100 is precisely aligned in the horizontal plane through the engagement of the positioning post and the mating hole, ensuring a smooth and seamless subsequent electrical connection process. In addition, the longer positioning post 111 provides a greater effective mating length after full insertion into the mating hole, contributing to improved installation rigidity and stability of the keyboard assembly.

[0052] Figure 4 This is a top view showing the internal structure of the housing 110 in a keyboard assembly 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 The internal structure of the housing 110 is shown with the keyboard 120 removed.

[0053] In existing technology, keyboards are typically locked to their housing using a locking mechanism. This locking mechanism includes a latching protrusion located on the bottom of the keyboard, for example, near its center edge, and a corresponding resilient clamping member on the housing. When the keyboard is locked, the resilient clamping member holds the latching protrusion, thus locking the keyboard within its accommodating cavity. When the keyboard needs to be removed, the user presses the front of the housing to release the resilient clamping member from the latching protrusion, thereby unlocking the keyboard.

[0054] In this exemplary embodiment, at least one protrusion 112 is provided on the inner side of the housing 110. Figure 4 An example is shown where a protrusion 112 is provided on each of the left and right sidewalls of the housing 110. The protrusion 112 is configured to protrude into the housing 110 and abut against it when the keyboard 120 is displaced. In some embodiments, for example, the protrusion 112 may be formed by a process such as stamping or bending, by protruding inwardly from a part of a sheet metal member fixed to the housing 110 as part of the track portion 150 described later. In another exemplary embodiment, the protrusion 112 itself may be provided independently of the aforementioned sheet metal member. For example, it may not be integral with the track portion 150 described later, but rather attached to the track portion 150 by means of adhesive, for example. Furthermore, it may not be connected to the track portion 150, but may be provided independently at the corresponding location on the housing 110.

[0055] Specifically, when a user presses the front of the housing 110, especially the left and right sides of the front of the housing 110, to unlock the keyboard 120, the keyboard 120 may experience unexpected displacement (e.g., twisting). By providing protrusions 112 at corresponding positions on the left and right sidewalls of the housing 110, when the keyboard 120 is about to undergo the aforementioned displacement, the protrusions 112 abut against the keyboard 120, limiting the twisting of the keyboard 120 and converting the potential twisting trend into linear movement in a predetermined direction. Thus, by utilizing the protrusions 112, the movement posture of the keyboard 120 can be corrected in a timely manner, ensuring that it can pop out smoothly, greatly improving the reliability of the unlocking operation and the user experience.

[0056] In some embodiments, in order to enable the keyboard 120 to slide smoothly and easily within the accommodating cavity of the housing 110 and to precisely guide its pop-out and retraction paths, a track portion 150 is also provided at the bottom of the housing 110. For example... Figure 4 As shown, a track portion 150 is fixedly mounted on the bottom of the housing 110. In some embodiments, the track portion 150 may be composed of a sheet metal component serving as a mounting base and a track serving as a sliding contact surface. The track may be fixed to the upper surface of the sheet metal structure, and the two together form a structurally stable guide member.

[0057] The track portion 150 serves as a guide member, providing sliding support for the keyboard 120. Specifically, a groove or slider that mates with the track portion 150 is provided at the bottom of the keyboard 120, allowing the keyboard 120 to slide relative to the housing 110 via the track portion 150. The track portion 150 can be fixed to the bottom of the housing 110 by means of screw connection, snap-fit ​​connection, or welding. Furthermore, the track portion 150 is preferably made of a material with a low coefficient of friction and good wear resistance. For example, in some embodiments, the track portion 150 can be made of a metallic material, such as aluminum alloy or stainless steel, to provide high strength and durability.

[0058] In this exemplary embodiment, the track portion 150 provides precise constraints and guidance for the hiding and popping of the keyboard 120. This structure ensures that the keyboard always moves along a preset trajectory during the unlocking and popping and the pushing back to lock and hide processes, effectively avoiding jamming, tilting, or twisting problems caused by path deviation. Furthermore, combined with the anti-twist structure formed by the aforementioned protrusions 112, the reliability of the keyboard 120's popping action and a smooth user experience are guaranteed. In addition, the structure with the track portion also improves the mechanical lifespan of the entire keyboard assembly 100 under frequent sliding.

[0059] Figure 5This is a side view illustrating a keyboard assembly 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In some embodiments, in order to achieve good electrical grounding performance and effectively prevent static electricity accumulation from damaging the internal circuitry, the keyboard assembly 100 further includes at least one conductive spring 121.

[0060] Specifically, the conductive spring 121 is fixedly installed in the track portion 150, for example, on a sheet metal component within the track portion 150. The conductive spring 121 is preferably made of a metal material with excellent conductivity and elasticity, such as copper. The conductive spring 121 can be mechanically fixed and electrically connected to the track portion 150 by means of snap-fitting, riveting, or welding.

[0061] like Figure 5 As shown, the keyboard 120 includes a key area and a non-key area. At least one opening is provided in the non-key area of ​​the keyboard 120, such as the keyboard bezel. When the keyboard 120 is installed within the receiving cavity of the housing 110, a portion of at least one conductive spring 121 protrudes to the surface of the keyboard 120 through this opening. The number of conductive springs is not limited to one; one or more conductive springs may be provided. For example, in some embodiments, one conductive spring may be provided on each of the left and right sides of the non-key area. Alternatively, in some embodiments, more than two conductive springs may be provided and arranged at intervals along the length of the track portion 150 to form multiple grounding points, further improving grounding reliability. Furthermore, the shape of the conductive spring 121 may be arc-shaped, wavy, or a complex curved surface with multiple contact points to optimize the contact pressure and stability between it and the grounding contact.

[0062] In this exemplary embodiment, by providing a conductive spring 121, static charge can be rapidly released to ground when static electricity is generated during keyboard operation or in the surrounding environment. This prevents the accumulation of static charge on the keyboard assembly 100 and protects sensitive internal electronic components from damage caused by electrostatic discharge (ESD). Furthermore, by integrating the conductive spring 121 onto the track portion 150, existing structural space is fully utilized, achieving functional integration of mechanical guidance and electrical grounding without adding additional parts. This contributes to structural compactness and cost optimization.

[0063] Figure 6 This is a side view illustrating a keyboard assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In some embodiments, to enable automatic power-off when the keyboard is in the pushed-in hidden state and automatic power-on when it is in the pop-up use state, the keyboard assembly 100 further includes a non-contact sensing control system based on the Hall effect.

[0064] Specifically, such as Figure 6As shown, a Hall element 122 is built into the keyboard 120. The Hall element 122 is electrically connected to the main control circuit board of the keyboard 120 and is used to detect changes in magnetic field strength. Correspondingly, a magnet 160 is provided in the area at the bottom of the housing 110 corresponding to the position of the Hall element 122 when the keyboard is in the pushed-in hidden state.

[0065] When the keyboard 120 is pushed into the receiving cavity of the housing 110 and is in a completely hidden state, the Hall element 122 inside the keyboard 120 enters the effective magnetic field range of the magnet 160. When the Hall element 122 built into the keyboard 120 detects a magnetic field strength exceeding a preset threshold, it generates an electrical signal (e.g., a low-level signal) and sends it to the keyboard's control chip. Based on this signal, the control chip can determine that the keyboard 120 is in a retracted state, and thus cut off part or all of the power supply to the keyboard's main circuit, or put it into a low-power sleep mode, thereby achieving automatic power-off of the keyboard 120. When the keyboard 120 is popped out of the housing 110 to the use position, the Hall element moves away from the magnet 160, and the magnetic field strength at its location weakens significantly. When the Hall element detects a magnetic field strength below a preset threshold, it generates an electrical signal of a different level than before (e.g., a high-level signal). Based on this, the control chip determines that the keyboard 120 has been removed for use, and then connects the power supply to the keyboard's main circuit, restoring it to normal operation, thus achieving automatic power-on.

[0066] In this exemplary embodiment, by embedding Hall effect elements in the keyboard to construct a non-contact sensing control system based on the Hall effect, automatic detection of the keyboard status and automatic power control can be achieved without manual switching by the user, thus enhancing the intelligence of the device and the user experience. Furthermore, it can significantly reduce standby power consumption when the keyboard is hidden, achieving energy savings.

[0067] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an operation panel assembly 200 is provided. Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an operation panel assembly 200 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 As shown, the operation panel assembly 200 includes an operation panel 201 and the aforementioned keyboard assembly 100. The keyboard assembly 100 is fixedly mounted to the underside of the operation panel 201 by a mechanical connection (e.g., by screws, clips, or a guide rail structure).

[0068] Specifically, a storage space is provided below the operation panel 201, corresponding to the position of the keyboard assembly 100, allowing the keyboard assembly 100 to be completely hidden below the operation panel 201 when not in use, thus maintaining the neatness and aesthetics of the work surface. When the keyboard 120 is needed, the user presses the front area of ​​the outer casing 110 of the keyboard assembly 100 to trigger the aforementioned keyboard locking / unlocking mechanism set inside the keyboard assembly 100, causing the keyboard 120 to automatically pop out from the hidden position to the usable position along the track portion 150, becoming as described above. Figure 6 The state shown. After use, the user can push the keyboard 120 back into the receiving cavity of the keyboard assembly 100 until it is locked again and returns to the hidden state.

[0069] The following is a detailed description of the components in the operation panel assembly 200 used for mounting the keyboard assembly and the mounting method.

[0070] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure below the operation panel of the operation panel assembly 200 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 As shown, the operation panel assembly 200 includes a connector 202 that mates with the connector 130 of the keyboard assembly 100 to establish an electrical connection between the operation panel 201 and the keyboard assembly 100.

[0071] Specifically, the connector 202 is fixedly mounted to the bottom of the operation panel 201 by fasteners or snap-fit ​​structures, and is configured to be electrically connected to the connector 130 in a pluggable manner. The connector 130 and the connector 202 together constitute a complete electrical connection interface. In this exemplary embodiment, a configuration is shown where the connector 130 is a USB male and the connector 202 is a USB female. However, the configuration of the connector 130 and connector 202 is not limited to this. For example, in some embodiments, when the electrical connection conforms to the USB interface standard, the connector 130 can be a USB female and the connector 202 can be a corresponding USB male. The male-female pairing relationship can be selected according to actual wiring convenience and structural design requirements. Furthermore, the types of connector 130 and connector 202 are not limited to this; they can be connectors conforming to various general or special interface standards.

[0072] Furthermore, in some embodiments, in order to achieve precise and reliable docking between the keyboard assembly 100 and the operation panel 201, the operation panel assembly 200 also includes features that cooperate with the positioning posts 111 on the keyboard assembly 100.

[0073] That is, at least one mating hole 203 is provided at the bottom of the operation panel 201. This mating hole 203 is located below the connector 202 and is configured to engage with the positioning post 111 formed on the keyboard assembly 100. Preferably, the number of mating holes 203 corresponds to the number of positioning posts 111, and their positions are one-to-one. Similarly, the number of mating holes 203 is not limited to one; for example, in some embodiments, two or more can be provided to form a more stable positioning system. Furthermore, in some other embodiments, the inner wall of the mating hole 203 may be provided with a guide chamfer to assist in guiding the insertion of the positioning post 111.

[0074] In this exemplary embodiment, by providing a mating hole 203 that works in conjunction with the positioning post 111 on the keyboard assembly 100, high-precision alignment between the plug 202 and the connector 130 can be ensured. This greatly facilitates "blind mating" operations, effectively avoids pin damage or poor contact caused by mating deviations, and significantly improves the ease of installation, connection reliability, and long-term service life of the product.

[0075] In some other embodiments, such as Figure 8 As shown, at least one pair of mounting parts 204a and 204b are provided on both sides of the bottom of the operation panel 201. Figure 8 The example shown illustrates a structure in which the mounting portions 204a and 204b are formed as outwardly curved L-shaped components. However, the structure of the mounting portions 204a and 204b is not limited to this. For example, in some embodiments, the mounting portions 204a and 204b may be formed as inwardly curved L-shaped components, or they may be formed as slots with guide ramps.

[0076] Correspondingly, such as Figure 4 As shown, in the keyboard assembly 100, at least one pair of mounting mating parts 150a and 150b are provided on the track portions 150, such as sheet metal components, located on the left and right sides of the housing 110, and are configured to mount and engage with mounting parts 204a and 204b. In this exemplary embodiment, the mounting parts 204a and 204b are as follows: Figure 7 The L-shaped component shown is curved outwards, and correspondingly, the mounting mating parts 150a and 150b are formed as inwardly curved inverted L-shaped components that mate with it. If the mounting parts 204a and 204b are formed with other structures, then the mounting mating parts 150a and 150b can be formed accordingly to be able to mount and mate with them. In addition, the mounting parts 204a and 204b are fixed to the bottom of the operation panel 201 by screws, or they can be integrally formed with the operation panel 201.

[0077] In some other embodiments, such as Figure 8As shown, at least one pair of limiting blocks 205a and 205b are provided on both sides of the bottom of the operation panel 201. The spacing between the at least one pair of limiting blocks 205a and 205b is adapted to the width of the keyboard assembly 100, so that the keyboard assembly 100 is accommodated between the at least one pair of limiting blocks 205a and 205b.

[0078] Specifically, a pair of limiting blocks 205a and 205b extend downwards perpendicular to the bottom of the operation panel 201. The distance between the opposing inner surfaces of the pair of limiting blocks 205a and 205b is set to match the width of the keyboard assembly 100. When the keyboard assembly 100 is installed in its final position using the aforementioned mounting and fitting methods, the left and right sides of its outer casing 110 will be close to or slightly in contact with the inner surfaces of the limiting blocks 205a and 205b, respectively, so that the entire keyboard assembly 100 is stably housed within the space defined by the pair of limiting blocks 205a and 205b. Furthermore, the number of pairs of limiting blocks 205a and 205b is not limited to one; multiple pairs can be provided according to actual needs.

[0079] In this exemplary embodiment, by utilizing the limiting of at least a pair of limiting blocks, the cooperation of the aforementioned mounting part and mounting mating part, and the cooperation of the positioning post and mating hole, the connector 130 and the plug 202 can achieve a smooth and reliable "blind plug" electrical connection during the installation process of pushing in the keyboard assembly 100, which significantly simplifies the installation and maintenance process.

[0080] The following is for reference Figure 9 The specific installation process of keyboard component 100 is explained. Figure 9 This is a side sectional view of the operation panel assembly 200 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0081] Figure 9 The process of mounting the keyboard assembly 100 to the operation panel 201 to form the operation panel assembly 200 is shown. Figure 9 The upper part shows the state in which the insertion portion 130b of the connector 130 abuts against the insertion piece 202. Figure 9 The lower half shows the state in which the insertion portion 130b of the connector 130 is inserted into the insertion piece 202.

[0082] In this exemplary embodiment, as Figure 9 As shown, during installation, the keyboard assembly 100 is initially positioned using a pair of limiting blocks 205a and 205b located at the bottom of the operation panel 201. The keyboard assembly 100 is then pushed in horizontally, so that it is accommodated and limited between the pair of limiting blocks. The inner surface of the limiting blocks engages with the side wall of the keyboard assembly 100, restricting the movement of the keyboard assembly 100 in the horizontal plane, thereby achieving the pre-positioning of the installation.

[0083] Next, after the keyboard assembly 100 is pushed to its predetermined position, it is further pushed along the installation direction to reliably engage the mounting part on it with the mounting part at the bottom of the operation panel. After engagement, the keyboard assembly 100 is continued to be pushed along the installation direction. Figure 8 As shown in the upper part, a portion of the positioning post 111 of the keyboard assembly 100 begins to insert into the corresponding mating hole at the bottom of the operation panel. At the same time, the end of the connector 130 of the keyboard assembly 100 begins to physically abut against the end of the plug provided on the operation panel.

[0084] Next, as Figure 9 As shown in the lower half, the keyboard assembly 100 is pushed further along the installation direction until the positioning pins 111 are fully inserted into the mating holes, achieving precise positioning of the keyboard assembly 100 in the horizontal plane. Simultaneously, guided precisely by the positioning pins 111, the connector 130 is reliably inserted into the plug-in, reaching the preset mating depth, thereby achieving a stable electrical connection.

[0085] Finally, by simply installing at least two screws (not shown in the figure), the precisely positioned keyboard assembly 100 can be securely locked under the operation panel 201, thus completing the assembly of the operation panel assembly 200.

[0086] Thus, through the coordinated action of the aforementioned limiting block, mounting part (mounting mating part), positioning post (mating hole), and connector, pre-positioning, mounting and fixing, initial guidance and contact, and final precise positioning and electrical connection are completed sequentially, achieving smooth, reliable, and accurate "blind-plug" installation. This multi-stage guiding and positioning mechanism effectively prevents misalignment and damage during the docking process, significantly improving the convenience and reliability of installation. Furthermore, through the above structure, the entire installation process is quick and simple, minimizing the number of fasteners while ensuring the stability of the mechanical connection, significantly improving assembly efficiency and reducing installation costs.

[0087] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a medical device is also provided.

[0088] Figure 10 , Figure 11 This is a perspective view illustrating a medical device 1000 according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 , Figure 11 As shown, the medical device 1000 includes the aforementioned operation panel assembly 200.

[0089] Figure 10 This illustration shows the keyboard 120 sliding out of the control panel assembly 200 in the medical device 1000. In this state, the keyboard 120 is exposed, facilitating operation by medical personnel. Figure 11 This illustration shows the medical device 1000 with the keyboard 120 concealed within the control panel assembly 200. In this state, the keyboard 120 is housed inside the control panel assembly 200, resulting in a cleaner appearance for the medical device and protecting the keyboard 120.

[0090] Based on the medical device equipped with the above-mentioned control panel components, a hidden keyboard can be achieved in a modular manner, which not only achieves a clean appearance and easy cleaning, but also enables quick and reliable installation. While ensuring reliability, it significantly shortens assembly time, reduces installation costs, and facilitates maintenance.

[0091] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the medical device includes at least one of an ultrasound imaging device, anesthesia machine, monitoring equipment, electrocardiograph, and medical cart. This invention is applicable to various medical environments, such as hospitals, clinics, and operating rooms, and can meet the usage requirements of the aforementioned medical devices.

[0092] The keyboard assembly, operation panel assembly, and medical device involved in this utility model have been described above. However, the structures shown in the above exemplary embodiments are only examples of the content of this utility model and can be combined with other known technologies. A portion of the structure may also be omitted or modified without departing from the spirit of this utility model.

[0093] Furthermore, within the scope of this utility model, the various embodiments can be freely combined, any structural elements of the various embodiments can be modified, or any structural elements of the various embodiments can be omitted.

Claims

1. A keyboard assembly, characterized in that, include: The housing has a receiving cavity; A keyboard, which is disposed within the accommodating cavity; as well as The connector, which is electrically connected to the keyboard via a cable, The connector is fixedly installed on the side wall of the housing, and the plug portion of the connector extends beyond the side wall of the housing.

2. The keyboard assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The side wall of the outer casing is provided with grooves. The groove includes wings extending from the top of the left and right side walls toward the centerline of the groove. The connector is placed in the slot and is limited in the vertical and horizontal directions by the wall of the slot and the wing.

3. The keyboard assembly as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The groove also includes a rear wall. The rear wall has an outlet for the cable to pass through. Elastic buffers are provided on the rear wall facing the inside of the groove and on the left and right sides of the outlet.

4. The keyboard assembly as claimed in claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The connector includes a main body and a insertion part. A boss is provided at the bottom of the groove. The main body is fitted onto the side of the boss facing the inside of the groove. The plug portion is located on the side of the boss facing the outside of the housing.

5. The keyboard assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, At least one positioning post is provided in the side wall of the housing below the part where the connector is fixed.

6. The keyboard assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, At least one protrusion is provided on the inner side of the outer casing. The bump is configured to protrude into the housing and abut against it when the keyboard is displaced.

7. The keyboard assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, It also includes the track section, The track section is fixedly installed at the bottom of the outer casing. The keyboard slides relative to the housing via the track section.

8. The keyboard assembly as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that, Includes at least one conductive spring, The conductive spring is mounted on the track portion and protrudes to the keyboard surface.

9. The keyboard assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The keyboard has a built-in Hall effect sensor.

10. An operation panel assembly, characterized in that, include: Operation panel; as well as The keyboard assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9 above, The keyboard assembly is fixed below the operation panel.

11. The operation panel assembly as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that, Includes a connector that mates with the connector of the keyboard assembly. The plug-in component is fixedly installed at the bottom of the operation panel and configured to be pluggably electrically connected to the connector.

12. The operation panel assembly as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that, At least one mating hole is also provided at the bottom of the operation panel. The mating hole is located below the connector and is configured to engage with the positioning post formed on the keyboard assembly.

13. The operation panel assembly as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that, At least one pair of mounting parts are provided on both sides of the bottom of the operation panel. At least one pair of mounting mating parts are provided on both sides of the track portion in the keyboard assembly, and are configured to mount and mate with the mounting parts.

14. The operation panel assembly as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that, At least one pair of limiting blocks are provided on both sides of the bottom of the operation panel. The spacing between at least one pair of the limiting blocks is adapted to the width of the keyboard assembly, such that the keyboard assembly is accommodated between at least one pair of the limiting blocks.

15. A medical device, characterized in that, Includes the operation panel assembly as described in any one of claims 10 to 14.

16. The medical device as described in claim 15, characterized in that, The medical equipment includes at least one of an ultrasound imaging device, anesthesia machine, monitoring equipment, electrocardiograph, and medical cart.

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