Data Entry Device

Abstract

A data input device is provided that reduces assembly parts and reduces costs. [Solution] The data input device includes a main unit and at least one button unit. The main unit includes a button base and a button top cover connected to the button base. The button top cover has at least one opening. The button unit includes a button structure connected to the button top cover and an elastic body connected to the button structure. The button structure is movably installed on the button top cover. Unlike conventional button switch modules, the button structure protrudes upward from the opening and is exposed to the outside. This eliminates the need for a switch bottom cover and a switch top cover, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the data input device.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a data input device, and more particularly to a data input device that reduces assembly parts and reduces costs. [Background technology]

[0002] In today's society, the use of electronic products has become an indispensable part of life, and clothing, food, housing, travel, education, and entertainment are all related to electronic products. Electronic products are usually equipped with a keyboard device to allow users to input information. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, a button switch module 2 installed on a keyboard is described, and the button switch module 2 includes a switch bottom cover 21, a switch top cover 22, a moving member 23, and a spring member 24, the moving member 23 is installed between the switch bottom cover 21 and the switch top cover 22, the moving member 23 is movable relative to the switch top cover 22, and the spring member 24 supports the moving member 23 upward.

[0004] Because a large number of button switch modules 2 are installed in a keyboard and each button switch module 2 is equipped with a switch bottom cover 21 and a switch top cover 22, the manufacturing cost of a conventional keyboard is high. In addition, when assembling a keyboard, the button switch modules 2 must be installed one by one, making the assembly process relatively complicated.

[0005] As can be seen from the above description, conventional keyboards have the following drawbacks:

[0006] First, there are too many assembly parts.

[0007] A conventional button switch module 2 includes the switch bottom cover 21, the switch top cover 22, the moving member 23, and the spring member 24. Although the switch bottom cover 21 and the switch top cover 22 can limit the moving position of the moving member 23, the switch bottom cover 21 and the switch top cover 22 are all installed on each button switch module 2, which means that there are too many components installed on the keyboard.

[0008] Second, the assembly process is complicated.

[0009] The button switch module 2 must be manufactured using a separate production line, and after the button switch module 2 is completed, it is sent to the keyboard production line for assembly. In addition, a keyboard top cover must be installed on each button switch module 2, which makes the keyboard assembly process too complicated.

[0010] Third, costs cannot be reduced.

[0011] To summarize the above, each button switch module 2 is equipped with the switch bottom cover 21, the switch top cover 22, the moving member 23, and the spring member 24. The spring member 24 is generally a metal spring. Since there are a large number of button switch modules 2 installed in a keyboard, the switch bottom cover 21, the switch top cover 22, and the spring member 24 must all be purchased, which makes it impossible to reduce the manufacturing cost of the keyboard.

[0012] Therefore, how to redesign the keyboard structure to reduce the number of components assembled into the keyboard, simplify the manufacturing process, and effectively reduce manufacturing costs is a problem that needs to be solved by those skilled in the art. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] In view of this, an object of the present invention is to provide a data input device, which includes a main unit and at least one button unit.

[0014] The main unit includes a button base and a button top cover connected to the button base, and the button top cover has at least one opening.

[0015] The button unit includes a button structure connected to the button top cover and an elastic body connected to the button structure, the button structure is movably installed on the button top cover, and the button structure protrudes upward from the opening and extends to be exposed to the outside.

[0016] Another technical solution of the present invention is that the main unit further includes at least one blocking structure provided on the button top cover, the blocking structure extending upward from the button top cover and being integrally molded with the button top cover, and the button structure is installed on the blocking structure.

[0017] In still another technical solution of the present invention, the main unit further includes at least one upper insulating body installed on the button top cover, and the button structure abuts against the bottom of the upper insulating body.

[0018] In yet another technical solution of the present invention, the button structure includes a rod installed on the button top cover, and a keycap removably installed on the rod.

[0019] Another technical solution of the present invention is that the button structure further includes an accommodating groove provided at the bottom of the rod and a sensing element installed in the accommodating groove, and the sensing element is selected from one or a combination of a magnetic sensing circuit, an inductance sensing circuit, a capacitance sensing circuit, a force change sensing circuit, an RFID sensing circuit, and a triboelectric nano-generation sensing circuit.

[0020] In yet another technical solution of the present invention, the button structure comprises a keycap installed on the button top cover and a protruding block formed at the bottom of the keycap, and the keycap and the protruding block are integrally molded.

[0021] In yet another technical solution of the present invention, the button structure further includes a receiving groove provided at the bottom of the protruding block and a sensing element installed in the receiving groove, and the sensing element is selected from one or a combination of a magnetic sensing circuit, an inductance sensing circuit, a capacitance sensing circuit, a force change sensing circuit, an RFID sensing circuit, and a triboelectric nano-generation sensing circuit.

[0022] In another technical solution of the present invention, the elastic body is a metal spring, and the button structure is assembled with the elastic body.

[0023] In still another technical solution of the present invention, the elastic body is a rubber dome, and the elastic body supports the bottom of the button structure.

[0024] In yet another technical solution of the present invention, the main unit further comprises a circuit module connected to the button base, the circuit module being installed between the button base and the button top cover, and the button structure and the elastic body being fixed between the button top cover and the circuit module.

[0025] Another technical solution of the present invention is that the keycap is made of a light-transmitting material.

[0026] In still another technical solution of the present invention, the main body further includes at least one lens structure removably installed on the button top cover.

[0027] In still another technical solution of the present invention, the main body further comprises at least one lens structure disposed on the button top cover, and the button top cover and the lens structure are integrally molded. [Effects of the Invention]

[0028] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: the button top cover and the blocking structure are integrally molded, and the button structure does not require separate bottom and top covers, which reduces costs; when the button structure and the elastic body are installed on the button top cover, they can be directly combined with the button base, which simplifies the manufacturing process. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic three-dimensional view illustrating a button switch module. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the disassembly of the button switch module; [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic plan view of a first preferred embodiment of a data input device according to the present invention, illustrating the planar structure of the data input device; [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional schematic view illustrating the state of the cross section of the tangent line aa in FIG. 3 in the first preferred embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the disassembly of the button unit in the first preferred embodiment; [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional schematic view illustrating the state of the cross section of the tangent line bb in FIG. 3 in the first preferred embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the cross-sectional structure of a data input device according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional exploded schematic view illustrating the cross-sectional exploded structure of the data input device in the second preferred embodiment; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] The features and technical contents of the present invention and related utility model patent applications can be clearly embodied by referring to the detailed description of two preferred embodiments in conjunction with the drawings. Before proceeding with the detailed description, it should be noted that similar elements are designated by the same numerals.

[0031] Referring to Figures 3, 4 and 5, this is a first preferred embodiment of the data input device of the present invention, which includes a main unit 3 and at least one button unit 4. Preferably, multiple button units 4 are installed on the main unit 3 to form a keyboard and provide computer input functions. In actual implementation, the number of button units 4 may be one, but is not limited to this.

[0032] The main unit 3 includes a button base 31, a button top cover 32 connected to the button base 31, at least one blocking structure 33 formed on the button top cover 32, at least one upper blocking body 34 installed on the button top cover 32, a circuit module 35 connected to the button base 31, and at least one sensing module 36 installed on the circuit module 35.

[0033] Each button unit 4 includes a button structure 41 connected to the button top cover 32 and an elastic body 42 connected to the button structure 41. Each button structure 41 includes a rod 411 installed on the button top cover 32, a keycap 412 removably assembled on the rod 411, a receiving groove 413 provided at the bottom of the rod 411, and a sensing member 414 installed in the receiving groove 413.

[0034] In the above first preferred embodiment, the number of the blocking structure 33, the upper blocking body 34, and the sensing module 36 is plural, and each is combined with the plurality of button units 4, but in actual implementation, the number of the blocking structure 33, the upper blocking body 34, and the sensing module 36 may be one, and is not limited thereto.

[0035] Referring again to FIG. 5 , the button top cover 32 and the plurality of blocking structures 33 are an integral structure, and the blocking structure 33 extends upward from the button top cover 32 to form a surrounding wall structure. The blocking structure 33 provides a waterproof structure for the data input device, and the integrally molded structure can also prevent liquid spilled on the data input device from entering the main unit 3. The button structure 41 is movably mounted on the blocking structure 33. Preferably, the button top cover 32 and the plurality of blocking structures 33 are made of plastic material and manufactured using a plastic injection process, allowing the button top cover 32 and the plurality of blocking structures 33 to be manufactured in a single process. In actual implementation, the main unit 3 may have the plurality of button structures 41 movably mounted directly on the button top cover 32, rather than having the plurality of blocking structures 33 mounted on the button top cover 32. The button top cover 32 and the blocking structure 33 may be made of metal or other materials and manufactured using metal stamping or other molding techniques, but are not limited thereto.

[0036] 4, 5, and 6, Fig. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line aa in Fig. 3, and Fig. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line bb in Fig. 3, in which a plurality of openings 38 are provided in the button top cover 32, and the plurality of button structures 41 extend upward from the openings 38, respectively, so that the button structures 41 can be exposed to the outside and can be pressed downward by a user. Here, the number of the openings 38 may be, but is not limited to, one. In the first preferred embodiment, the plurality of blocking structures 33 protrude upward from the upper surface of the button top cover 32, and the plurality of openings 38 are provided at the centers of the plurality of blocking structures 33, respectively, so that the rods 411 of the plurality of button structures 41 can pass through. In actual implementation, the plurality of blocking structures 33 may not be provided on the button top cover 32, and the plurality of openings 38 may be provided directly on the button top cover 32, but is not limited thereto.

[0037] The plurality of upper blocking bodies 34 are respectively installed at the top of the plurality of blocking structures 33, and the plurality of rods 411 of the plurality of button structures 41 abut the bottom of the plurality of upper blocking bodies 34 to prevent the plurality of rods 411 from escaping to the outside and to limit the movable position of the plurality of rods 411. In actual implementation, the plurality of blocking structures 33 do not need to be installed on the main unit 3, and it is only necessary to limit the plurality of rods 411 inside the button top cover 32, but is not limited thereto. Preferably, the main body unit 3 further includes at least one lens structure 37 removably attached to the button top cover 32. The lens structure 37 may be formed in various ways, such as a plain lens, a magnifying lens, a Fresnel lens, a light-pipe lens, etc. Different types of lens structures 37 may be attached to the button top cover 32 in an interchangeable manner to achieve different light transmittance effects. In actual implementation, there may be multiple lens structures 37, and the lens structures 37 may also be removably attached to the blocking structure 33. Alternatively, the lens structure 37, the blocking structure 33, and the button top cover 32 may be integrally molded, but this is not limiting.

[0038] 4, 5, and 6, the plurality of elastic bodies 42 are metal springs, the plurality of rods 411 of the plurality of button structures 41 are respectively assembled with the plurality of elastic bodies 42, the tops of the plurality of elastic bodies 42 respectively abut against the plurality of rods 411 of the plurality of button structures 41, the bottoms of the plurality of elastic bodies 42 abut against the circuit module 35, and the plurality of elastic bodies 42 are provided to support the plurality of button structures 41 upward and provide elastic force, thereby allowing the user to press the plurality of button structures 41 downward.

[0039] 4, 5, and 6, in the first preferred embodiment, the circuit module 35 is a circuit board (PCBA) installed on the main unit 3, and the circuit module 35 is installed between the button base 31 and the button top cover 32, and the button structures 41 and the elastic bodies 42 are fixed between the button top cover 32 and the circuit module 35. The sensing elements 414 are magnets, and the sensing modules 36 are Hall detection circuits. The sensing modules 36 are installed under the rods 411. When a user presses the button structures 41 downward, the distance between the sensing elements 414 and the sensing modules 36 can change, and the sensing modules 36 can obtain the distance between the sensing elements 414 and the sensing elements 414 and output the detection result to the outside. In actual implementation, the button structures 41 may use other detection technologies, but are not limited thereto.

[0040] The rods 411 and the elastic bodies 42 can be fixed between the circuit module 35 (PCBA) and the button top cover 32, so that the data input device does not need to be fixed with a separate part, does not need to use a button switch module 2 (see Figures 1 and 2), and does not need manufacturers to purchase a separate button switch module 2, which effectively reduces the manufacturing cost of the data input device.

[0041] 4, 5, and 6, the main unit 3 can form a data input device that allows a user to input data by simply pressing the rods 411 and the elastic members 42. The present invention eliminates the need for a button switch module 2, eliminating the need for manufacturers to purchase separate button switch modules 2, thereby effectively reducing the manufacturing costs of the data input device. Furthermore, when using a keyboard with a conventional button switch module 2, the top plate of the keyboard must be made of a metal plate to secure the button switch module 2; otherwise, the button switch module 2 cannot be hooked and fixed. The button top cover 32 and the blocking structures 33 are made of a relatively inexpensive plastic material, and the button top cover 32 and the blocking structures 33 can be molded in a single plastic injection process, resulting in a simple and inexpensive process. The data input device of the present invention can save $10 in manufacturing costs compared to a typical keyboard.

[0042] In the first preferred embodiment described above, the assembly process of the data input device is as follows: turn over the button top cover 32 on which the plurality of blocking structures 33 are formed; first, seat the plurality of rods 411 on the plurality of blocking structures 33; then assemble the plurality of elastic bodies 42 with the plurality of rods 411; finally, assemble the button base 31 on which the circuit module 35 is installed and the button top cover 32; and then assemble the plurality of key caps 412 with the plurality of rods 411 to complete the assembly of the data input device.

[0043] 7 and 8, there is shown a second preferred embodiment of the data input device of the present invention. The second preferred embodiment is substantially the same as the first preferred embodiment, and the similarities will not be further described here. The difference is that each button structure 41 includes a key cap 412 installed on the button top cover 32, a protruding block 415 formed at the bottom of the key cap 412, a receiving groove 413 provided at the bottom of the protruding block 415, and a sensing element 414 installed in the receiving groove 413.

[0044] In the second preferred embodiment, each keycap 412 and each protruding block 415 are integrally molded. Compared with the first preferred embodiment, each keycap 412 has a protruding block 415 added to its bottom. However, the keycaps 412 with the protruding blocks 415 can be obtained through a single-stage plastic injection process. This not only reduces the number of components of the rod 411, but also reduces the manufacturing process of the rod 411, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the data input device.

[0045] Here, each elastic body 42 is a rubber dome, and the elastic bodies 42 support the bottom of the button structures 41, and the elastic bodies 42 provide an upward elastic force to the button structures 41 so that a user can press the button structures 41 downward.

[0046] In the second preferred embodiment, the elastic bodies 42 of the rubber domes are formed on a rubber film, and the rubber film of the elastic bodies 42 can be obtained through a one-step plastic injection process, and the elastic bodies 42 can be manufactured in a one-step process, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the data input device. In actual implementation, the elastic bodies 42 may be installed separately and do not need to be connected together, but are not limited thereto.

[0047] In the second preferred embodiment, the assembly flow of the data input device is as follows: a rubber film having a plurality of elastic bodies 42 is installed on the button base 31 on which the circuit module 35 is installed; after assembling the button base 31 and the button top cover 32, a key cap 412 having a protruding block 415 is installed through the button top cover 32, thereby completing the assembly of the data input device. The assembly flow of the second preferred embodiment is simpler than that of a general keyboard or the data input device of the first preferred embodiment, and can further reduce the manufacturing cost of the data input device.

[0048] The data input device of the present invention does not always require a complete keyboard, and can be used as an independent data input device, as part of an entire keyboard, or in combination with an existing common keyboard button structure, but is not limited thereto. Here, the keycap 412 of the present invention can be made of light-transmitting or non-light-transmitting materials and designed with different lens structures 37 to refract light rays and disperse light to achieve the effects of scattered light, parallel light, or concentrated light. The keycap 412 itself can be applied to a button base with a lighting function (e.g., an RGB lighting keyboard) through a separate or assembled design to achieve different light scattering visual design effects. Since RGB lighting technology is not the focus of the present invention, each person skilled in the art has their own unique techniques, and no further introduction is made here.

[0049] The data input device of the present invention can use non-contact sensing switch technologies such as, but not limited to, magnetic sensing circuits, inductance sensing circuits, capacitance sensing circuits, force change sensing circuits, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) sensing circuits, and Triboelectric Nanogenerator (TENG) sensing circuits. In actual implementation, the data input device can use any non-contact sensing switch technology, but is not limited thereto. It should be noted that the present invention can also use a combination of different non-contact technologies and does not require the use of only one type of non-contact sensing switch technology.

[0050] As can be seen from the above description, the data input device of the present invention has the following advantages.

[0051] First, it reduces assembly parts.

[0052] In the first preferred embodiment, the data input device does not require the installation of top and bottom covers for the button switch module 2, unlike a general keyboard. In the second preferred embodiment, the data input device not only reduces the rod 411, but also integrates the multiple elastic bodies 42 into one rubber film, effectively reducing the number of parts to be assembled.

[0053] Second, it simplifies the assembly process.

[0054] In the second preferred embodiment described above, there is no need to install the general button switch modules 2 one by one. The multiple elastic bodies 42 are integrated into one rubber film, and the installation of the multiple elastic bodies 42 can be completed by simply laying down the rubber film, which effectively simplifies the assembly process.

[0055] Third, it reduces manufacturing costs.

[0056] The data input device of the present invention does not require the installation of a button switch module 2, nor does it require the purchase of a separate button switch module 2 from the manufacturer. The button top cover 32 and the plurality of blocking structures 33 can be made of plastic material, eliminating the need for metal material. The data input device of the present invention can also use a keycap 412 with a protruding block 415, reducing the number of components of the rod 411 and the manufacturing process for the rod 411. Furthermore, the elastic body 42 can use a rubber dome, eliminating the need for a metal spring and effectively reducing manufacturing costs.

[0057] To sum up, since the button top cover 32 and the plurality of blocking structures 33 are integrally molded, not only is there no need to install the button switch module 2, but plastic material can also be used; since the key cap 412 and the protruding block 415 are integrally molded, the installation of the rod 411 can be omitted; the elastic body 42 uses a rubber dome structure, and multiple elastic bodies 42 can be integrated into one rubber film, not only reducing the number of parts to be assembled but also simplifying the assembly process and further reducing manufacturing costs, thereby certainly achieving the objectives of the present invention.

[0058] The above content is merely two preferred embodiments of the present invention and should not be used to limit the scope of the present invention, that is, all simple equivalent changes and modifications made according to the scope of the utility model registration application and the content of the utility model specification of the present invention still fall within the scope of the utility model registration claim of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0059] 2-button switch module 21 Switch bottom cover 22 Switch top cover 23 Moving parts 24 Spring member aa tangent bb tangent 3 Main unit 31 Button Base 32 button top cover 33 Blocking structure 34 Upper cut-off body 35 Circuit Module 36 Sensing Module 37 Lens Structure 38 Aperture 4 button unit 41 Button structure 411 Rod 412 keycaps 413 Storage trench 414 Sensing material 415 Protruding Block 42 Elastic Body

Claims

1. 1. A data input device, comprising: a main unit and at least one button unit; The main unit includes a button base and a button top cover connected to the button base, the button top cover having at least one opening; The at least one button unit includes a button structure connected to the button top cover and an elastic body connected to the button structure, the button structure is movably installed on the button top cover, and the button structure protrudes upward from the opening and extends to be exposed to the outside, forming a data input device.

2. 2. The data input device of claim 1, wherein the main unit further includes at least one blocking structure formed on the button top cover, the blocking structure extending upward from the button top cover and being integrally molded with the button top cover, and the button structure being installed on the blocking structure.

3. The data input device according to claim 2 , wherein the main body further comprises at least one upper insulating body disposed on the button top cover, and the button structure abuts against a bottom of the upper insulating body.

4. The data input device according to claim 1 , wherein the button structure comprises a rod installed on the button top cover and a key cap removably assembled on the rod.

5. 5. The data input device of claim 4, wherein the button structure further comprises a receiving groove provided at the bottom of the rod and a sensing element installed in the receiving groove, the sensing element being selected from one or a combination of a magnetic sensing circuit, an inductance sensing circuit, a capacitance sensing circuit, a force change sensing circuit, an RFID sensing circuit, and a triboelectric nano-generation sensing circuit.

6. 2. The data input device of claim 1, wherein the button structure comprises a key cap removably installed on the button top cover and a protruding block formed at the bottom of the key cap, and the key cap and the protruding block are integrally molded.

7. 7. The data input device of claim 6, wherein the button structure further comprises a receiving groove provided at the bottom of the protruding block and a sensing element installed in the receiving groove, the sensing element being selected from one or a combination of a magnetic sensing circuit, an inductance sensing circuit, a capacitance sensing circuit, a force change sensing circuit, an RFID sensing circuit, and a triboelectric nano-generation sensing circuit.

8. 2. The data input device according to claim 1, wherein the elastic body is a metal spring, and the button structure is assembled with the elastic body.

9. 2. The data input device according to claim 1, wherein the elastic body is a rubber dome, and the elastic body supports the bottom of the button structure.

10. 2. The data input device of claim 1, wherein the main unit further comprises a circuit module connected to the button base, the circuit module being installed between the button base and the button top cover, and the button structure and the elastic body being fixed between the button top cover and the circuit module.

11. 8. The data input device according to claim 4 or claim 7, wherein the keycap is made of a light-transmitting material.

12. The data input device according to claim 1 , wherein the main unit further comprises at least one lens structure removably mounted on the button top cover.

13. The data input device according to claim 1 , wherein the main body further comprises at least one lens structure disposed on the button top cover, and the button top cover and the lens structure are integrally molded.

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