Keyboard

Abstract

Disclosed in the present application is a keyboard, comprising a housing, a fixing layer, a plurality of key structures, and a stopper, wherein the fixing layer is connected to the housing; the key structures are mounted on the fixing layer, and each key structure comprises a shaft and a reset member, the shaft being slidable relative to the fixing layer, and the reset member being used for resetting the shaft; and the stopper is connected to the housing, and is used for limiting the downward movement of the shafts.

Description

keyboard

[0001] Related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese patent applications filed on July 31, 2024, with application numbers 202422518541.5, 202421842128.8 and 202411039238.5, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to the field of external devices, and in particular to a keyboard. Background Technology

[0004] A keyboard is a device used to input commands and data for operating equipment, and it is now widely used in people's work, entertainment, and other scenarios. Currently, some keyboards on the market have a fixed layer inside, with the circuit board located between the fixed layer and the keyboard's bottom shell. The key structure is installed in the fixed layer. When the key structure moves downwards, the circuit board can generate a sensing signal through light, magnetic induction, or contact induction to achieve data input.

[0005] However, the key structure in existing keyboards uses a fixed layer to limit the downward movement of the key switches. During the downward movement of the key switches, they collide with the fixed layer, causing the fixed layer to vibrate. This can affect the other key structures installed in the fixed layer. Over time, this can easily lead to a decrease in the stability of the fixed layer, resulting in multiple accidental key presses and reducing the lifespan of the keyboard. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The main objective of this application is to provide a keyboard designed to reduce vibration of the mounting layer when the keyboard is typed.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, this application proposes a keyboard, comprising:

[0008] shell;

[0009] A fixing layer is attached to the outer shell;

[0010] Multiple button structures are mounted on the fixed layer. Each button structure includes a shaft and a reset component. The shaft is slidable relative to the fixed layer, and the reset component is used to reset the shaft.

[0011] A stop element, connected to the housing, is used to limit the downward movement of the shaft.

[0012] In some embodiments of this application, the stop element is a stop plate, and the edge of the stop plate is connected to the outer shell.

[0013] In some embodiments of this application, the stop plate includes a plate body and a plurality of elastic limiting portions, the edge of the plate body is connected to the outer shell, the plurality of elastic limiting portions are connected to the plate body, and one pair of elastic limiting portions is located below a shaft body.

[0014] In some embodiments of this application, the plate is provided with a plurality of limiting holes, and the elastic limiting part is an elastic cantilever connected to the hole wall of the limiting hole.

[0015] In some embodiments of this application, the elastic cantilever includes two arc-shaped arms and a limiting joint, with one end of each arc-shaped arm connected to opposite sides of the limiting joint and the other end connected to the wall of the limiting hole.

[0016] In some embodiments of this application, the plate includes a main body and a support arm, the support arm is connected to the edge of the main body and a partition is formed between the support arm and the main body, and the support arm is connected to the outer shell.

[0017] In some embodiments of this application, the outer shell includes a front shell and a bottom shell, the bottom shell is connected to the lower side of the front shell, the fixing layer has a plurality of mounting openings, the front shell covers the outside of the fixing layer, the front shell has clearance holes to expose the mounting openings, and the stop plate is located between the fixing layer and the bottom shell.

[0018] In some embodiments of this application, the keyboard further includes a first pad disposed between the edge of the cut-off plate and the fixing layer; and / or,

[0019] The keyboard also includes a second pad, which is disposed between the edge of the cut-off plate and the bottom shell.

[0020] In some embodiments of this application, the keyboard further includes a circuit board, which is mounted inside the housing and located between the fixing layer and the stop plate;

[0021] The keyboard further includes a first sound-absorbing layer sandwiched between the cut-off plate and the circuit board. The first sound-absorbing layer has multiple clearance holes, each corresponding to one of the multiple switches; and / or...

[0022] The keyboard also includes a second sound-absorbing layer, which is sandwiched between the cut-off plate and the bottom shell.

[0023] In some embodiments of this application, the circuit board is provided with multiple key through holes and sensing parts, one of the sensing parts is disposed close to one of the key through holes, the key structure further includes a mounting base, the shaft includes a key shaft and a trigger element mounted on the key shaft, the mounting base is aligned with the key through hole, the mounting base has a sliding hole, the key shaft is slidably mounted in the sliding hole, and the trigger element is used to trigger the corresponding sensing part;

[0024] The reset component is a reset spring, and the two ends of the reset spring are respectively connected to the mounting base and the key shaft.

[0025] Through the above-mentioned solution, when the key structure is pressed, the key switch moves down until it hits the stop piece. The key switch and the stop piece collide and generate vibration. The vibration source is separated from the fixed layer, so the fixed layer is less affected by the vibration. When the keyboard is hit at high frequency, the fixed layer can remain stable, effectively extending the life of the fixed layer and avoiding the risk of accidental touch due to vibration affecting the key structure installed on the fixed layer. Attached Figure Description

[0026] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0027] Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a keyboard embodiment provided in this application;

[0028] Figure 2 is an exploded view of an embodiment of the keyboard provided in this application;

[0029] Figure 3 is an enlarged view of point A in Figure 2;

[0030] Figure 4 is an exploded view of an embodiment of the button structure in this application;

[0031] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the keyboard provided in this application;

[0032] Figure 6 is an enlarged view of point B in Figure 5.

[0033] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0034] 100. Keyboard; 10. Outer shell; 101. Mounting port; 11. Fixing layer; 12. Front shell; 121. Clearance hole; 20. Bottom shell; 30. Circuit board; 311. Key through hole; 32. Sensing part; 40. Key structure; 41. Mounting base; 411. Sliding hole; 42. Reset part; 43. Key switch; 44. Actuator; 45. Keycap; 50. Cut-off part; 50'. Cut-off plate; 51. Plate body; 511. Main body; 512. Support arm; 513. Limiting hole; 514. Partition opening; 52. Elastic limiting part; 52'. Elastic cantilever; 521. Arc arm; 522. Limiting joint; 61. First gasket; 62. Second gasket; 71. First sound-absorbing layer; 711. Clearance hole; 72. Second sound-absorbing layer.

[0035] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this application will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Embodiments of the present invention

[0036] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0037] It should be noted that if the embodiments of this application involve directional indicators such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc., then the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0038] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this application involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the use of "and / or" or "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions. For example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution that simultaneously satisfies A and B. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed in this application.

[0039] Please refer to Figures 1 to 6. This application proposes a keyboard 100, including a housing 10, a fixing layer 11, a plurality of key structures 40, and a stop member 50; the fixing layer 11 is connected to the housing 10; the key structures 40 are mounted on the fixing layer 11, and each key structure 40 includes a switch and a reset member 42. The switch is slidable relative to the fixing layer 11, and the reset member 42 is used to reset the switch; the stop member 50 is connected to the housing 10, and the stop member 50 is used to limit the downward movement of the switch.

[0040] Through the above-mentioned solution, when the key structure 40 is pressed, the key switch moves down until it hits the stop member 50. The key switch 43 and the stop member 50 collide and generate vibration. The vibration source is separated from the fixed layer 11, so the fixed layer 11 is less affected by the vibration. When the keyboard 100 is hit at high frequency, the fixed layer 11 can remain stable, effectively extending the life of the fixed layer 11 and avoiding the risk of accidental touch due to vibration affecting the key structure 40 installed on the fixed layer 11.

[0041] The aforementioned outer shell 10 is generally made of plastic, such as PC plastic, ABS plastic, PVC plastic, etc. The aforementioned fixing layer 11 can be snapped to the outer shell 10 or it can be integrally molded, depending on the specific situation, and is not limited here.

[0042] The aforementioned key structure 40 generally also includes a keycap 45 and a mounting base 41. The keycap 45 is mounted on the top of the key switch 43. The mounting base 41 is generally provided with a sliding hole 411 and an upward limiting structure. The key switch 43 is slidably mounted in the sliding hole. The upward limiting structure is engaged with the key switch 43 to prevent the key switch 43 from coming out of the sliding hole 411.

[0043] The structure of the aforementioned stop member 50 varies. In some embodiments of this application, the stop member 50 is a limiting post connected to the housing. Multiple limiting posts are provided, and each limiting post is positioned opposite to the key shaft 43 to restrict the downward movement of the key shaft 43.

[0044] In some embodiments of this application, the stop member 50 is a stop plate 50', and the edge of the stop plate 50' is detachably connected to the housing 10. In this way, when the stop plate 50' is damaged, only the stop plate 50' can be removed and replaced, resulting in lower repair costs and easier assembly.

[0045] The aforementioned stop plate 50' can be disposed above or below the fixed layer 11. In some embodiments of this application, the stop plate 50' is disposed above the fixed layer 11. The stop plate 50' has a clearance hole 711. The side wall of the key shaft 43 has a limiting protrusion. When the key shaft 43 moves downward in the clearance hole 711, the limiting protrusion abuts against the upper surface of the stop plate 50', thereby restricting the movement of the key shaft 43.

[0046] To further improve the shock absorption effect, in some embodiments of this application, the stop plate 50' includes a plate body 51 and a plurality of elastic limiting parts 52. The edge of the plate body 51 is fixed to the outer shell 10, and the plurality of elastic limiting parts 52 are connected to the plate body 51. One pair of elastic limiting parts 52 is located below a key shaft. With this configuration, a flexible impact is generated when the key shaft 43 contacts the elastic limiting parts 52, resulting in better shock absorption. In addition, since the vibration source is located below the fixing layer 11, the striking sound generated by the vibration source is greatly weakened during its propagation to the keyboard 100, thus achieving a noise reduction effect.

[0047] There are various specific embodiments of the aforementioned elastic limiting part 52. In some embodiments of this application, the elastic limiting part 52 is a silicone pad connected to the top surface of the plate 51. Referring to Figure 2, in other embodiments of this application, the plate 51 is provided with multiple limiting holes 513, and the elastic limiting part 52 is an elastic cantilever 52' ​​connected to the hole wall of the limiting hole 513. In this way, the elastic limiting part 52 and the plate 51 can be an integral structure, which can be directly obtained by hot pressing, injection molding or 3D printing, which helps to reduce the number of parts and reduce structural complexity. Furthermore, the elastic limiting part 52 does not increase the overall thickness of the stop member 50, which helps to improve the structural compactness.

[0048] Furthermore, in some embodiments of this application, the elastic cantilever 52' ​​includes two arc-shaped arms 521 and a limiting joint 522. One end of each arc-shaped arm 521 is connected to opposite sides of the limiting joint 522, and the other end is connected to the wall of the limiting hole 513. With this configuration, the elastic cantilever 52' ​​has a better shock absorption effect.

[0049] In some embodiments of this application, the plate 51 includes a main body 511 and a support arm 512. The support arm 512 is connected to the edge of the main body 511, and a partition opening 514 is formed between the support arm 512 and the main body 511. The support arm 512 is connected to the outer shell 10. In this way, as vibrations propagate from the center of the plate 51 to the edge, the vibration waves are blocked by the partition opening 514, and only a small portion of the vibrations propagate to the support arm 512, resulting in better vibration damping.

[0050] In some embodiments of this application, the outer shell 10 includes a front shell 12 and a bottom shell 20. The bottom shell 20 is connected to the lower side of the front shell 12. The fixing layer 11 has multiple mounting openings 101. The front shell 12 covers the fixing layer and has clearance holes 121 to expose the mounting openings 101. The stop plate 50' is located between the fixing layer 11 and the bottom shell 20. This design provides good structural stability for the outer shell 10 and facilitates assembly.

[0051] In some embodiments of this application, the keyboard 100 further includes a first pad 61, which is disposed between the edge of the stop plate 50' and the front shell 12. In other embodiments of this application, the keyboard 100 further includes a second pad 62, which is disposed between the edge of the stop plate 50' and the bottom shell 20. This further improves the shock absorption effect.

[0052] In some embodiments of this application, the keyboard 100 further includes a circuit board 30, which is installed inside the housing 10 and located between the fixing layer 11 and the stop plate 50'. The keyboard 100 also includes a first sound-absorbing layer 71, which is sandwiched between the stop plate 50' and the circuit board 30. The first sound-absorbing layer 71 has multiple clearance holes 711, which are aligned one-to-one with multiple key switches 43. In other embodiments of this application, the keyboard 100 further includes a second sound-absorbing layer 72, which is sandwiched between the stop plate 50' and the bottom shell 20. Thus, the two sound-absorbing layers can effectively absorb sound, resulting in better noise reduction.

[0053] The circuit board 30 can be connected and fixed to the front shell 12 or the bottom shell 20. In some embodiments of this application, the circuit board 30 is connected to the side of the fixing layer 11 facing the bottom shell 20. In this way, the circuit board 30 is close to the front shell 12, which makes it easier for the sensing part 32 to be triggered by the trigger 44. On the other hand, the circuit board 30 can also block sound, resulting in better noise reduction.

[0054] Referring to Figure 4, in some embodiments of this application, the circuit board is provided with multiple key through holes 311 and sensing parts 32. A sensing part 32 is disposed close to a key through hole 311. The key structure 40 also includes a mounting base 41. The shaft includes a key shaft 43 and a trigger member 44 mounted on the key shaft 43. The mounting base is aligned with the key through hole 311. A sliding hole 411 is provided in the mounting base 41. The key shaft 43 is slidably mounted in the sliding hole 411. The trigger member 44 is used to trigger the corresponding sensing part 32. The reset member 42 is a reset spring. The two ends of the reset spring are respectively connected to the mounting base 41 and the key shaft 43.

[0055] The trigger 44 and sensing element 32 can be of various types. For example, the trigger 44 can be a magnetic element, and the sensing element 32 can be a Hall element. When the magnetic element moves under the drive of the key shaft 43, the Hall element senses the change in the surrounding magnetic field and generates a sensing signal. Alternatively, the trigger 44 can be a reflector, and the sensing element 32 can be a photoelectric sensor. When the button is pressed, the detection light emitted from the emitting end of the photoelectric sensor shines on the reflector, is reflected, and is received by the receiving end, thereby generating a sensing signal. There are many other specific embodiments of the trigger 44 and sensing element 32, which will not be listed here.

[0056] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of this application and does not limit the patent scope of this application. Any equivalent structural transformations made based on the technical concept of this application and the contents of the specification and drawings of this application, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A keyboard (100), wherein, The keyboard (100) comprises: a housing (10); a fixed layer (11) connected to the housing (10); a plurality of key structures (40) mounted on the fixed layer (11), each key structure (40) comprising a shaft body slidable relative to the fixed layer (11) and a reset member (42) for resetting the shaft body; and a stop member (50) connected to the housing (10) and configured to limit the downward movement of the shaft body.

2. The keyboard (100) of claim 1, wherein, The stop member (50) is a stop plate (50'), and the edge of the stop plate (50') is connected to the housing (10).

3. The keyboard (100) of claim 2, wherein, The stop plate (50') comprises a plate body (51) and a plurality of elastic limiting portions (52), the edge of the plate body (51) is connected to the housing (10), and each elastic limiting portion (52) is connected to the plate body (51) and is located below one of the shaft bodies.

4. The keyboard (100) of claim 3, wherein, The plate body (51) is provided with a plurality of limiting holes (513), and each elastic limiting portion (52) is an elastic cantilever (52') connected to the hole wall of the limiting hole (513).

5. The keyboard (100) of claim 4, wherein, Each elastic cantilever (52') comprises two arc-shaped arms (521) and a limiting node (522), one end of each arc-shaped arm (521) is connected to the opposite side of the limiting node (522), and the other end is connected to the hole wall of the limiting hole (513).

6. The keyboard (100) of claim 3, wherein, The plate body (51) comprises a main body (511) and a support arm (512), the support arm (512) is connected to the edge of the main body (511), a partition opening (514) is formed between the support arm (512) and the main body (511), and the support arm (512) is connected to the housing (10).

7. The keyboard (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein The housing (10) comprises a face shell (12) and a bottom shell (20), the bottom shell (20) is connected to the lower side of the face shell (12), the fixed layer (11) is provided with a plurality of mounting openings (101), the face shell (12) covers the outside of the fixed layer (11), the face shell (12) is provided with a clearance hole (121) to expose the mounting openings (101), and the stop plate (50') is located between the fixed layer (11) and the bottom shell (20).

8. The keyboard (100) of claim 7, wherein, The keyboard (100) further comprises a first gasket (61) disposed between the edge of the stop plate (50') and the fixed layer (11); and / or The keyboard (100) further comprises a second gasket (62) disposed between the edge of the stop plate (50') and the bottom shell (20).

9. The keyboard (100) of claim 7, wherein, The keyboard further comprises a circuit board (30) mounted in the housing (10), and the circuit board (30) is located between the fixed layer (11) and the stop plate (50'). The keyboard (100) further comprises a first sound-absorbing layer (71), the first sound-absorbing layer (71) is clamped between the cutoff plate (50') and the circuit board (30), the first sound-absorbing layer (71) is provided with a plurality of avoiding holes (711), and the plurality of avoiding holes (711) are one-to-one matched with the plurality of shaft bodies. The keyboard (100) further comprises a second sound-absorbing layer (72), the second sound-absorbing layer (72) is clamped between the cutoff plate (50') and the bottom shell (20).

10. The keyboard (100) of claim 9, wherein, The circuit board is provided with a plurality of key position through holes (311) and a sensing part (32), one sensing part (32) is arranged close to one key position through hole (311), the key structure (40) further comprises a mounting seat (41), the shaft body comprises a key shaft (43) and a trigger part (44) mounted on the key shaft (43), the mounting seat is matched with the key position through hole (311), a sliding hole (411) is formed in the mounting seat (41), the key shaft (43) is slidingly mounted in the sliding hole (411), and the trigger part (44) is used for triggering the corresponding sensing part (32). The reset part (42) is a reset spring, and the two ends of the reset spring are connected with the mounting seat (41) and the key shaft (43) respectively.

11. The keyboard (100) of claim 1, wherein, The shaft body comprises a key shaft (43) and a magnetic part (44) mounted on the key shaft (43); The keyboard (100) further comprises: A circuit board (30) is mounted in the shell (10), the circuit board is provided with a plurality of Hall elements (32), one Hall element (32) corresponds to a magnetic part (44) of one key structure (40), and the magnetic part (44) triggers the corresponding Hall element (32).

12. The keyboard of claim 11, wherein, The circuit board (30) is located between the fixed layer (11) and the cutoff part (50), and the circuit board is further provided with a plurality of key position through holes for the shaft body to pass through, and one Hall element (32) is arranged close to one key position through hole (311).

13. The keyboard of claim 12, wherein, The key structure (40) further comprises a mounting seat (41), the circuit board is arranged between the fixed layer and the cutoff part, the mounting seat (41) is matched with the key position through hole (311), a sliding hole (411) is formed in the mounting seat (41), and the key shaft (43) is slidingly mounted in the sliding hole (411).

14. The keyboard of claim 13, wherein, The reset part (42) is a reset spring, and the two ends of the reset spring are connected with the mounting seat (41) and the key shaft (43) respectively.

15. The keyboard of any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein, The cutoff part (50) is a cutoff plate (50'), and the edge of the cutoff plate (50') is connected to the shell (10).

16. The keyboard of claim 15, wherein, The keyboard (100) further comprises a first sound-absorbing layer (71), the first sound-absorbing layer (71) is clamped between the cutoff plate (50') and the circuit board (30), the first sound-absorbing layer (71) is provided with a plurality of avoiding holes (711), and the plurality of avoiding holes (711) are one-to-one matched with the plurality of shaft bodies.

17. The keyboard of claim 15, wherein, The shell (10) comprises a face shell (12) and a bottom shell (20) connected to the lower side of the face shell (12), and the keyboard (100) further comprises a second sound-absorbing layer (72) clamped between the cutoff plate (50') and the bottom shell (20).

18. The keyboard of claim 15, wherein, The keyboard (100) further comprises a first gasket (61) padded between the edge of the cutoff plate (50') and the fixing layer (11).

19. The keyboard of claim 15, wherein, The shell (10) comprises a face shell (12) and a bottom shell (20) connected to the lower side of the face shell (12), and the fixing layer (11) is provided with a plurality of mounting openings (101), the face shell (12) covers the outside of the fixing layer, the face shell is provided with a clearance hole (121) to expose the mounting openings (101), and the cutoff plate (50') is located between the fixing layer (11) and the bottom shell (20).

20. The keyboard of claim 19, wherein, The keyboard (100) further comprises a second gasket (62) padded between the edge of the cutoff plate (50') and the bottom shell (20).

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