CN107768166B - keyboard - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a keyboard, comprising a key, a bottom plate and a switch circuit board with a soft cover, wherein the key comprises a key cap and a balance bar. The balance bar is connected to the key cap and the soft cover. The soft cover is arranged on the switch circuit board and forms a receiving space with the switch circuit board, so that the balance bar is connected to the switch circuit board by extending into the receiving space. Since the balance bar made of metal material and the bottom plate are separated by the switch circuit board, the keyboard of the present invention can reduce noise.

Description

keyboard

technical field

The present invention relates to an input device, in particular to a keyboard with a plurality of keys.

Background technique

Common computer peripheral input devices include mouse, keyboard, trackball, etc. Among them, the keyboard can directly input characters and symbols to the computer, so it is highly valued by users and input device manufacturers. The subject of the present invention is the keyboard.

Please refer to FIG. 1 , which is a schematic diagram of the appearance structure of a conventional keyboard. The existing keyboard 1 has a plurality of keys 10, 10' on the surface, the key 10 is classified as a general-sized key, and the key 10' is classified as a longer-sized key. Wherein, the length of the key 10 is slightly larger than its width, and the length L1 of the key 10' is much larger than its width W1. A plurality of the buttons 10, 10' are used by the user to press the fingers to generate corresponding signals to the computer, so that the computer can perform the function of the pressed buttons. Generally speaking, the buttons 10, 10' can be pressed to input English letters. Equal symbols, numbers, or perform various functions (eg F1-F12, Delete), etc. The existing keyboard 1 is a keyboard for a notebook computer.

Next, the internal structure of the conventional keyboard will be described. Please refer to FIGS. 1 to 3 at the same time. FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded view of the structure of a conventional keyboard, and FIG. 3 is a schematic exploded view of the structure of the conventional keyboard from another perspective. The existing keyboard 1 includes a plurality of keys 10, 10', a bottom plate 11 and a membrane switch circuit 12, and the membrane switch circuit 12 has a plurality of key switches 121 corresponding to the plurality of keys 10, 10'. The buttons 10, 10' include a button cap 101, a scissor-type connecting element 102, and an elastic rubber body 103. The scissor-type connecting element 102 is respectively connected to the button cap 101 and the metal base plate 11, and includes a first frame 1021 and a second frame 1022, The rotation axis of the second frame 1022 is connected to the first frame 1021, so that the first frame 1021 and the second frame 1022 can swing relative to each other. In addition, the elastic rubber body 103 is disposed between the key cap 101 and the metal bottom plate 11 , and has an abutting top 1031 .

When the user presses the key cap 101 of any key 10 , 10 ′, the key cap 101 moves downward relative to the metal base plate 11 , so that the first frame 1021 and the second frame 1022 of the scissor-type connecting element 102 will be opened and closed by The state is changed to the overlapping state, and the key cap 101 that moves downward will push against the elastic rubber body 103, so that the abutting top 1031 of the elastic rubber body 103 abuts and deforms and triggers the corresponding key switch 121, so that the membrane The switch circuit 12 generates a corresponding key signal. When the user no longer presses the buttons 10 and 10 ′, the button cap 101 will move upward relative to the metal base plate 11 in response to the elastic force generated by the elastic rubber body 103 recovering from the deformed state. At this time, the first frame 1021 The overlapping state with the second frame 1022 will be changed from the overlapping state to the opening and closing state, and the key cap 101 will return to the position before being pressed.

In the existing keyboard 1 , some keys 10 ′ whose length L1 is much larger than the width W1 are different in structure from the key 10 . ', the key cap 101 is prone to shaking, which affects the smoothness of the operation of the key 10', and even affects the user's touch feeling. Therefore, the key 10' is also provided with a special mechanism to improve the smoothness of its operation. The button 10' further includes a first balance bar 104 and a second balance bar 105, and the first balance bar 104 includes a first link portion 1041 and two first hook portions 1042, the two first hook portions 1042 are located at the first balance bar respectively Both ends of the rod 104 . The second balance bar 105 includes a second link portion 1051 and two second hook portions 1052 , and the two second hook portions 1052 are located at two ends of the second balance bar 105 respectively. In addition, the metal base plate 11 includes a first connection structure 111 and a second connection structure 112 , and the first connection structure 111 and the second connection structure 112 respectively extend upward and pass through the membrane switch circuit 12 . The first connection structure 111 includes a first hook hole 1111 and a third hook hole 1112 , and the second connection structure 112 includes a second hook hole 1121 and a fourth hook corresponding to the first hook hole 1111 and the third hook hole 1112 , respectively. hole 1122.

The first link portion 1041 of the first balance bar 104 and the second link portion 1051 of the second balance bar 105 are pivotally connected to the key cap 101 of the button 10 ′, respectively, and the two first hooks of the first balance bar 104 The portions 1042 pass through the first hook hole 1111 of the first connection structure 111 and the second hook hole 1121 of the second connection structure 112 respectively. On the other hand, the two second hook portions 1052 of the second balance rod 105 respectively pass through the third hook hole 1112 of the first connection structure 111 and the fourth hook hole 1122 of the second connection structure 112 .

Please refer to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 , FIG. 4 is a schematic structural diagram of the assembly of a metal base plate and a membrane switch circuit of a conventional keyboard, and FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the operation of the first balance bar and the second balance bar of the conventional keyboard. When the key cap 101 of the key 10' moves up or down relative to the metal base plate 11, the first balance bar 104 moves repeatedly in the first direction D11 or the second direction D12, and rotates in the first rotation direction D13 or the second direction Direction D14 is reversed. Similarly, the second balance rod 105 also moves repeatedly in the first direction D11 or the second direction D12, and turns over in the first rotation direction D13 or the second rotation direction D14. The purpose of arranging the first balance bar 104 and the second balance bar 105 is to make the key 10' move up or down relative to the metal base plate 11 to maintain a balance without tilting, and to increase the strength of the key cap 101 at the same time.

However, the first balance bar 104 , the second balance bar 105 and the metal base plate 11 are all made of metal material. As can be seen from FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 , the key cap 101 of the key 10 ′ is upward or downward relative to the metal base plate 11 . When the first balance bar 104 and the second balance bar 105 are moved, the two first hooks 1042 of the first balance bar 104 and the two second hooks 1052 of the second balance bar 105 often collide and rub against the metal bottom plate , thus producing a sound. Especially at the R corners of the two first hooks 1042 and the two second hooks 1052 (marked with oblique lines in FIG. 5 ), such sound is unpleasant to the user.

Therefore, there is a need for a keyboard that reduces noise.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a keyboard that can reduce noise.

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a keyboard including a button, a bottom plate and a switch circuit board. The key includes a key cap exposed outside the keyboard and a balance bar, the balance bar is connected to the key cap, the balance bar includes a link portion and a hook portion, the link portion is connected to the key cap , and the hook portion is located at one end of the link portion. The bottom plate is arranged below the button for connecting the button. The switch circuit board is located between the button and the bottom plate, and is used for being triggered by the button to output a button signal. The switch circuit board includes a button switch and a soft cover. The key switch corresponds to the key, and is used for being triggered by the key to output the key signal. The flexible cover is disposed on the switch circuit board and forms an accommodating space with the switch circuit board, so that the hook portion extends into the accommodating space to restrict the hook portion from sliding in the accommodating space.

In short, the keyboard of the present invention is provided with an extension area on the lower circuit board of the switch circuit board to separate the hook portion of the balance bar and the bottom plate, and prevent the hook portion from colliding with the bottom plate. In addition, a soft cover body made of soft material is arranged on the extension area to replace the first connection structure and the second connection structure made of traditional metal, so that the hook made of metal material can only connect with The soft cover is in contact with the metal material, so as to reduce the chance of collision with the metal material. Therefore, the keyboard of the present invention can reduce noise.

Description of drawings

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the appearance structure of a conventional keyboard.

FIG. 2 is an exploded schematic diagram of the structure of a conventional keyboard.

FIG. 3 is a schematic exploded view of the structure of a conventional keyboard from another perspective.

FIG. 4 is a schematic structural diagram of the assembly of a metal base plate of a conventional keyboard and a membrane switch circuit.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the operation of the first balance rod and the second balance rod of the conventional keyboard.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the appearance structure of the keyboard of the present invention in the first preferred embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an exploded schematic diagram of the structure of the keyboard of the present invention in the first preferred embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a schematic exploded view of the structure of the keyboard of the present invention from another perspective in the first preferred embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a schematic exploded view of the structure of the switch circuit board of the keyboard of the present invention in the first preferred embodiment.

10 is a schematic structural diagram of the assembly of the bottom plate of the keyboard and the switch circuit board in the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

11 is a schematic diagram of the operation of the first balance bar and the second balance bar of the keyboard of the present invention in the first preferred embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a schematic exploded view of the structure of the keyboard of the present invention in the second preferred embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a schematic exploded view of the keyboard of the present invention from another perspective in the second preferred embodiment.

【Symbol Description】

1, 2, 3 keyboard

10, 10', 20, 20', 30, 30' keys

11 metal base plate

12 Membrane switch circuit

21, 31 bottom plate

22, 32 switch circuit board

33 Adhesive

101, 201, 301 key caps

102, 202, 302 scissor connection elements

103 elastic rubber body

104, 204, 304 first balance bar

105, 205, 305 second balance bar

111 The first connection structure

112 Second connection structure

121, 224, 324 key switches

211 bottom plate hook

203, 303 elastic elements

221, 321 upper circuit board

222, 322 lower circuit board

223 isolation layer

225, 325 soft cover

226, 326 accommodation space

1021 First Frame

1022 Second Frame

1031 to the top

1041, 2041, 3041 first link part

1042, 2042, 3042 first hook

1051, 2051 second link

1052, 2052 second hook

1111 first hook hole

1112 third hook hole

1111 second hook hole

1122 Fourth hook hole

2011 The first link

2012 Second Link

2211 on the conductive line

2221 Lower Conductive Line

2222, 3222 extension area

2231 isolation layer opening

D11, D21 first direction

D12, D22 second direction

D13, D23 first rotation direction

D14, D24 second rotation direction

L1, L2 key cap length

W1, W2 keycap width

Detailed ways

In view of the troubles caused by the prior art, the present invention provides a keyboard that can solve the problems of the prior art. First, the structure of the keyboard of the present invention will be described. Please refer to FIG. 6 , which is a schematic diagram of the appearance structure of the keyboard of the present invention in the first preferred embodiment. The keyboard 2 of the present invention includes a plurality of keys 20 and 20 ′, which are exposed outside the keyboard 2 . The plurality of keys 20 and 20 ′ can be pressed by the user's fingers to generate corresponding signals to be connected to the keyboard 2 . A computer (not shown in the figure), which enables the computer to perform the function of the pressed key. Wherein, the length of the key 20 is slightly larger than its width, and the length L2 of the key 20' is much larger than its width W2.

Next, the internal structure of the keyboard 2 of the present invention will be described. Please refer to FIG. 7 , FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 at the same time. FIG. 7 is an exploded schematic diagram of the structure of the keyboard of the present invention in the first preferred embodiment, and FIG. 8 is the structure of the keyboard of the present invention in another view of the first preferred embodiment. An exploded schematic view, and FIG. 9 is a schematic exploded view of the structure of the switch circuit board of the keyboard of the present invention in the first preferred embodiment. In addition to the plurality of keys 20, 20', the keyboard 2 of the present invention also includes a base plate 21 and a switch circuit board 22. The base plate 21 is disposed below the plurality of keys 20, 20', and can be connected to the plurality of keys 20, 20'. The switch circuit board 22 is located between the plurality of buttons 20 , 20 ′ and the bottom plate 21 , and its function is to be triggered by the buttons 20 , 20 ′ and output corresponding button signals. The switch circuit board 22 includes an upper circuit board 221 and a lower circuit board 222 , isolation layer 223 , key switch 224 and soft cover 225 . In addition, each key 20' includes a key cap 201, at least one scissor-type connecting element 202, an elastic element 203, a first balance rod 204 and a second balance rod 205. The scissor-type connecting elements 202 are connected to the corresponding key caps 201 and the base plate 21 , and can fix the key caps 201 on the base plate 21 and make the key caps 201 move relative to the base plate 21 . The elastic element 203 is located between the corresponding key cap 201 and the switch circuit board 22 and corresponds to the key switch 224 , and its function is to be pushed against the corresponding key switch 224 by the corresponding key cap 201 . In this preferred embodiment, the bottom plate 21 is made of metal material, the elastic element 203 is an elastic rubber body, and the scissor-type connecting element 202 is made of plastic material.

In FIGS. 7 and 8 , the first balance rod 204 and the second balance rod 205 are both connected to the key cap 201 . The first balance rod 204 includes a first link portion 2041 and two first hook portions 2042 . The first link portion The 2041 can be connected to the key cap 201 , and the two first hook portions 2042 are respectively located at one end and the other end of the first link portion 2041 . Similar to the first balance bar 204, the second balance bar 205 includes a second link portion 2051 and two second hook portions 2052, the second link portion 2051 can be connected to the key cap 201, and the two second hook portions 2052 are They are respectively located at one end and the other end of the second link portion 2052 . The bottom plate 21 includes a plurality of bottom plate hooks 211 whose functions are to connect with the scissors-type connecting element 202 and fix the scissors-type connecting element 202 on the bottom plate 21 . On the other hand, the key cap 201 includes a plurality of first connecting parts 2011 and a plurality of second connecting parts 2012 . The plurality of first connecting parts 2011 are disposed on the inner surface of the key cap 201 and can be connected with the scissor-type connecting element 202 . A plurality of second connecting portions 2012 are also disposed on the inner surface of the key cap 201 , and their function is to connect with the first link portion 2041 and the second link portion 2051 .

In the switch circuit board 22 , the upper circuit board 221 has an upper conductive circuit 2211 , and the upper conductive circuit 2211 is disposed on the lower surface of the upper circuit board 221 . The lower circuit board 222 is located below the upper circuit board 221 . The lower circuit board 222 includes a lower conductive line 2221 and an extension region 2222 , and the lower conductive line 2221 is disposed on the upper surface of the lower circuit board 222 . The isolation layer 223 is located between the upper circuit board 221 and the lower circuit board 222 , and the isolation layer 223 has an isolation layer opening 2231 corresponding to the key cap 201 . The upper conductive line 2211, the isolation layer opening 2231 and the lower conductive line 2221 together form the key switch 224, and each key switch 224 corresponds to a key 20, 20', which can be triggered by the keys 20, 20' to output the key Signal.

Please refer to FIG. 7 and FIG. 10 at the same time. FIG. 10 is a schematic structural diagram of the assembly of the bottom plate and the switch circuit board of the keyboard of the present invention in the first preferred embodiment. The extension area 2222 extends beyond the upper circuit board 221 and the isolation layer 223 from the lower circuit board 222 , and the flexible cover 225 is disposed on the extension area 2222 of the switch circuit board 22 and forms a plurality of In the accommodating space 226 , the first hook portion 2042 and the second hook portion 2052 extend into the plurality of accommodating spaces 226 respectively, so as to restrict the sliding of the first hook portion 2042 and the second hook portion 2052 in the plurality of accommodating spaces 226 respectively. The soft cover 225 is disposed on the upper surface of the extension region 2222 in an adhesive manner. In this preferred embodiment, the plurality of accommodating spaces 226 are through holes, so that the first hook portion 2042 and the second hook portion 2052 pass through the corresponding through holes respectively, and the soft cover is made of silicone resin material (commonly known as silicon). ) or soft plastic materials.

Next, the operation of the pressed button 20' will be described. When the user presses the key cap 201 of any key 20', the key cap 201 moves downward relative to the bottom plate 21, so that the scissor-type connecting element 202 is pushed against and swings, and the downward moving key cap 201 pushes against the elastic The element 203 is pressed against the elastic element 203 to deform and trigger the corresponding key switch 224 to generate a corresponding key signal. When the user no longer presses the button 20', the button cap 201 will move upward relative to the bottom plate 21 in response to the elastic force generated by the elastic element 203 recovering from the deformed state, so as to push the button cap 201 to move upward. At the same time, the scissor-type connecting element 202 is driven to swing to return from the overlapping state to the opening and closing state, and the key cap 201 returns to the position before being pressed.

Please refer to FIG. 11 , which is a schematic diagram of the operation of the first balance bar and the second balance bar of the keyboard of the present invention in the first preferred embodiment. When the key cap 201 of the key 20' moves up or down relative to the base plate 21, the first balance bar 204 moves repeatedly in the first direction D21 or the second direction D22, and moves in the first rotation direction D23 or the second direction D23. The direction of rotation D24 is reversed. Wherein, the first link portion 2041 is turned over relative to the plurality of second connecting portions 2012 , and the two first hook portions 2042 are turned over in the corresponding accommodating spaces 226 respectively, and are not in contact with the bottom plate 21 . Similarly, the second balance rod 205 also moves repeatedly in the first direction D21 or the second direction D22, and turns over in the first rotation direction D23 or the second rotation direction D24. Wherein, the second link portion 2051 is inverted relative to the plurality of second connecting portions 2012 , and the two second hook portions 2052 are respectively inverted in the corresponding accommodating spaces 226 without contacting the bottom plate 21 .

As can be seen from the above, the keyboard 2 of the present invention can separate the first hook portion 2042 and the second hook portion 2052 from the bottom plate 21 through the arrangement of the extending region 2222 and the flexible cover 225 . Even though the first balance bar 204 , the second balance bar 205 and the bottom plate 21 are all made of metal materials, the first hook portion 2042 and the second hook portion 2052 do not collide with the bottom plate 21 and produce no sound. , the keyboard 2 of the present invention has the effect of reducing noise.

In addition, the present invention also provides a second preferred embodiment which is different from the above method. Please refer to FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 at the same time, FIG. 12 is a schematic exploded view of the structure of the keyboard of the present invention in the second preferred embodiment, and FIG. 13 is a schematic exploded view of the structure of the keyboard of the present invention in another view of the second preferred embodiment . The keyboard 3 of the present invention includes a plurality of keys 30', a bottom plate 31 and a switch circuit board 32. Each key 30' includes a key cap 301, at least one scissor-type connecting element 302, an elastic element 303, a first balance bar 304 and a second balance In the rod 305 , the first balance rod 304 includes a first link portion 3041 and two first hook portions 3042 , and the second balance rod 305 includes a second link portion 3051 and two second hook portions 3052 . The switch circuit board 32 includes an upper circuit board 321 , a lower circuit board 322 , an isolation layer (not shown in the figure), a key switch 324 and a flexible cover 325 , and the lower circuit board has an extension area 3222 . The structure of the keyboard 3 of this preferred embodiment is substantially the same as that of the keyboard 2 of the above-mentioned first preferred embodiment, and the similarities will not be repeated. There are two differences between the two. First, the structure of the soft cover body 325 in this preferred embodiment. Second, the keyboard 3 of this preferred embodiment further includes an adhesive 33 .

As can be seen from FIG. 12 , the flexible cover 325 is disposed on the extension area 3222 of the switch circuit board 32 and forms a plurality of accommodating spaces 326 between the switch circuit board 32 and the first hook portion 3042 and the second hook portion 3052 They can respectively extend into a plurality of accommodating spaces 326 . The soft cover 325 is disposed on the upper surface of the extension area 3222 in an adhesive manner, and one end of the plurality of accommodating spaces 326 is a closed structure, and the closed structure helps to reduce noise.

Please refer to FIG. 13 , which shows that the keyboard 3 further includes an adhesive 33 . The adhesive 33 corresponds to the soft cover 325 and is disposed on the lower surface of the corresponding extension area 3222 to fix the lower circuit board 322 on the bottom plate 31 . Thereby, the connection between the lower wiring board 322 and the bottom plate 31 can be strengthened. The reason for providing the adhesive 33 is that when the first balance rod 304 and the second balance rod 305 are turned over, the first balance rod 304 and the second balance rod 305 will provide upward force, if the lower circuit board 322 and the bottom plate are The connection between 31 is not stable enough, and the lower circuit board 322 may be pulled up by the first balance bar 304 and the second balance bar 305, which will affect the smoothness of the up and down movement of the key cap 301, and also affect the user's touch pressure. feel.

As can be seen from the above, the keyboard of the present invention is provided with an extension area on the lower circuit board of the switch circuit board to separate the first hook portion (and the second hook portion) and the bottom plate, so as to avoid the occurrence of the first hook portion and the second hook portion and the bottom plate. collision. In addition, a soft cover body made of soft material is arranged on the extension area to replace the traditional first connection structure and second connection structure made of metal, so that the first hook made of metal material and the The second hook portion only contacts with the soft cover body and does not contact with the metal material, so as to reduce the chance of collision with the metal material. Therefore, the keyboard of the present invention can reduce noise.

The above descriptions are only preferred embodiments of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the claims of the present invention. Therefore, all other equivalent changes or modifications made without departing from the spirit disclosed in the present invention shall be included in the present invention. within the claims.

Claims (10)

1. A keyboard comprising: One button, including: a keycap exposed outside the keyboard; and A balance bar is connected to the key cap, the balance bar includes: a link portion connected to the key cap; and a hook portion located at one end of the link portion; a bottom plate, disposed below the button, for connecting the button; and A switch circuit board, located between the button and the bottom plate, is used for being triggered by the button to output a button signal, and the switch circuit board includes: a key switch, corresponding to the key, for being triggered by the key to output the key signal; and a flexible cover disposed on the switch circuit board and forming an accommodating space between the switch circuit board and the switch circuit board, so that the hook portion extends into the accommodating space to restrict the hook portion from sliding in the accommodating space; The switch circuit board also includes: an upper circuit board, comprising an upper conductive circuit, and the upper conductive circuit is arranged on a lower surface of the upper circuit board; A lower circuit board, located below the upper circuit board, includes a lower conductive circuit, and the lower conductive circuit is disposed on an upper surface of the lower circuit board; and An isolation layer is located between the upper circuit board and the lower circuit board, and includes an isolation layer opening for separating the upper conductive circuit and the lower conductive circuit; wherein the upper conductive circuit, the isolation layer opening and The lower conductive lines together form the key switch; Wherein the lower circuit board further includes an extension area that protrudes beyond the upper circuit board and the isolation layer, and the flexible cover is disposed on an upper surface of the extension area in an adhesive manner, so the hook is not contact with the base plate. 2 . The keyboard of claim 1 , wherein one end of the accommodating space is a closed structure, so that the hook portion extends into the accommodating space. 3 . 3 . The keyboard of claim 1 , further comprising an adhesive, corresponding to the flexible cover and disposed on a lower surface of the extension area, to fix the lower circuit board on the bottom plate. 4 . 4 . The keyboard of claim 1 , wherein the accommodating space is a through hole, and the hook portion passes through the through hole. 5 . 5 . The keyboard of claim 4 , further comprising an adhesive, corresponding to the flexible cover and disposed on a lower surface of the extension area, to fix the lower circuit board on the bottom plate. 6 . 6. The keyboard of claim 1, wherein the key further comprises: a scissor-type connecting element connected to the key cap and the base plate for fixing the key cap on the base plate and making the key cap move relative to the base plate; and An elastic element, located between the key cap and the switch circuit board and corresponding to the key switch, is used for being pushed by the key cap to abut the key switch; wherein, when the elastic element is not pushed by the key cap At the time, the elastic element provides an elastic force to the key cap. 7. The keyboard of claim 6, wherein the keycap comprises: a first connecting portion disposed on an inner surface of the key cap for connecting with the scissor-type connecting element; and A second connecting portion is disposed on the inner surface of the key cap for connecting with the connecting rod portion. 8 . The keyboard of claim 6 , wherein the bottom plate comprises a bottom plate hook for connecting with the scissor-type connecting element and fixing the scissor-type connecting element on the bottom plate. 9 . 9. The keyboard of claim 6, wherein when the key cap is pressed, the key cap moves relative to the bottom plate and pushes against the elastic element, so that the elastic element is deformed to trigger the switch circuit board, and The key switch outputs the key signal; and when the key cap is no longer pressed, the elastic element recovers from deformation to provide the elastic force, so as to push the key cap to move to the position before the key cap is not pressed. 10. The keyboard of claim 1, wherein the soft cover is made of silicone resin material or soft plastic material.

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