Keyboard switch for a keyboard

Abstract

The utility model provides a keyboard switch for keyboard, this keyboard switch sets up first magnet in the base top besides setting base, button, reset spring, and sets up second magnet in the button bottom, utilizes the characteristic that the two magnets are opposite sex and attract each other, both effective guarantee the steady application of key force, also can increase the resilience of button and speed, greatly enhanced the use experience of keyboard user.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a keyboard switch for a keyboard. Background Technology

[0002] As a core input component of electronic devices such as computers and smart terminals, the performance of the keyboard's buttons and switches directly affects the user's input experience and the device's lifespan. In existing technology, the rebound function of keyboard buttons and switches generally relies on a spring structure built into the switch. This structure is widely used in various keyboard products such as mechanical keyboards and membrane keyboards due to its simple design and low cost.

[0003] Specifically, when a user presses a keyboard button, the button compresses and deforms an internal spring; when the user releases the button, the spring extends under its own elastic restoring force, pushing the button back to its initial position, thus completing one key press and rebound process. However, relying solely on this single internal spring to achieve the pressing and rebound of keyboard switches has gradually revealed many technical shortcomings in practical applications.

[0004] On the one hand, due to limitations in the manufacturing process of springs themselves, such as slight deviations in the diameter of the spring wire and insufficient winding precision, as well as the fatigue deformation that springs are prone to undergo during long-term use, the downward pressure on buttons becomes uneven. This unevenness in downward pressure causes users to feel significant differences in the force required to press different buttons or different areas of the same button, seriously affecting the consistency and comfort of input operations. This is especially true for users who need to type on the keyboard for extended periods, easily exacerbating hand fatigue.

[0005] On the other hand, the elastic coefficient of a single built-in spring is relatively fixed, and the rebound force it can provide is limited. In scenarios involving frequent key presses, the spring's elastic recovery ability gradually diminishes, further leading to insufficient rebound force. Insufficient rebound force not only slows down button rebound speed, causing key sticking and affecting input efficiency, but may also prevent buttons from fully rebounding to their initial position, resulting in accidental key presses or poor contact, reducing the keyboard's reliability and lifespan, and causing significant inconvenience to users. Utility Model Content

[0006] This invention provides a keyboard switch that can effectively solve the aforementioned technical problems existing in the prior art.

[0007] Specifically, this utility model provides a keyboard switch for a keyboard, which includes a base, a button, and a return spring. The top of the base has an upper opening, and a base cylinder extends from the upper opening into the base. The button passes through the upper opening and slides against the inner wall of the base cylinder. The button includes a button cylinder with a downward opening, and a circular inner space is formed around the button cylinder. The upper end of the return spring is fixed to the top wall of the circular inner space, and the lower end of the return spring is fixed to the bottom wall of the upper opening of the base. A first magnet is fixed to the top of the base, and a second magnet is disposed at the bottom of the button. The first magnet is always higher than the second magnet, and the first magnet and the second magnet always maintain opposite polarity attraction.

[0008] More specifically, when the button is pressed down, it slides downward within the base cylinder, compressing the return spring and creating spring resistance against the press. When the hand is removed from the button, the return spring rebounds, causing the button to slide upward within the base cylinder, thus resetting the button.

[0009] More specifically, pressing the button down creates a pressing force F1. As the button is pressed down, the return spring is compressed, thus the return spring generates a spring resistance F2 that opposes the pressing force F1. A magnetic attraction resistance F3 that opposes the pressing force F1 will also be generated between the first magnet and the second magnet.

[0010] Preferably, the first magnet and the second magnet are configured such that at any moment during the pressing of the button, the change in spring resistance F2 is exactly equal to the change in magnetic resistance F3.

[0011] Preferably, there are two first magnets, which are of the same height and fixed to the top of the base, and are symmetrical about each other with respect to the central axis of the base.

[0012] More specifically, after the pressing force F1 disappears, the reset spring retracts, the spring resistance F2 is transformed into the spring reset force F2', and the magnetic resistance F3 is transformed into the magnetic reset force F3'. The spring reset force F2' and the magnetic reset force F3' together drive the button to reset.

[0013] Preferably, a Hall sensor is provided in the PCB board of the keyboard, and the second magnet is closer to the Hall sensor than the first magnet. Once the button is pressed, the second magnet sinks, and the Hall sensor can sense the change in magnetic flux due to the sinking of the second magnet. When the magnetic flux reaches a preset value, the signal circuit in the PCB board corresponding to the button is turned on.

[0014] Preferably, a handle hole is provided at the bottom of the button cylinder, and the second magnet is sleeved in the handle hole.

[0015] Preferably, a slot is provided on the top of the base, and the first magnet is engaged in the slot.

[0016] Preferably, the slot has a lateral opening on the side of the base, through which the first magnet can be replaced from the top of the base.

[0017] In summary, this utility model provides a keyboard switch for a keyboard. In addition to a base, a button, and a return spring, the keyboard switch has a first magnet on the top of the base and a second magnet on the bottom of the button. By utilizing the attraction between opposite poles of these two magnets, it effectively ensures the smooth application of key pressure and increases the rebound force and speed of the button, greatly enhancing the user experience of the keyboard. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be discussed below. Obviously, the technical solutions described in conjunction with the drawings are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other embodiments and their drawings can be obtained from the embodiments shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1a and Figure 1b The internal structure diagrams of the keyboard switch according to the present invention are shown in different states. Figure 2 A preferred embodiment of the installation of the first magnet in the keyboard switch according to the present invention is shown; Figure 3 A preferred embodiment of the installation of the second magnet in a keyboard switch according to the present invention is shown; Figure 4 A particular schematic diagram of a slot for mounting a first magnet according to the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The technical solutions of various embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments described in this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0021] In summary, this utility model provides a keyboard switch that cleverly arranges components within the limited space of the keyboard switch, utilizing the magnetic effect to overcome many technical defects mentioned in the prior art. The specific structure and operation of the keyboard switch button provided by this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0022] Figure 1a and Figure 1b The internal structure diagrams of the keyboard switch according to the present invention in different states are shown respectively.

[0023] Figure 1a The diagram shows the structure of the keyboard switches in their initial state. (Example:) Figure 1a As shown, the keyboard switch button provided by this utility model includes an integral base 101, a button 102, and a reset spring 103. The top of the base 101 has an upper opening 101a, and a base cylinder 101b extends from the upper opening 101a into the base 101. The button 102 passes through the upper opening 101a and slides against the inner wall of the base cylinder 101b.

[0024] Button 102 includes a downwardly opening button cylinder 102a, around which an annular inner space 102b is formed. The upper end of a return spring 103 is fixed to the top wall of the annular inner space 102b, and the lower end of the return spring 103 is fixed to the bottom wall of the upper opening 101a of the base 101. When a person presses button 102 downwards, button 102 slides downwards within the base cylinder 101b, thereby compressing the return spring 103, thus creating spring resistance against the press. Figure 1b As shown. Figure 1b The diagram shows the structure of the keyboard switch under the compression of the reset spring.

[0025] When the hand leaves the button 102, the reset spring 103 rebounds, causing the button 102 to slide upward within the base cylinder 101b, ultimately resetting the button 102.

[0026] The above describes the most basic structure of the keyboard switch of this utility model. The innovation of this utility model lies in the configuration of the first magnet 104 and the second magnet 105 in Figure 1.

[0027] like Figure 1a and Figure 1b As shown, the first magnet 104 is fixed to the top of the base 101. Preferably, it can be disposed on the top of the inner sidewall of the base cylinder 101b of the base 101. Disposing the first magnet 104 on the top of the base 101 also greatly facilitates installation, as the replacement of the first magnet 104 does not require removing the base; it can be replaced directly from the top.

[0028] In response, Figure 2 A preferred embodiment of the installation of the first magnet in the keyboard switch according to the present invention is shown.

[0029] Figure 2 The left side shows an exploded view of the first magnet's installation, while the right side shows a view of the first magnet after installation. Figure 2 As shown on the left, a slot 106 is provided on the top of the base 101, such as... Figure 2 As shown on the right, the first magnet 104 is engaged within the slot 106, thereby securing it to the top of the base 101. Figure 2 Preferably, two slots 106 are provided on opposite sides of the top of the base 101. Both slots 106 can be used to engage the first magnet 104, or only one slot 106 can be used to engage the first magnet 104, while the other slot 106 remains empty.

[0030] Figure 4 A particular schematic diagram of a slot for mounting a first magnet according to the present invention is shown.

[0031] like Figure 4 As shown, for easier installation, the slot 106 can have a side opening 108 on the side of the base, so that the installer can easily replace the first magnet 104 from the top of the base through the side opening 108.

[0032] The second magnet 105 is disposed at the bottom of the button 102, preferably at the bottom of the button cylinder 102a, to ensure that the first magnet 104 is always higher than the second magnet 105, and that the first magnet 104 and the second magnet 105 always maintain opposite attraction.

[0033] In response, Figure 3 A preferred embodiment of the installation of the second magnet in a keyboard switch according to the present invention is shown.

[0034] like Figure 3 As shown on the left, in the button cylinder 102a ( Figure 3 The bottom of the part (not shown) has a push-button hole 107. For example... Figure 3 As shown on the right, the second magnet 105 is fitted into the push button hole 107, thereby holding it at the bottom of the button 102.

[0035] This invention does not impose any particular restrictions on the specific shapes of the first and second magnets; they can be cylinders or cubes, as long as they can be stably held within the base and the button.

[0036] The basic operation of this utility model will be presented below based on the above structure.

[0037] In the operation of this utility model, the user first presses the button 102 down with his finger, forming a pressing force F1. As the button 102 is pressed down, the return spring 103 located between the button 102 and the base 101 is compressed. Therefore, the return spring 103 will generate a spring resistance F2 that opposes the pressing force of the user's finger.

[0038] On the other hand, since the first magnet 104 on the base 101 and the second magnet 105 on the button 102 are attracted to each other by opposite poles, the first magnet 104 and the second magnet 105 will also generate magnetic resistance F3 against the pressing pressure of the user's finger.

[0039] In this case, when the button 102 is pressed down, the pressing force F1 only needs to be equal to the sum of the spring resistance F2 and the magnetic resistance F3 (the weight of the button itself is negligible here).

[0040] Next, let's analyze the changing trends of the spring resistance F2 and the magnetic attraction resistance F3 during this process. As the button is pressed down, the spring resistance F2 gradually increases because the reset spring 103 is continuously compressed. Simultaneously, during button pressing, the height of the first magnet 104 fixed to the top of the base remains constant, while the height of the second magnet 105 fixed to the bottom of the button continuously decreases as the button is pressed down. Therefore, the second magnet 105 gradually moves away from the first magnet 104. As the distance between the two magnets increases, the magnetic attraction resistance F3 generated by the attraction between opposite poles gradually decreases.

[0041] In other words, as the button is pressed down, the spring resistance F2 and the magnetic resistance F3 exhibit opposite trends: the spring resistance F2 gradually increases while the magnetic resistance F3 gradually decreases. Therefore, during subsequent pressing, the decrease in magnetic resistance F3 at least partially offsets the increasing trend of spring resistance F2, making the total resistance formed by the sum of magnetic resistance F3 and spring resistance F2 change more smoothly. This also allows the change in pressing force F1 to be more smooth, meaning that the finger can press down more smoothly.

[0042] Of course, the most preferred scenario is that the first magnet 104 and the second magnet 105 are configured such that the magnetic attraction resistance F3 generated by their opposite poles completely cancels the change trend of the spring resistance F2 as the button is pressed. Thus, at any given moment, the change value of the spring resistance F2 is exactly equal to the change value of the magnetic attraction resistance F3, and their change trends completely cancel each other out. This ensures that the pressing force F1 remains extremely stable during the pressing process, so that the finger can always press the button smoothly.

[0043] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, preferably, there can be two first magnets 104. These two first magnets 104 are of the same height and are both fixed to the top of the base 101. They are symmetrical about each other in position with respect to the central axis of the base 101. In this way, the magnetic attraction of the two symmetrical first magnets 104 relative to the second magnet 105 in the horizontal direction cancels each other out, making the button more stable during the pressing process. This ensures the consistency and comfort of the keyboard switch button input operation and greatly enhances the user experience for users who need to type on the keyboard for a long time.

[0044] Furthermore, when the user's finger is removed from the button, the pressing pressure F1 disappears. At this time, the return spring 103 retracts from its stretched state, tending to reset the button, thus fulfilling the "reset" function of a "reset spring." In this case, the original spring resistance F2 is transformed into a spring reset force F2'. Without considering the magnetic attraction between the first and second magnets, during the spring reset process, as the spring deformation gradually decreases, the spring reset force F2' also gradually decreases, leading to the "insufficient rebound force" defect mentioned in the "background art." This invention effectively overcomes this defect by incorporating the aforementioned first and second magnets. In this invention, as the button resets and rebounds, the original magnetic resistance F3 is also transformed into a magnetic reset force F3'. During this process, as the distance between the first and second magnets gets closer, the magnetic reset force F3' gradually increases, thereby at least partially offsetting the decreasing trend of the spring reset force F2', thus effectively overcoming the "insufficient rebound force" defect.

[0045] It should be noted that the first magnet 104 is positioned at the top of the base 101, while the second magnet 105 is positioned at the bottom of the button. This arrangement, besides ensuring smooth pressing, also improves keyboard performance and avoids Hall effect interference. Specifically, during button pressing, a Hall effect sensor (not shown in the figure) is installed on the keyboard PCB. Once the button is pressed, the second magnet 105 at the bottom of the button naturally sinks as well, generating a change in magnetic flux on the PCB. This change in magnetic flux is detected by the Hall effect sensor. Once the magnetic flux reaches a certain level (a preset value), the signal circuit corresponding to the button on the PCB is activated, allowing the keyboard to input the corresponding character (e.g., the 26 English letters) to the display terminal (e.g., a computer, iPad, etc.). During this pressing process, because the first magnet 104 remains fixed at the top of the base 101, far from the PCB, the magnetic field generated by the first magnet 104 has minimal impact on the Hall effect sensor on the PCB, effectively avoiding interference from the first magnet 104 in the Hall effect sensor's magnetic flux determination.

[0046] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A keyboard switch for a keyboard, characterized in that, The keyboard switch includes a base, a button, and a return spring. The top of the base has an opening, and a base cylinder extends from the opening into the base. The button passes through the opening and slides against the inner wall of the base cylinder. The button includes a downward-opening button cylinder, around which a circular inner space is formed. The upper end of the return spring is fixed to the top wall of the circular inner space, and the lower end of the return spring is fixed to the bottom wall of the upper opening of the base. The first magnet is fixed to the top of the base, and the second magnet is located at the bottom of the button. The first magnet is always higher than the second magnet, and the first magnet and the second magnet always maintain opposite polarity and attract each other.

2. The keyboard switch according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the button is pressed down, it slides downward within the base cylinder, compressing the return spring and creating spring resistance against the press. When the hand is removed from the button, the return spring rebounds, causing the button to slide upward within the base cylinder, thus resetting the button.

3. The keyboard switch according to claim 2, characterized in that, Pressing the button down creates a pressing force F1. As the button is pressed down, the return spring is compressed, thus generating a spring resistance F2 that opposes the pressing force F1. A magnetic attraction resistance F3 that opposes the pressing force F1 will also be generated between the first and second magnets.

4. The keyboard switch according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first and second magnets are configured such that at any moment during the pressing of the button, the change in spring resistance F2 is exactly equal to the change in magnetic resistance F3.

5. The keyboard switch according to claim 1, characterized in that, There are two first magnets, both of the same height and fixed to the top of the base, and they are symmetrical about each other with respect to the central axis of the base.

6. The keyboard switch according to claim 3, characterized in that, After the pressing force F1 disappears, the reset spring retracts, the spring resistance F2 is converted into spring reset force F2', and the magnetic resistance F3 is converted into magnetic reset force F3'. The spring reset force F2' and the magnetic reset force F3' together drive the button to reset.

7. The keyboard switch according to claim 1, characterized in that, A Hall sensor is installed in the PCB board of the keyboard. The second magnet is closer to the Hall sensor than the first magnet. Once the button is pressed, the second magnet sinks, and the Hall sensor can sense the change in magnetic flux due to the sinking of the second magnet. When the magnetic flux reaches a preset value, the signal circuit corresponding to the button in the PCB board is turned on.

8. The keyboard switch according to claim 1, characterized in that, A handle hole is provided at the bottom of the button cylinder, and a second magnet is fitted into the handle hole.

9. The keyboard switch according to claim 1, characterized in that, A slot is provided on the top of the base, and the first magnet is engaged in the slot.

10. The keyboard switch according to claim 9, characterized in that, The slot has a side opening on the side of the base, through which the first magnet can be replaced from the top of the base.

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