CN211858483U - Mute key - Google Patents

Abstract

The utility model relates to a keyboard technical field, concretely relates to silence button, include: the key cap and the base, when the mute button is pressed, the key cap moves relative to the base; the balance rod is connected with the keycap and the base and used for keeping the keycap balanced; the balance bar is connected with a biasing component, and the biasing component is used for supporting the balance bar and reducing noise generated when the mute button is started. The utility model discloses can be when its production of noise abatement when being pressed.

Description

Mute key

Technical Field

The utility model relates to a keyboard technical field, concretely relates to key that noise reduction has balancing unit.

Background

Many keys on a keyboard, especially the larger keys, contain a balance bar that is used to accommodate the imbalance that occurs when the corresponding key is depressed (when the key is depressed, the top of the key is relatively parallel to the surface of the keyboard). For example, most space bars have a balance bar extending along their length, and if the user presses to the left of the space bar, without the balance bar, the left side of the space bar would be pressed and the right side would not. Therefore, the space bar is shaken.

Each key has a key cap (the top, most surface portion of the keyboard visible to the user) and a switch. The balance bar is typically a U-shaped bar coupled between the key cap and the base. When the key is depressed, the balance bar pivots and provides a substantially constant force at either end of the key cap or at opposite ends of the key cap to prevent imbalance of the key cap when depressed. The stabilizer bar may be oriented in a number of different ways and may take on different shapes.

However, when a user presses a key with a balance bar, the rotatable balance bar may strike a key cap, a base, or other portion of a keyboard due to a gap between the balance bar and the member, thereby generating noise.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

The to-be-solved technical problem of the utility model lies in, overcomes the not enough of current technique, provides a key that noise reduction has balancing unit, its production that can be when being pressed noise reduction.

In order to achieve the above technical purpose, the utility model provides a pair of button that noise reduction has balancing unit, include:

the key cap and the base, when the mute button is pressed, the key cap moves relative to the base;

the balance rod is connected with the keycap and the base and used for keeping the keycap balanced;

the balance bar is connected with a biasing component, and the biasing component is used for supporting the balance bar and reducing noise generated when the mute button is started.

Further, the biasing member provides the required supporting force for the keycap throughout the range of motion after actuation.

Still further, the stabilizer bar pivots after the mute button is activated.

In the above solution, the means for connecting the balance bar to the key cap and the means for connecting the balance bar to the base are separate and distinct from the biasing means.

Preferably, the balance bar pivots after the mute button is activated.

In the above technical solution, after the key cap is driven, the biasing member supports the balancing bar to be always connected to the key cap within the entire range of motion of the key cap.

In the above technical solution, the method further comprises:

and the electric contact is electrically connected with the keycap after the keycap is pressed down.

In the technical scheme, the balance rod is detachably connected with the keycap and the base respectively;

the biasing member may separate the balance bar from the keycap and the base, respectively.

In the above solution, the biasing member is at least one of a spring or an elastomeric material.

In the above technical solution, the mute key is a key of a computer keyboard.

The utility model discloses in, add the biasing component on the balancing pole, the biasing component can exert invariable power, makes balancing pole and key cap keep invariable contact, prevents the balancing pole through biasing balancing pole striking keyboard suddenly in specific direction.

Drawings

In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly described below, it is obvious that the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present invention, and for those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained according to the drawings without creative efforts.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the present invention in practical use;

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the present invention

FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 4 is a schematic structural view of the torsion spring supporting balance bar according to the embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 5 is a schematic diagram of the position of an electrical contact in an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of a keyboard in the prior art.

Detailed Description

The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be described clearly and completely with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention, and it is obvious that the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by a person skilled in the art without creative work belong to the protection scope of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a simplified diagram of a computer system 100, i.e., a diagram of the present embodiment in practical use. The computer system 100 includes: computer 110, display device 120, keyboard 140, and mouse 130. In the present embodiment, the keyboard 140 may be any device for converting an analog signal into a digital signal. For example, the keyboard 140 may be an input device having a plurality of keys. The keyboard 140 is used to form corresponding inputs in the computer system 100. For computer system 100, a keyboard 140 and a mouse 130 are used to control computer 110 and display device 120.

In the present embodiment, the computer 110 includes a readable medium (not shown) for storing non-transitory readable code, such as keyboard driver software. The codes are stored in a readable medium by the control of the computer 110 through the keyboard 140. It should be understood that the keyboard of the present invention may be any input/output (I/O) device, user interface device, control device, input unit, etc. The computer 110 may also be referred to as a "host" or "host computing device" in the present disclosure.

The host computing device is typically a desktop or laptop computing device. However, it should be understood that the host computing device may include: tablet computers, smart phones, virtual enhanced implementation interfaces (e.g., head mounted displays with 2D or 3D display functionality), holographic interfaces, and the like. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that variations may be used to modify or replace the above examples.

Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of a keyboard system 200. The operating keyboard system 200 includes: a processor 210, a memory 220, a power manager 230, a communication unit 240, and an input detection unit 250. The memory 220, the power manager 230, the communication unit 240, and the input detection unit 250 are respectively connected to the processor 210. The keyboard system 200 may also include any subsystems that do not affect the novelty of the present embodiment, such as a haptic control unit, a lighting control unit, a bus control unit, and a unit that transmits power to the subsystems (memory 220, power manager 230, communication unit 240, input detection unit 250) or similar subsystems. And the unit may be a stand-alone system (e.g., a system module or a processor), controlled by the processor 210, or a combination thereof.

In the present embodiment, processor 210 includes one or more microprocessors (μ cs) for controlling the operation of operating keyboard system 200. The processor 210 may also include one or more microprocessors (μ cs), Digital Signal Processors (DSPs), and the like, as understood by those of ordinary skill in the art (e.g., memory, programmable interfaces, and the like). The processor 210 is used to control some or all of the operation of the keyboard 140. Further, the operating keyboard system 200 is also used to control some or all of the operations of the keyboard 140.

The memory 220 is used to store information related to the keys of the keyboard 140. The related information may be a stored input value. Additionally, memory 220 may store one or more software programs that are executed by processor 210. It should be appreciated that "software" may refer to certain operational instructions that, when executed by a processing unit (e.g., processor, processing device, etc.), cause system 200 to execute a software program. The instructions may be stored as firmware in a read-only memory (rom) and/or in an application program in a media memory, which may be read into the memory for processing by a processing device. The software may be implemented as a single program or as a collection of separate programs and may be stored in non-volatile memory and copied, in whole or in part, to volatile working memory during program execution.

The power manager 230 is used to manage power distribution, charging, power efficiency, etc. of the keyboard 140 and its corresponding processor 210, memory 220, communication unit 240, input detection unit 250, etc. In some embodiments, the power manager 230 may include a battery (not shown), a USB based battery charging system (not shown), and a power management device (e.g., a low dropout regulator (not shown)). In some embodiments, the functionality provided by power manager 230 may be incorporated into processor 210. The power source may be a replaceable battery, a rechargeable energy storage device (e.g., super capacitor, lithium polymer battery, NiMH, NiCd) or a battery, a wired power source. The charging system may be an extra cable (dedicated for charging purposes) or the USB connection of the mouse may be used to charge the battery.

In the present embodiment, the communication unit 240 is used to enable wireless communication between the keyboard 140 and the computer 110 or other devices and/or peripherals (e.g., the input device 140). The communication unit 240 may also be used to provide Radio Frequency (RF), bluetooth, Infrared (IR), ZigBee, or other suitable communication technology to communicate with other computing devices and/or peripheral devices. The system 200 may also include a hard-wired connection to the computer 110. For example, keyboard 130 may be configured to receive a Universal Serial Bus (USB) cable to enable bi-directional electronic communication with computer 110 or other external devices. In this embodiment, different types of cabling or connection protocol standards may be utilized to establish hardwired communications with other entities.

The input detector 250 may control the detection of user interaction with input elements on the keyboard 140. For example, the input detector 250 may detect keys (e.g., QWERTY keys, function keys, numeric keypad, etc.) of the keyboard 140 or other suitable input elements, such as media control buttons, communication buttons, touch sensors (e.g., a touch pad), etc. In some cases, the input detector 250 may detect control and/or detect sensor signals from one or more sensors from a wrist pad in the keyboard 140. In this embodiment, an input detector 250 may be associated with memory 220 to detect inputs on keyboard 140 and associate various functions with each input element.

It should be understood that operating keyboard system 200 is illustrative and that variations and modifications may be made. The system 200 may have other capabilities not specifically described in this embodiment. Further, while the system 200 is described with reference to specific blocks (also referred to as "modules"), it is to be understood that these blocks are defined for ease of description and are not intended to imply a particular physical arrangement of component parts. Further, the modules need not correspond to physically distinct components. The modules may be configured to perform various operations, for example by programming a processor or providing appropriate control circuitry, and the various modules may or may not be reconfigurable depending on how the initial configuration is obtained. As such, the foregoing embodiments are not intended to be limiting, and those of ordinary skill in the art, having the benefit of this disclosure, will appreciate the myriad of applications and possibilities.

As shown in fig. 3 and 6, the utility model discloses a key with balancing unit of reducible noise, be the SPACE key of computer keyboard in this embodiment, the enter key, SHIFT key, TAB key, CAP LOCK key, BACK SPACE key and/or any other keys, include:

a keycap 1 and a base 2, wherein when the mute key is pressed down, the keycap 1 moves relative to the base 2;

the balance rod 3 is connected with the keycap 1 and the base 2 and used for keeping the keycap balanced;

the balance bar 3 is connected with a biasing component 4, and the biasing component 4 is used for supporting the balance bar 3 and reducing noise generated when the mute button is started.

As shown in fig. 3, a cross-sectional view of the space key is shown, the top of the space key is a key cap 1, and the bottom of the space key is a base 2. In the present embodiment, the base 2 is further divided into a top base 21 and a bottom base 22. The top base 21 is disposed above the bottom base 22. The balance bar 3 is disposed on a top base 21. A biasing member 4 is provided on the top base 21 below the stabilizer bar 3 for supporting the stabilizer bar 3. One end of the balance bar 3 is pivoted on the top base 21, and the other end is connected with the keycap 1 through the connecting part 5. The connecting portion 5 includes: an upper connecting block 51 and a lower connecting block 52. The other end of the balance bar 3 is clamped between the upper connecting block 51 and the lower connecting block 52. Since the connecting portion 5 is fixedly provided at the bottom of the key top 1, the other end of the balance bar 3 is in contact with and interlocked with the key top 1.

The member connecting the balance bar 3 to the key cap 1 and the member connecting the balance bar 3 to the base 2 are separate and distinct from the biasing member 4.

As shown in fig. 3 and 4, the member connecting the balance bar 3 to the key cap 1 in the present embodiment is a link 5, and belongs to two types of links with the torsion spring 4.

In this embodiment, the biasing member 4 is a torsion spring, but of course, the biasing member 4 may be other kinds of springs or some kind of elastomer material, and the function and effect thereof are similar to those of the torsion spring, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

As shown in fig. 4, one end of the torsion spring 4 is provided on the top base 21, and the other end is always in contact with the stabilizer bar 3. Since the balance bar 3 is pivoted at one end thereof to the top base 21, when the space key is pressed, the balance bar 3 is rotated (pivoted) clockwise (in the direction shown in fig. 1 and 2), thereby pressing the torsion spring 4.

After the key cap 1 is driven, the torsion spring 4 supports the balance rod 3 to be always connected with the key cap 1 in the whole motion range of the key cap 1.

The torsion spring 4 generates a repulsive force after being pressed, and it is the repulsive force generated by the torsion spring 4 to support the stabilizer bar 3. Because the other end of balancing pole 3 links with key cap 1 through the mode of joint between last connecting block 51 and lower connecting block 52, so when balancing pole 3 received torsion spring 4's bounce, the other end of balancing pole 3 must also produce the impetus to connecting portion 5, and then also can produce the impetus to key cap 1. Due to the existence of the pushing force of the balance bar 3, the balance bar 3 is guaranteed to always abut against the lower end of the upper supporting block 51 during the existence of the pushing force, so that the balance bar is always in contact with the connecting part 5. The recoil and the pushing force are in the directions of arrows shown in fig. 2.

In the present embodiment, the parameters, the dimensions, and the positions of the torsion springs 4 disposed on the top base 21 are selected through precise calculation. The torsion spring 4 after selection can ensure the supporting force required in the whole movement range after the keycap 1 corresponding to the space key is driven. That is, the torsion spring 4 can generate a repulsive force all the time during the entire stroke of the key top 1 after being pressed down to rebound. Further, it is understood that the balance bar 3 is always in contact with the link 5 throughout the stroke of the key top 1 after being pressed down until rebounding. Therefore, no gap exists between the balance bar 3 and the upper connecting block 51, the balance bar 3 does not hit the keycap 1, the base 2 or other parts of the keyboard when pivoting, and the blank key reduces the noise generation whether pressing or rebounding.

As shown in fig. 5, the present embodiment further includes: and the electric switch 6 is pressed down and started by the key cap 1 after the key cap 1 is pressed down. The electric switch 6 is arranged on the top base 21 below the connecting part 5. When the key cap 1 is pressed down, the connecting part 5 is contacted with the electric switch 6, so that the electric switch is pressed down by the key cap 1 to be started.

In this embodiment, the balance bar 3 detachably connects the keycap 1 and the base 2, respectively; the torsion spring 4 can separate the balance bar 3 from the keycap 1 and the base 2 respectively.

It should be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the processes disclosed is an example of exemplary approaches. Based upon design preferences, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the processes may be rearranged without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The accompanying method claims present elements of the various steps in a sample order, and are not intended to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

In the foregoing detailed description, various features are grouped together in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments of the subject matter require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, the invention lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby expressly incorporated into the detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate preferred embodiment of the invention.

The previous description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. To those skilled in the art; various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

What has been described above includes examples of one or more embodiments. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the aforementioned embodiments, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of various embodiments are possible. Accordingly, the embodiments described herein are intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term "includes" is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising" as "comprising" is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. Furthermore, any use of the term "or" in the specification of the claims is intended to mean a "non-exclusive or".

The above-mentioned embodiments, further detailed description of the objects, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention, it should be understood that the above description is only the embodiments of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, and any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present invention should be included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims (10)

1. A mute button, comprising:

the key cap and the base, when the mute button is pressed, the key cap moves relative to the base;

the balance rod is connected with the keycap and the base and used for keeping the keycap balanced;

the balance bar is connected with a biasing component, and the biasing component is used for supporting the balance bar and reducing noise generated when the mute button is started.

2. The mute key of claim 1, wherein the biasing member provides a required supporting force for the keycap throughout the range of motion after actuation.

3. A mute key as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the balance bar is pivoted after the mute key has been activated.

4. A mute key as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the means for connecting the balance bar to the key cap and the means for connecting the balance bar to the base are separate and distinct from the biasing means.

5. The mute key of claim 4, wherein the rocker lever pivots after the mute key is actuated.

6. The mute key of claim 1 or 2, wherein the biasing member supports the balance bar in constant connection with the key cap throughout the range of motion of the key cap after the key cap is actuated.

7. The mute key according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising:

and the plurality of electrical contacts realize electrical connection after the keycap is pressed down.

8. The mute button according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the balance bar detachably connects the key cap and the base, respectively;

the biasing member may separate the balance bar from the keycap and the base, respectively.

9. The mute key of claim 1 or 2, wherein the biasing member is at least one of a spring or an elastomeric material.

10. The mute key as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the mute key is a key of a computer keyboard.

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