TW201926383A - Detachable keyswitch assembly and keyboard including such detachable keyswitch assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention discloses a detachable keyswitch assembly and a keyboard including such detachable keyswitch assembly. The detachable keyswitch assembly according to the invention includes a mechanical keyswitch, a middle fastening plate, a base plate and a switch device. The mechanical keyswitch includes an actuating member. The mechanical keyswitch is detachably locked with the middle fastening plate. When the mechanical keyswitch is pressed, the actuating member actuates the switch device to conduct the switch device.

Description

Detachable button combination and keyboard including the detachable button combination

The present invention relates to a detachable key combination and a keyboard including the detachable key combination, and in particular to a detachable key combination that can replace a member that determines a pressing feel, a pressing stroke, and a detachable key combination keyboard.

As the use of information products is different, the structure of the buttons of the input peripheral device-keyboard is also different. For example, an information product for game use has a button structure that conforms to the user's feel, key stroke, and long service life.

Mechanical buttons using compression springs are currently available on the market, and such mechanical buttons have a long service life. The user's feel, button stroke, etc., which can be provided by the prior art mechanical buttons, are fixed designs and cannot be changed.

However, the requirements of the user's feel, the length of the button formation, etc. vary from person to person. The structure of the prior art mechanical buttons cannot be adjusted or changed by different users.

In addition, the prior art mechanical buttons have a structure that is designed to meet the waterproof requirements and still has room for improvement.

Therefore, one technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a detachable button group that can replace a member that determines a pressing feel and a pressing stroke. A keyboard incorporating the detachable key combination is incorporated. Thereby, the user's hand feeling and button stroke of the detachable button combination of the present invention are adjusted according to different users.

Another technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a detachable key combination that can meet the waterproof requirement and a keyboard including the detachable key combination.

A detachable key combination according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a mechanical button, an intermediate fixing plate, a bottom plate, and a switching element. The mechanical button contains an actuating member. The intermediate fixing plate has a first through hole. The mechanical button is detachably engaged with the first through hole of the intermediate fixing plate. The bottom plate is placed below the intermediate fixing plate. The switching element is disposed on the bottom plate. When the mechanical button is pressed, the actuation member actuates the switching element to conduct.

Further, the mechanical button of the present invention further includes a compression spring for providing an elastic restoring force of the actuating member. Thereby, the detachable key combination according to the present invention can replace the compression spring that determines the pressing feel.

Further, the mechanical button of the present invention further comprises a soft covering member. The actuating member comprises a cylindrical member. The flexible covering member has a recess that matches the cylindrical member. The flexible covering member is recessed on the columnar member. When the mechanical button is pressed, the flexible covering member presses the switching element to turn on the switching element. Thereby, the detachable key combination according to the present invention can replace the soft covering member that determines the pressing stroke.

Further, the detachable button combination according to the present invention further includes a sealing member. The intermediate fixing plate contains a close structure. The close-fitting structure extends downward from the first through hole of the intermediate fixing plate and fits the lower half of the mechanical button. The sealing member is placed within the tight structure. The lower half of the mechanical button is placed within the tight structure and abuts against the sealing member.

A keyboard in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of detachable key combinations in accordance with the present invention.

In one embodiment, the plurality of detachable button combinations include a first mechanical button and a second mechanical button. The compression spring of the first mechanical button has a first spring constant. The compression spring of the second mechanical button has a second spring constant. The first spring constant is not the same as the second spring constant.

In another embodiment, the plurality of detachable button combinations include a first mechanical button and a second mechanical button. The soft covering member of the first mechanical button has a first length. The soft covering member of the second mechanical button has a second length. The first length is not the same as the second length.

In another embodiment, the plurality of detachable button combinations each include a sealing member and a close-knit structure, whereby the keyboard according to the present invention can meet the waterproofing requirements.

Unlike the prior art, the detachable key combination according to the present invention can replace a member that determines the pressing feel and the pressing stroke. Thereby, the user's hand feeling and button stroke of the detachable button combination according to the present invention are adjusted according to different users. Further, the detachable key combination and keyboard according to the present invention can meet the waterproof requirement.

The advantages and spirit of the present invention will be further understood from the following detailed description of the invention.

1‧‧‧detachable button combination

2‧‧‧Mechanical buttons

20‧‧‧Key Cap

202‧‧‧ Third lower surface

204‧‧‧Fitting structure

21‧‧‧Frame components

210‧‧‧Second through hole

2102‧‧‧ lower edge

212‧‧‧ first opening

214‧‧‧around

216‧‧‧ first recess

218‧‧‧Perforation

22‧‧‧Actuating components

222‧‧‧First substrate

2222‧‧‧ first upper surface

2224‧‧‧Second lower surface

224‧‧‧Fitting parts

226‧‧‧Interference components

227‧‧‧column parts

228‧‧‧Ring parts

24a, 24b, 24c‧‧‧ compression spring

242‧‧‧Upper end

244‧‧‧ lower end

26a, 26b‧‧‧Soft covering members

262‧‧‧ dent

28‧‧‧Restricted components

282‧‧‧second substrate

2822‧‧‧Second upper surface

284‧‧‧ third through hole

286‧‧‧Snap parts

288‧‧‧Restricted parts

29‧‧‧ Sealing member

292‧‧‧5th through hole

3‧‧‧Intermediate fixed plate

32‧‧‧First through hole

34‧‧‧Closed structure

342‧‧‧ second opening

344‧‧‧4th through hole

346‧‧‧Second pocket

4‧‧‧floor

42‧‧‧ sixth through hole

5‧‧‧Switching elements

52‧‧‧ boards

522‧‧‧Substrate

5222‧‧‧ upper surface

524‧‧‧Switch contacts

54‧‧‧Flexible components

540‧‧‧First lower surface

1 is a perspective view of a detachable key combination in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a development view of elements and components of a detachable key combination in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the detachable key combination of Figure 1 taken along line A-A.

4 is an exploded view of elements and components of a detachable key combination in accordance with a variation of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 is another cross-sectional view of the detachable key combination of Figure 1 taken along line A-A.

Referring to Figures 1, 2 and 3, the drawings schematically depict a detachable key combination 1 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a perspective view of a detachable key combination 1 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a development view of elements and members of a detachable key combination 1 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the detachable key combination 1 of Figure 1 taken along line A-A.

As shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the detachable key combination 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a mechanical button 2, an intermediate fixing plate 3, a bottom plate 4, and a switching element 5.

The mechanical button 2 of the present invention includes an actuating member 22. The intermediate fixing plate 3 has a first through hole 32. The mechanical button 2 is detachably engaged with the first through hole 32 of the intermediate fixing plate 3. The bottom plate 4 is disposed below the intermediate fixing plate 3. The switching element 5 is disposed on the bottom plate 4. When the mechanical button 2 is pressed, the actuating member 22 actuates the switching element 5 to conduct.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the mechanical button 2 of the present invention further includes a compression spring 24 for providing an elastic restoring force of the actuating member 22. Thereby, the detachable key combination 1 according to the present invention can replace the compression spring 24 that determines the pressing feel.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the mechanical button 2 of the present invention further includes a soft covering member 26. The actuation member 22 includes a cylindrical member 227. The flexible covering member 26 has a recess 262 that matches the cylindrical member 227. The flexible covering member 26 is fitted over the columnar member 227 with a recess 262. When the mechanical button 2 is pressed, the flexible covering member 26 presses the switching element 5 and leads The switching element 5 is turned on. Thereby, the detachable key combination 1 according to the present invention can replace the soft covering member 26 that determines the pressing stroke.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the mechanical button 2 of the present invention further includes a keycap 20, a frame member 21, and a restricting member 28.

As shown in FIG. 3, the keycap 20 is disposed on the bottom plate 4. The substrate 522 is disposed on the bottom plate 4. The switching element 5 includes a circuit board 52 and an elastic member 54. Circuit board 52 includes a substrate 522 and a plurality of switch contacts 524. A plurality of switch contacts 524 are formed on the upper surface 5222 of the substrate 522. The resilient member 54 is secured to the substrate 522 such that a plurality of switch contacts 524 are placed directly beneath the resilient member 54. The resilient member 54 is at least electrically conductive to its first lower surface 540.

In a specific embodiment, the substrate 522 may be formed of a polymer material such as polyethylene terephthalate or polyimine, but is not limited thereto. The substrate 522 may be a flexible substrate 522 or a rigid substrate 522. The plurality of switch contacts 524 may be formed of copper or a copper alloy, but are not limited thereto.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the resilient member 54 is formed into a dome and covers a plurality of switch contacts 524. The elastic member 54 may be formed of metal, but is not limited thereto.

Also shown in Fig. 3, the intermediate fixing plate 3 is fixed to the bottom plate 4 and has a first through hole 32. The frame member 21 has a second through hole 210, a first opening 212, a perimeter 214, and a first recess 216 that communicates the second through hole 210 with the first opening 212.

Also shown in FIG. 3, the actuation member 22 includes a first substrate 222, a fitting member 224 extending upwardly from the first upper surface 2222 of the first substrate 222, extending laterally from the second lower surface 2224 of the first substrate 222. The interference member 226 and the column extending downward from the second lower surface 2224 of the first substrate 222 Shape member 227. Most of the actuation member 22 is placed within the first pocket 216 of the frame member 21. The first substrate 222 can be placed in the second through hole 210 and with the interference member 226 against the lower edge 2102 of the second through hole 210. The fitting member 224 extends out of the second through hole 210 and is fitted into the third lower surface 202 of the keycap 20. The keycap 20 also includes a mating structure 204 that mates with the mating component 224 and is formed on the third lower surface 202. The flexible covering member 26a has a recess 262 that matches the cylindrical member 227. The flexible covering member 26a is fitted over the columnar member 227 with a recess 262.

In a specific embodiment, the flexible covering member 26a may be formed of a rubber material, but is not limited thereto.

Also shown in FIG. 3, the restricting member 28 includes a second substrate 282 and has a third through hole 284. The restricting member 28 is detachably engaged with the inner wall of the frame member 21. The frame member 21 is detachably fitted to the first through hole 32 with the periphery 214 such that the second substrate 282 covers the first opening 212 and is placed on the substrate 522, and the third through hole 284 is aligned with the elastic member 54.

In a specific embodiment, the top view of the first through hole 32 is substantially rectangular.

Also shown in FIG. 3, the compression spring 24a includes an upper end portion 242 and a lower end portion 244. The compression spring 24a is placed within the first pocket 216. The upper end portion 242 is sleeved around the flexible covering member 26a and abuts against the interference member 226. The lower end portion 244 abuts against the second substrate 282. The frame member 21, the actuating member 22, and the restricting member 28 together with the compression spring 24a restrict the movement of the keycap 20 between the unpressed position and the pressed position. The movement of the keycap 20 is not interfered by the frame member 21, as shown in FIG.

When the keycap 20 is moved to the pressing position, the compression spring 24a is compressed and the soft covering member 26a passes through the third through hole 284 and thereby presses the elastic member 54, so that the first lower surface 540 of the elastic member 54 contacts a plurality of switch contacts 524 causes a plurality of switch contacts 524 to conduct. That is, a dome The resilient member 54 is deformed such that the first lower surface 540 of the resilient member 54 contacts the plurality of switch contacts 524 to cause the plurality of switch contacts 524 to conduct with each other, thereby triggering the transition of the detachable button assembly 1 of the present invention to an on state. The bottom plate 4 further has a sixth through hole 42 such that the area of the first lower surface 540 of the resilient member 54 contacting the plurality of switch contacts 524 is increased to ensure that the plurality of switch contacts 524 are electrically connected to each other.

When the keycap 20 is released and moved to the undepressed position, the compression spring 24a returns to its original shape to separate the flexible covering member 26a from the resilient member 54, thereby causing the first lower surface 540 of the resilient member 54 and the plurality of switch contacts 524. Separation.

In practical applications, the user can take the frame member 21 out of the first through hole 32 and then disengage the restricting member 28 from the frame member 21, thereby taking out the compression spring 24a or the soft covering member 26a. The user can replace the soft covering member 26a or the compression spring 24a having different geometric parameters or characteristics. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the compression spring 24b having a high spring constant (more coil turns) has a lower spring constant ( A compression spring 24c having a small number of turns of the coil, a soft covering member 26b having a short length (a pressing stroke can be increased), and the like. Thereby, the user can adjust the hand feeling and the key stroke of the user of the detachable key combination 1 according to the present invention.

In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the frame member 21 has a pair of opposing perforations 218. The pair of perforations 218 are formed on the inner wall of the frame member 21. The restraining member 28 also includes a pair of snap members 286 that extend upwardly from the second upper surface 2822 of the second substrate 282. The pair of engaging members 286 are detachably engaged with the pair of through holes 218. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the ends of the pair of engaging members 286 are hook-shaped.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the restricting member 28 includes at least one restricting member 288 extending upward from the second upper surface 2822 of the second substrate 282. At least one restraining member 288 surrounds the lower end 244 of the compression spring 24a.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the member 22 is actuated and includes an annular member 228. The annular member 228 extends downward from the second lower surface 2224 of the first substrate 222 and surrounds the columnar member 227. The flexible covering member 26a is fitted between the columnar member 227 and the annular member 228. The upper end portion 242 of the compression spring 24a is sleeved around the annular member 228.

Referring to Figures 1, 4 and 5, the drawings schematically depict one variation of the detachable key combination 1 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a developed view of elements and members of a detachable key combination 1 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 5 is another cross-sectional view of the detachable key combination 1 of FIG. 1 taken along line A-A to illustrate a variation of the detachable key combination 1 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the mechanical button 2 sealing member 29 of the present invention. The intermediate fixing plate package 3 contains a close structure 34. The close-fitting structure 34 extends downward from the first through hole 32 of the intermediate fixing plate 3 and engages the lower half of the mechanical button 1. The sealing member 29 is placed within the tight structure 34. The lower half of the mechanical button 1 is placed within the tight structure 34 and abuts against the sealing member 29.

In one embodiment, the adhesion structure 34 has a second opening 342 , a fourth through hole 344 , and a second recess 346 that communicates the second opening 342 and the fourth through hole 344 . The sealing member 29 has a fifth through hole 292. The close structure 34 connects the first through holes 32 of the intermediate fixing plate 3 with the second opening 342. The bottom of the tight structure 34 abuts the substrate 522. The sealing member 29 is placed in the recess 346, causing the fifth through hole 292 to align with the fourth through hole 344. The lower half of the frame member 21 is placed in the second recess 346 together with the restricting member 28 and abuts against the sealing member 29, so that the third through hole 284 is aligned with the fifth through hole 292, the fourth through hole 344, and the elastic member. 54. The sealing member 29 can seal the gap between the lower half of the frame member 21 itself and the engagement with the restricting member 28. By the design of the close-fitting structure 34 and the sealing member 2, the detachable key combination 1 according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention can meet the waterproofing requirements. Figure 4, Figure 5 has the same as Figure 2, Figure 3 Elements labeled with the same number have the same or similar structure and function, and will not be described here.

In one embodiment, the sealing member 29 has elasticity and may be formed of a rubber material, but is not limited thereto.

A preferred embodiment of the keyboard of the present invention comprises a plurality of detachable key combinations 1 in accordance with the present invention. In practical applications, a plurality of detachable key combinations 1 according to the present invention share a bottom plate 4, an intermediate fixing plate 3, and a substrate 522.

In one embodiment, the plurality of detachable button combinations 1 include a first mechanical button 2 and a second mechanical button 2. The compression spring (24a, 24b or 24c) of the first mechanical button 2 has a first spring constant. The compression spring (24a, 24b or 24c) of the second mechanical button 2 has a second spring constant. In particular, the first spring constant is not the same as the second spring constant. Thereby, the user can adjust different detachable button combinations 1 to have different hand feelings.

In another embodiment, the plurality of detachable button combinations 1 include a mechanical button 2 and a second mechanical button 2. The soft covering member (26a or 26b) of the first mechanical button 2 has a first length. The soft covering member (26a or 26b) of the second mechanical button 2 has a second length. The first length is not the same as the second length. Thereby, the user can adjust different detachable button combinations 1 to have different pressing strokes.

From the above detailed description of the present invention, it can be clearly understood that the detachable key combination of the present invention allows the user to adjust the pressing feel, stroke, and the like. Further, the detachable key combination and keyboard according to the present invention can meet the waterproof requirement.

The features and spirit of the present invention are intended to be more apparent from the detailed description of the preferred embodiments. On the contrary, the intention is to cover various modifications and equivalents that are within the scope of the invention as claimed. Therefore, the scope of the patent scope of the invention claimed The broadest interpretation should be made in light of the above description so that it covers all possible changes and equivalence arrangements.

Claims (7)

The utility model relates to a detachable button combination, comprising: a mechanical button comprising an actuating member; an intermediate fixing plate having a through hole, wherein the mechanical button is detachably engaged with the through hole; Under the intermediate fixing plate; and a switching element is disposed on the bottom plate; wherein when the mechanical button is pressed, the actuating member actuates the switching element to be turned on. The detachable key combination of claim 1, wherein the mechanical button further comprises a compression spring for providing an elastic restoring force of the actuating member. The detachable button combination of claim 1, wherein the mechanical button further comprises a soft covering member, the actuating member comprising a columnar member, the flexible covering member having a recess matching one of the columnar members The flexible covering member is sleeved on the columnar member by the recess. When the mechanical button is pressed, the flexible covering member presses the switching element to turn on the switching element. The detachable button combination according to claim 1, further comprising a sealing member, wherein the intermediate fixing plate comprises a close structure extending downward from the through hole of the intermediate fixing plate and cooperating with the mechanism a lower half of the button, the sealing member being disposed within the tight structure, the lower half of the mechanical button being disposed within the tight structure and abutting the sealing member. A keyboard comprising a plurality of detachable button combinations as claimed in claim 2, wherein the plurality of detachable button combinations comprise a first mechanical button And a second mechanical button, the compression spring of the first mechanical button has a first spring constant, and the compression spring of the second mechanical button has a second spring constant, the first spring constant and the first The two spring constants are not the same. A keyboard comprising a plurality of detachable button combinations as claimed in claim 3, wherein the plurality of detachable button combinations comprise a first mechanical button and a second mechanical button, the first mechanical button The flexible covering member has a first length, and the flexible covering member of the second mechanical button has a second length, the first length being different from the second length. A keyboard comprising a plurality of detachable key combinations as claimed in claim 4.