CN219329014U - Computer input device and cap structure and assembly therefor - Google Patents
Computer input device and cap structure and assembly therefor Download PDFInfo
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- CN219329014U CN219329014U CN202222553574.4U CN202222553574U CN219329014U CN 219329014 U CN219329014 U CN 219329014U CN 202222553574 U CN202222553574 U CN 202222553574U CN 219329014 U CN219329014 U CN 219329014U
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- 230000000994 depressogenic effect Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 abstract description 2
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 abstract description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000005034 decoration Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000696 magnetic material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 description 1
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Abstract
The present application relates to computer input devices and cap structures and assemblies therefor. The cap structure is configured to protect or decorate keys of a computer input device and includes: a top portion which, in use, is positioned over a key of the computer input device; a side portion extending downwardly from the periphery of the top portion and forming a cavity space with the top portion, wherein in use the cavity space accommodates a portion of the key cap of the key and a cavity wall of the cavity space is in contact engagement with the key cap of the key; and the limiting structure is formed at the lower end of the side part and is used for limiting the position of the cap structure in use.
Description
Technical Field
The present application relates to computer peripherals, and in particular to computer input devices and cap structures and assemblies therefor.
Background
Computers typically require input devices so that a user may input instructions or data into the computer. In this application, "computer" should be understood broadly to mean a device having computing capabilities, including a conventional desktop computer, mobile computer, tablet computer, handheld computing device, calculator, and the like. One common type of input device is a keyed device, such as a keyboard and mouse, where a user performs an input by pressing and then releasing a key. The keys may become unhygienic or damaged during prolonged use. In addition, some users may consider conventional keys to be aesthetically unappealing or visually impersonable. There is therefore a need for a structure that can better protect or decorate these keys.
Disclosure of Invention
An aspect of the present application provides a cap structure for protecting or decorating keys of a computer input device, comprising:
a top portion which, in use, is disposed over a key of the computer input device;
a side portion extending downwardly from a periphery of the top portion and forming a cavity space with the top portion, wherein in use the cavity space accommodates a portion of a key cap of the key and a cavity wall of the cavity space is in contact engagement with the key cap of the key;
and the limiting structure is formed at the lower end of the side part and is used for limiting the position of the cap structure in use.
In one embodiment of this aspect, the stop feature is a flange extending outwardly relative to the cavity space.
In one embodiment of this aspect, the limit structure comprises protrusions, teeth, barbs.
In one embodiment of this aspect, the spacing structure is magnetic or is capable of being attracted to a magnetic element.
In one embodiment of this aspect, the top portion is quadrilateral and the limit structure includes four portions located on respective four sides of the lower end of the side portion.
In one embodiment of this aspect, the four portions are located the same on four sides of the lower end.
In one embodiment of this aspect, the top portion is in contact engagement with the top surface of the key in use.
In an embodiment of this aspect, the cavity wall of the cavity space is in contact engagement with a side face of the key cap of the key in use.
In one embodiment of this aspect, the limit structure is configured to be deformable such that a user applies a force to remove the cap structure from the key after the cap structure is positioned in a defined manner relative to the key.
In one embodiment of this aspect, the upper surface of the top has customized graphics, text, or additional structures.
Yet another aspect of the present application provides an assembly for protecting or decorating keys of a computer input device, comprising:
a housing configured to be positioned on the computer input device and including holes that correspond in position to keys of the computer input device one-to-one when positioned on the computer input device such that a portion of a keycap of each key of the computer input device protrudes from the corresponding hole;
at least one cap structure as described above, wherein in use, each of said cap structures is placed on one of the keys of a computer input device and the limit structure of the cap structure is located below the lower surface of said outer frame.
In one embodiment of this aspect, the assembly comprises a plurality of cap structures, and wherein the spacing structure of two adjacent cap structures facilitates positional definition of each other in use.
In one embodiment of this aspect, in use, the key of the computer input device on which the cap structure is disposed is pushed by a user, the limit structure of the cap structure is moved away from the lower surface of the housing, and when the user releases the key, the limit structure contacts the lower surface.
In one embodiment of this aspect, the assembly further comprises a bottom cover, wherein the outer frame and the bottom cover are secured to the computer input device from an upper surface and a lower surface, respectively, of the computer input device.
In one embodiment of this aspect, the assembly further comprises a bottom cover, wherein the outer frame and the bottom cover are secured to each other and integrally connected.
Yet another aspect of the present application provides a computer input device comprising:
at least two keys, the user inputs the computer through pressing the keys;
an upper case having holes in one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of keys so that key caps of the respective keys are aligned with the holes;
at least one cap structure as described above, wherein each of said cap structures is disposed on one of said plurality of keys and the limit structure of the cap structure is located below the lower surface of said upper housing.
In one embodiment of this aspect, the limit structure of the cap structure is spaced from the lower surface of the upper housing when a key of the computer input device on which the cap structure is disposed is depressed by a user, and contacts the lower surface when the key is released by the user.
In one embodiment of this aspect, the computer input device comprises a plurality of the cap structures, and wherein the spacing structures of two adjacent cap structures facilitate positional definition of each other in use.
Yet another aspect of the present application provides a computer input device assembly comprising:
a computer input device comprising an upper housing and at least one key, each of the at least one key having a press surface for user operation for input to a computer;
the outer frame is arranged on the computer input device and provided with at least one second hole corresponding to each key in the at least one key in position one by one; and
At least one cap structure as described above, wherein the cap structure is placed on each of the at least one key and the limit structure of the cap structure is located below the lower surface of the outer frame.
In one embodiment of this aspect, the upper case has at least one first hole corresponding to the at least one key in position one by one, and a portion of the key cap of each key protrudes from a corresponding hole of the at least one second hole after passing through the corresponding hole of the at least one first hole.
The cap structure according to the embodiments of the present application can be flexibly disposed on a single key of a computer input device, thereby enabling more flexible protection or decoration of the single key. The user can freely and flexibly replace the single cap structure when needed. The user can flexibly set the words, patterns and even three-dimensional structures which the user wants on the cap structure.
Drawings
Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of an exemplary cap structure in use according to an embodiment of the present application.
Fig. 2 shows an example of a quadrangular cap structure.
Fig. 3 shows a structure in which a quadrangular cap structure is applied to adjacent keys.
Fig. 4 shows an example of a mouse with a cap structure.
Detailed Description
The content of the present application will now be discussed with reference to several exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are discussed only to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to better understand and thus practice the disclosure of the present application and are not meant to imply any limitation on the scope of the present application.
As used herein, the term "comprising" and variants thereof are to be interpreted as meaning "including but not limited to" open-ended terms. The term "based on" is to be interpreted as "based at least in part on". The terms "one embodiment" and "an embodiment" are to be interpreted as "at least one embodiment. The term "another embodiment" is to be interpreted as "at least one other embodiment".
Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of an exemplary cap structure in use according to an embodiment of the present application. Fig. 1 schematically shows, in a cross-sectional view, a keyboard 8 as an example of a computer input device, and schematically shows three keys 2. As can be generally appreciated, the keyboard 8 itself has an upper housing 9. Although not shown, the upper case 9 has three holes corresponding in position to the three keys 2 so that each key 2 protrudes from the corresponding hole.
As a preferred embodiment, the keyboard 8 may be placed in a chamber formed by the outer frame 6 and the bottom cover 7 located thereon, the outer frame 6 and the bottom cover 7 being relatively fixed by known means. The outer frame 6 also has three holes corresponding in position to the keys 2 so that the keys 2 protrude from the holes in the outer frame 6 after passing through the holes in the upper housing 9. The outer frame 6 and the bottom cover 7 provide a certain protection for the keyboard 8. In some embodiments, the bottom cover 7 is not necessary, and the outer frame 6 is fixed relative to the keyboard 8 in a known manner (e.g., in the position shown on both sides in fig. 1). In the structure shown in fig. 1, the distance between the outer frame 6 and the upper case 9 may be set according to the actual situation so as not to interfere with the operation of each key 2, but to sufficiently accommodate each cap structure 1 and define the position thereof.
In the example shown in fig. 1, a cap structure 1 is provided on each of the left and right keys of three keys 2. The cap structure 1 may comprise a top 3, sides 4 and a limit structure 5. The top 3 is placed above the key 2 in use, and can form a relatively close contact fit with the top surface of the key 2, or can have a loose fit to some extent, so long as the key 2 can be pressed down correspondingly when the user presses the top 3. The side portions 4 extend downwards from the periphery of the top portion 3 and form a cavity space with the top portion 3. In use, this cavity space accommodates a portion of the key cap of the key 2, and the cavity wall of the cavity space is in contact engagement with the side face of the key cap of the key 2, so that the key cap of the key 2 can be relatively stably located within the cavity space. A limit structure 5 is formed at the lower end of the side portion 4 for positional definition of the cap structure 1 in use.
In the example shown in fig. 1, the limit structure 5 is located below the lower surface of the outer frame 6 in use. When the user presses the cap structure 1, the cap structure 1 and the key 2 are depressed, the limit structure 5 is slightly away from the outer frame 6, and when the user performs a release operation, the resilience of the key 2 itself causes the limit structure 5 to "clamp" the cap structure 1 between the limit outer frame 6 and the key cap of the key 2.
In some embodiments, the outer frame 6 is not necessary, and the limiting structure 5 of the cap structure 1 may be located below the lower surface of the upper casing 9 of the keyboard itself (the casing of the keyboard itself is usually formed by two parts of the upper casing and the lower casing being snapped together), so as to limit the cap structure 1 between the key cap of the key 2 and the upper casing 9.
The spacing structure 5 may be formed in a variety of ways, materials, and configurations. In the example shown in fig. 1, the limit structure 5 may be a flange extending outwards with respect to the aforesaid cavity space. In other embodiments, the stop structure 5 may include protrusions, teeth, or barbs for a simpler structure or a stronger stop. The limit structure 5 may also be magnetic or be attracted by a magnetic element, so that the position of the cap structure 1 relative to the key 2 and the outer frame 6 (or the upper shell 9) is defined by magnetic force (the position of the outer frame 6 or the upper shell 9 close to the limit structure 5 needs to be provided with corresponding magnetic materials).
In some embodiments of the present application, the limit structure 5 is configured to be deformable such that a user applies a certain force to remove the cap structure from the key after the cap structure is in a defined position relative to the key. For example, in the example shown in fig. 1, the material of the limit structure 5 (and even the material of the entire cap structure 1) may be elastic, so that when a user pulls the cap structure 1 upward, the limit structure 5 "flips" downward and becomes straight, thereby leaving the outer frame 6 to remove the entire cap structure 1 from the key 2. Such deformation may also be achieved by other means, such as providing a certain elasticity at the hinge between the limit structure 5 and the side wall of the cap structure 1 (straightening when an external force is applied, and restoring the hinge when the external force is removed). This property of variability enables the user to easily remove, replace the individual cap structures 1.
In some embodiments of the present application, the top 3 of the cap structure 1 is quadrilateral (e.g. square or rectangular corresponding to a typical keyboard key) from a top or bottom view, while the side 4 of the cap structure 1 also comprises four side walls and their respective lower ends. In this case, the limiting structure 5 may include four portions on respective edges of the four lower ends. Fig. 2 shows an example of such a structure: the four parts of the limit structure 5 are respectively located on the left side of the lower end of the side portion 4 of the cap structure 1, seen in a clockwise direction, and are all the same in size and position. The four portions of the spacing structure may also be located at the middle or right side of each lower end, and even their respective locations may be different (e.g., left side of the lower end, and some at the middle or right side), as well as the dimensions of each portion. Fig. 3 further shows a schematic structural view of a cap structure 1 with such a quadrilateral arranged on a plurality of adjacent keys of the keyboard. As shown in the drawing, the stopper structures 5 of the adjacent cap structures 1 are engaged with each other under the outer frame 6 (or the upper case 9 of the keyboard), and the positions of the cap structures 1 can be better defined with each other in the horizontal direction.
The cap structure according to embodiments of the present application may also be used on a mouse, as shown in the example of fig. 4. The mouse shown in fig. 4 has two basic, elongated left and right keys, with three relatively small function keys (or features such as indicator lights) disposed therebetween. Left, right, and function keys (function parts) protrude from the upper case of the mouse. The cap structure according to embodiments of the present application may be applied over these keys (components), and the stopper structure of the cap structure may be located under the lower surface of the upper case of the mouse. An additional outer frame 6 may also be provided over the upper case of the mouse, with the limit structure of the cap structure being located below the lower surface of the outer frame 6.
In the embodiment of the application, the upper surface of the top of the cap structure can be provided with customized graphics, characters or additional structures, so that the personalized requirements of users or other functional requirements can be better met.
Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the foregoing description is by way of example only, and is not intended to limit the utility model so disclosed. The present application is also susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms. Any modifications or variations which come within the spirit and scope of the utility model are desired to be protected.
Claims (20)
1. A cap structure for a computer input device, the cap structure configured to protect or decorate keys of the computer input device and comprising:
a top portion which, in use, is disposed over a key of the computer input device;
a side portion extending downwardly from a periphery of the top portion and forming a cavity space with the top portion, wherein in use the cavity space accommodates a portion of a key cap of the key and a cavity wall of the cavity space is in contact engagement with the key cap of the key;
and the limiting structure is formed at the lower end of the side part and is used for limiting the position of the cap structure in use.
2. The cap structure of claim 1, wherein the stop structure is a flange extending outwardly relative to the cavity space.
3. The cap structure of claim 1, wherein the limit feature comprises a protrusion, a tooth, a barb.
4. The cap structure of claim 1, wherein the retaining structure is magnetic or is capable of being attracted to a magnetic element.
5. The cap structure of claim 1, wherein the top portion is quadrilateral and the limit structure includes four portions located on respective four sides of the lower end of the side portion.
6. The cap structure of claim 5, wherein the four portions are located the same on four sides of the lower end.
7. The cap structure of claim 1, wherein the top portion is in contact engagement with a top surface of the key in use.
8. A cap arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the cavity walls of the cavity space are in contact engagement with the sides of the key cap of the key in use.
9. The cap structure of claim 1, wherein the limit structure is configured to be deformable such that a user applies a force to remove the cap structure from the key after the cap structure is positioned in a defined manner relative to the key.
10. The cap structure of claim 1, wherein the upper surface of the top has customized graphics, text, or additional structures.
11. An assembly for a computer input device, the assembly configured to protect or decorate keys of the computer input device and comprising:
a housing configured to be positioned on the computer input device and including holes that correspond in position to keys of the computer input device one-to-one when positioned on the computer input device such that a portion of a keycap of each key of the computer input device protrudes from the corresponding hole;
at least one cap structure as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein in use, each of said cap structures is positioned on one of the keys of a computer input device and the limit structure of the cap structure is located below the lower surface of said outer frame.
12. The combination of claim 11, comprising a plurality of cap structures, and wherein the spacing structure of two adjacent cap structures facilitates positional definition of each other in use.
13. The combination of claim 11 wherein, in use, a key of the computer input device on which the cap structure is disposed is depressed by a user, the limit structure of the cap structure moves away from the lower surface of the housing, and when the key is released by the user, the limit structure contacts the lower surface.
14. The combination of claim 11 further comprising a bottom cover, wherein the outer frame and the bottom cover are secured to the computer input device from an upper surface and a lower surface of the computer input device, respectively.
15. The combination of claim 11 further comprising a bottom cover, wherein said outer frame and said bottom cover are secured to each other and integrally connected.
16. A computer input device, comprising:
at least two keys, the user inputs the computer through pressing the keys;
an upper case having holes in one-to-one correspondence with the at least two keys such that key caps of the respective keys are aligned with the holes;
at least one cap structure according to any one of claims 1-10, wherein each of said cap structures is placed on one of said at least two keys and the limit structure of the cap structure is located below the lower surface of said upper shell.
17. The computer input device as recited in claim 16, wherein the limit structure of the cap structure moves away from the lower surface of the upper housing when a key of the computer input device on which the cap structure is disposed is pressed by a user, and the limit structure contacts the lower surface when the key is released by the user.
18. A computer input device as claimed in claim 16, comprising a plurality of said cap structures, and wherein the spacing structures of two adjacent cap structures facilitate positional definition of each other in use.
19. A computer input device assembly, comprising:
a computer input device comprising an upper housing and at least one key, each of the at least one key having a press surface for user operation for input to a computer;
the outer frame is arranged on the computer input device and provided with at least one second hole corresponding to each key in the at least one key in position one by one; and
At least one cap structure according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the cap structure is placed on each of the at least one key and the limit structure of the cap structure is located below the lower surface of the outer frame.
20. A computer input device assembly as recited in claim 19, wherein:
the upper case has at least one first hole corresponding to the at least one key in position one by one, and a portion of a key cap of each key protrudes from a corresponding hole of the at least one second hole after passing through the corresponding hole of the at least one first hole.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CN202222553574.4U CN219329014U (en) | 2022-09-26 | 2022-09-26 | Computer input device and cap structure and assembly therefor |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CN202222553574.4U CN219329014U (en) | 2022-09-26 | 2022-09-26 | Computer input device and cap structure and assembly therefor |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CN219329014U true CN219329014U (en) | 2023-07-11 |
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| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CN202222553574.4U Active CN219329014U (en) | 2022-09-26 | 2022-09-26 | Computer input device and cap structure and assembly therefor |
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| Country | Link |
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| CN (1) | CN219329014U (en) |
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2022
- 2022-09-26 CN CN202222553574.4U patent/CN219329014U/en active Active
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