Photoelectric switch key and keyboard

Abstract

This invention belongs to the field of keyboard technology, and particularly relates to a photoelectric switch key and keyboard. The photoelectric switch key includes a housing, a circuit board, a photosensitive component, and a pressing component. The photosensitive component is electrically connected to the circuit board. The pressing component has a light-shielding element. The pressing component is movably mounted on the housing so that the light-shielding element can move relative to the light-receiving surface of the photosensitive component. When the light-shielding element is away from the light-receiving surface of the photosensitive component, the photosensitive component can receive external light. When the pressing component is pressed, the light-shielding element approaches and blocks the light-receiving surface of the photosensitive component. When the user presses the key, the light-shielding element completely blocks the light from the light-transmitting area to the photosensitive component, thus realizing the function of the key and effectively improving the sensitivity of the key. Furthermore, it eliminates the need for an additional infrared emitting diode to provide a light source, making the structure simpler and more compact, which is conducive to the miniaturization of keys.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of keyboard technology, and particularly relates to a photoelectric switch key and a keyboard. Background Technology

[0002] Keyboard keys are generally divided into mechanical contact type and photoelectric switch type. Photoelectric switch keyboards utilize optical principles and optocoupler technology, with a light path formed by an emitting element and a receiving element. A light-blocking element cuts off or opens the light path to change the circuit impedance and achieve circuit switching. In existing photoelectric switch keys, the light path is generally broken when the key is not pressed, and the key is in its normal state. When the operator presses the key, the photosensitive element (receiving element) receives the light signal emitted by the emitting element, forming a path to change the circuit impedance and achieve circuit switching, thus realizing the key function. However, with this method, sometimes the photosensitive element cannot properly receive the light signal when pressed, resulting in unresponsive key presses. Furthermore, an additional emitting element needs to be placed on the key to emit the light signal, leading to structural complexity and increased cost. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a photoelectric switch button and keyboard, which aims to solve the technical problems of photoelectric switch buttons in the prior art being unresponsive and having complex structures.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows: a photoelectric switch button, comprising a housing, a circuit board, a photosensitive component, and a pressing component, wherein the photosensitive component is electrically connected to the circuit board, and the pressing component is provided with a light-shielding element. The pressing component is movably mounted on the housing so that the light-shielding element can move relative to the light-receiving surface of the photosensitive component; when the light-shielding element moves away from the light-receiving surface of the photosensitive component, the photosensitive component can receive external light; when the pressing component is pressed, the light-shielding element approaches and blocks the light-receiving surface of the photosensitive component.

[0005] Optionally, the light-shielding member has a second light-shielding cavity that communicates with the outside at one end facing the photosensitive component. The second light-shielding cavity is used to cover the photosensitive component and block the light-receiving surface of the photosensitive component.

[0006] Optionally, the housing is disposed on the photosensitive component, the housing has a light-transmitting area for light to enter the photosensitive component, the housing has a first light-shielding cavity, the end of the first light-shielding cavity facing the light-transmitting area has a light-transmitting opening, the photosensitive component is located in the first light-shielding cavity, and the second light-shielding cavity is used to block light from being emitted from the light-transmitting opening to the photosensitive component.

[0007] Optionally, the pressing assembly includes an actuating member and an elastic member. The housing is provided with an actuating cavity, the actuating member is installed in the actuating cavity, the elastic member abuts against the cavity wall of the actuating cavity and the actuating member, and the light-shielding member is provided on the actuating member.

[0008] Optionally, the housing includes a light-shielding shell and a light-transmitting shell mounted on the light-shielding shell, the first light-shielding cavity is disposed on the light-shielding shell, and the light-transmitting shell is transparent to form the light-transmitting area.

[0009] Optionally, the photoelectric switch button further includes an LED light, which is mounted on the circuit board and electrically connected to the circuit board, and the LED light emits light toward the light-transmitting shell.

[0010] Optionally, the light-shielding shell is provided with a light-guiding cavity, and one end of the light-guiding cavity facing the light-transmitting shell is provided with a light-guiding opening. The LED lamp is located in the light-guiding cavity and emits light towards the light-transmitting shell through the light-guiding opening.

[0011] Optionally, the photosensitive component includes a photosensitive element, which is mounted on the circuit board and electrically connected to the circuit board, and the photosensitive element is located inside the first light-shielding cavity.

[0012] Optionally, the photosensitive component further includes a light guide, which is disposed on the photosensitive element and used to guide the light from the light-transmitting opening into the photosensitive element.

[0013] The beneficial effects of the photoelectric switch button provided in this invention are as follows: Compared with the prior art, the photoelectric switch button of this invention forms an electrical path due to the electrical connection between the photosensitive component and the circuit board. When the photosensitive component receives light from the light-transmitting area, the electrical path is open; when the photosensitive component cannot receive light from the light-transmitting area, the electrical path is open, thus realizing the button function. Therefore, when the user presses the button, the light-blocking component completely blocks the light from the outside world shining on the photosensitive component, realizing the button function and effectively improving the button's sensitivity, resulting in a better user experience. Furthermore, since the photoelectric switch button of this invention can directly receive external light, it does not require an additional infrared emitting diode to provide a light source, making the button structure simpler and more compact, facilitating button miniaturization, and reducing manufacturing costs.

[0014] Another technical solution provided by the embodiments of the present invention: a keyboard, including the above-mentioned photoelectric switch key.

[0015] The keyboard of this invention, by using the aforementioned photoelectric switch keys, allows users to press the keys easily and sensitively, providing a good user experience. It also has a simple structure and low manufacturing cost. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a photoelectric switch button provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the Zhongguang Optoelectronics switch button under normal operating conditions;

[0019] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the Zhongguang Optoelectronics switch button in the pressed state;

[0020] Figure 4 for Figure 1 An exploded view of the Zhongguang Optoelectronics switch button;

[0021] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the light-shielding shell of the Zhongguang Optoelectronics switch button;

[0022] Figure 6 for Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the actuating component of a Zhongguang Optoelectronic Switch button.

[0023] The following are the labeling elements in the figure:

[0024] 10—Shell;

[0025] 11—Light-shielding shell; 12—Light-transmitting shell; 13—Light-transmitting area; 14—First light-shielding cavity; 15—Light-guiding cavity; 16—Push-up cavity; 17—Guide component; 18—Annular sleeve; 141—Light-transmitting opening; 151—Light-guiding opening; 171—Guide cavity;

[0026] 20—Circuit board;

[0027] 30—Photosensitive component;

[0028] 31—Photosensitive element; 32—Light guide element;

[0029] 40—Press component;

[0030] 41—Light-shielding component; 42—Actuating component; 43—Elastic component; 411—Second light-shielding cavity;

[0031] 50—LED lights. Detailed Implementation

[0032] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The following description is based on the accompanying drawings. Figures 1-6 The described embodiments are exemplary and intended to explain the invention, and should not be construed as limiting the invention.

[0033] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0034] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0035] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0036] like Figure 2 , 3 As shown in Figure 4, the photoelectric switch button provided in the embodiment of the present invention will now be described. The photoelectric switch button includes a housing 10, a circuit board 20, a photosensitive component 30, and a pressing component 40. The photosensitive component 30 is electrically connected to the circuit board 20. The pressing component 40 is provided with a light-shielding member 41. The pressing component 40 is movably mounted on the housing 10 so that the light-shielding member 41 can move relative to the light-receiving surface of the photosensitive component 30. When the light-shielding member 41 is away from the light-receiving surface of the photosensitive component 30, the photosensitive component 30 can receive external light. When the pressing component 40 is pressed, the light-shielding member 41 approaches and blocks the light-receiving surface of the photosensitive component 30.

[0037] Compared with the prior art, the photoelectric switch button provided in this embodiment of the invention forms an electrical path because the photosensitive component 30 is electrically connected to the circuit board 20 to form an electrical path. When the photosensitive component 30 receives light from the light-transmitting area 13, the electrical path is open; and when the photosensitive component 30 cannot receive light from the light-transmitting area 13, the electrical path is open, thus realizing the button function. Therefore, when the user presses the button, the light-blocking member 41 completely blocks the light from the outside world shining on the photosensitive component 30, realizing the button function, effectively improving the button's sensitivity and providing a better user experience. Furthermore, since the photoelectric switch button of this embodiment can directly receive external light, it does not require an additional infrared emitting diode to provide a light source, making the button structure simpler and more compact, facilitating button miniaturization, and reducing manufacturing costs.

[0038] In another embodiment of the invention, such as Figure 2 , 3 As shown in Figure 6, the light-shielding member 41 has a second light-shielding cavity 411 connected to the outside at one end facing the photosensitive component 30. The second light-shielding cavity 411 is used to cover the photosensitive component 30 and block the light-receiving surface of the photosensitive component 30. Specifically, the light-shielding member 41 moves synchronously with the button. By setting the second light-shielding cavity 411 on the light-shielding member 41, the cavity wall of the second light-shielding cavity 411 is black and can completely block light. When the user presses the button, the second light-shielding cavity 411 completely covers the outside of the photosensitive element 30 to block the outside light from shining on the light-receiving surface of the photosensitive element 30, thereby achieving the purpose of making the electrical path conductive.

[0039] In another embodiment of the invention, such as Figure 2 , 3 As shown in Figure 5, the housing 10 covers the photosensitive component 30. The housing 10 has a light-transmitting area 13 that allows light to enter the photosensitive component 30. The housing 10 also has a first light-shielding cavity 14. One end of the first light-shielding cavity 14 facing the light-transmitting area 13 has a light-transmitting opening 141. The photosensitive component 30 is located inside the first light-shielding cavity 14. The light-shielding member 41 is used to block light from entering the photosensitive component 30 through the light-transmitting opening 141. Specifically, the light-transmitting area 13 of the housing 10 can receive external light, and the cavity wall of the first light-shielding cavity 14 is black to block light, making the light-transmitting opening 141 the only path for light to enter the first light-shielding cavity 14. This effectively improves the light-shielding efficiency of the light-shielding member 41. When the button is pressed, the light-shielding member 41 blocks the light-transmitting opening 141, effectively improving the sensitivity of the button.

[0040] In another embodiment of the invention, such as Figure 2 , 3As shown in Figure 5, the pressing assembly 40 includes a pressing member 42 and an elastic member 43. The housing 10 is provided with a pressing cavity 16. The pressing member 42 is installed in the pressing cavity 16. The elastic member 43 abuts against the cavity wall of the pressing cavity 16 and the pressing member 42. The light-shielding member 41 is provided on the pressing member 42. Specifically, the actuating cavity 16 is located to the side of the first light-shielding cavity 14 and extends in the same direction as the first light-shielding cavity 14. The actuating cavity 16 can guide the actuating member 42 to move along a direction perpendicular to the light-transmitting opening 141, thereby guiding the light-shielding member 41 to move closer to or away from the light-transmitting opening 141. In the initial state, under the elastic force of the elastic member 43, the actuating member 42 moves the light-shielding member 41 above the light-transmitting opening 141, at which time light can be emitted through the light-transmitting opening 141 to the photosensitive component 30. Then, when the actuating member 42 is pressed, the spring is compressed, and the actuating member 42 moves downward along the actuating cavity 16, and the light-shielding member 41 moves toward the light-transmitting opening 141 until the light-shielding member 41 completely blocks the light-transmitting opening 141, so that the electrical path is connected and the button function is realized. When the user releases the actuating member 42, the elastic member 43 moves the light-shielding member 41 upward, so that light enters the first light-shielding cavity 14, so that the electrical path is disconnected. The elastic element 43 can be a spring, torsion spring, or elastic sheet, etc., and can be set as needed.

[0041] In another embodiment of the invention, such as Figure 2 , 3 As shown in Figure 6, the elastic element 43 is preferably a spring. The pressing cavity 16 is provided with a guide element 17 extending in the same direction as the pressing cavity 16. The guide element 17 is provided with a guide cavity 171 extending in the same direction as the pressing cavity 16. One end of the spring is sleeved on the outer periphery of the guide element 17 and abuts against the guide element 17. The pressing element 42 is inserted into the guide cavity 171. The other end of the spring abuts against the pressing element 42. The light-shielding element 41 is located on the side of the pressing element 42 and is spaced apart from the pressing element 42 to form a clearance notch. When the pressing element 42 is pressed down, the second light-shielding cavity 411 on the light-shielding element 41 can pass well through the light-transmitting opening 141 and cover the photosensitive component 30 to achieve a complete light-shielding effect. Furthermore, when the actuating member 42 is pressed, when the second light-shielding cavity 411 on the light-shielding member 41 covers the photosensitive component 30, the actuating member 42 also forms mechanical contact with the guide member 17, thus providing the user with a certain mechanical tactile sensation, allowing them to feel the button being pressed properly, resulting in a good user experience.

[0042] In another embodiment of the invention, such as Figure 1 , 2As shown in Figure 3, the housing 10 includes a light-shielding shell 11 and a light-transmitting shell 12 mounted on the light-shielding shell 11. A first light-shielding cavity 14 is disposed on the light-shielding shell 11, and the light-transmitting shell 12 is transparent, forming a light-transmitting area 13. Specifically, the light-shielding shell 11 is an opaque shell 12, and the light-transmitting shell 12 is a transparent shell. By setting the first light-shielding cavity 14 on the light-shielding shell 11, when the photosensitive component 30 is placed inside the first light-shielding cavity 14, the photosensitive component 30 can only receive external light through the light-transmitting opening 141. Then, by setting the light-transmitting shell 12 on the light-shielding shell 11, the light-transmitting shell 12 can naturally transmit external light. This allows the light-transmitting opening 141 to naturally allow external light to shine onto the photosensitive component 30 under normal conditions (when the button is not pressed), thus breaking the electrical circuit. No additional light source is required, effectively simplifying the button structure and saving on button manufacturing costs.

[0043] In another embodiment of the invention, such as Figure 2 , 3 As shown in Figure 4, the photoelectric switch button also includes an LED light 50. The LED light 50 is mounted on the circuit board 20 and electrically connected to the circuit board 20. The LED light 50 emits light towards the light-transmitting shell 12. Specifically, by setting the LED light 50 on the circuit board 20, the LED light 50 can emit light towards the light-transmitting shell 12 when it is turned on, so that the light-transmitting shell 12 can collect stronger light and illuminate the photosensitive component 30 to maintain the sensitivity of the photosensitive component 30; and the LED light 50 can be set to various colorful lights as needed, so that the light illuminating the light-transmitting shell 12 can form a good decorative effect and give users a good visual experience.

[0044] In another embodiment of the invention, such as Figure 2 , 3 As shown in Figure 5, the light-shielding shell 11 is provided with a light-guiding cavity 15, and the end of the light-guiding cavity 15 facing the light-transmitting shell 12 is provided with a light-guiding opening 151. The LED lamp 50 is located inside the light-guiding cavity 15 and emits light towards the light-transmitting shell 12 through the light-guiding opening 151. Specifically, by providing a light-guiding cavity 15 on the light-shielding shell 11, the LED lamp 50 is covered inside the light-guiding cavity 15, and then the light from the LED lamp 50 is directed towards the light-transmitting shell 12 through the light-guiding opening 151, thereby achieving effective control of the light emitted by the LED lamp 50, avoiding irregular scattering of the light from the LED lamp 50, and enhancing the illumination effect on the light-transmitting shell 12.

[0045] In another embodiment of the invention, such as Figure 2 , 3As shown in Figure 4, the photosensitive component 30 includes a photosensitive element 31, which is mounted on and electrically connected to the circuit board 20. The photosensitive element 31 is located within the first light-shielding cavity 14. Specifically, the photosensitive element 31 receives light from the light-transmitting opening 141. The photosensitive element 31 converts the received light signal into an electrical signal. The photosensitive element 31 connects with a pre-set circuit module on the circuit board 20 through the emitted electrical signal to form an electrical path. When the photosensitive element 31 receives a light signal, the electrical path is open, and there is no corresponding button function input. When the photosensitive element 31 does not receive a light signal, the electrical path is closed, and the corresponding button function is input. The circuit module on the circuit board 20 in this embodiment controls photoelectric coupling in the opposite way to conventional circuits. The circuit board 20 in this embodiment utilizes a reverse principle to realize the button pressing function.

[0046] In another embodiment of the invention, such as Figure 2 , 3 As shown, the photosensitive component 30 also includes a light guide 32, which is disposed on the photosensitive element 31 and used to guide the light from the light-transmitting opening 141 into the photosensitive element 31. Specifically, the light guide 32 is disposed within the first light-shielding cavity 14 and located between the light-transmitting opening 141 and the photosensitive element 31, so as to guide the light at the light-transmitting opening 141 to the photosensitive element 31, allowing the photosensitive element 31 to better receive the light at the light-transmitting opening 141 and ensuring the sensitivity of the photosensitive element 31. An annular sleeve 18 is provided on the light-shielding shell 11, so that part of the light guide 32 is housed within the annular sleeve 18. The opening of the annular sleeve 18 facing the light-shielding component 41 forms the light-transmitting opening 141. Thus, when the light-shielding component 41 is pressed and moved, the second light-shielding cavity 411 can directly cover the outer periphery of the annular sleeve 18, completely blocking light from entering the light-transmitting opening 141, resulting in good performance.

[0047] This invention also provides a keyboard, including the aforementioned photoelectric switch key.

[0048] The keyboard of this invention, by using the aforementioned photoelectric switch keys, allows users to press the keys easily and sensitively, providing a good user experience, and is simple in structure and low in manufacturing cost.

[0049] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A photoelectric switch button, characterized in that: The device includes a housing, a circuit board, a photosensitive component, and a pressing component. The photosensitive component is electrically connected to the circuit board. The pressing component is provided with a light-shielding element. The pressing component is movably mounted on the housing so that the light-shielding element can move relative to the light-receiving surface of the photosensitive component. When the light-shielding element is away from the light-receiving surface of the photosensitive component, the photosensitive component can receive external light. When the pressing component is pressed, the light-shielding member approaches and blocks the light-receiving surface of the photosensitive component; The light-shielding component has a second light-shielding cavity that communicates with the outside at one end facing the photosensitive component. The second light-shielding cavity is used to cover the photosensitive component and block the light-receiving surface of the photosensitive component. The cavity wall of the second light-shielding cavity is black and completely blocks light. The housing is disposed on the photosensitive component. The housing has a light-transmitting area for light to enter the photosensitive component. The housing has a first light-shielding cavity. One end of the first light-shielding cavity facing the light-transmitting area has a light-transmitting opening. The photosensitive component is located inside the first light-shielding cavity. The second light-shielding cavity is used to block light from shining onto the photosensitive component through the light-transmitting opening. The pressing assembly includes an actuating element and an elastic element. The housing is provided with an actuating cavity. The actuating element is installed in the actuating cavity. The elastic element abuts against the cavity wall of the actuating cavity and the actuating element. The light-shielding element is provided on the actuating element. The elastic element is a spring. The pressing cavity is provided with a guide extending in the same direction as the pressing cavity. The guide has a guide cavity extending in the same direction as the pressing cavity. One end of the spring is sleeved on the outer periphery of the guide and abuts against the guide. The pressing element is inserted into the guide cavity. The other end of the spring abuts against the pressing element. The light-shielding element is located to the side of the pressing element and is spaced apart from the pressing element to form an avoidance notch. When the pressing element is pressed down, the second light-shielding cavity on the light-shielding element passes through the light-transmitting opening and covers the photosensitive component.

2. The photoelectric switch button according to claim 1, characterized in that: The housing includes a light-shielding shell and a light-transmitting shell mounted on the light-shielding shell. The first light-shielding cavity is disposed on the light-shielding shell, and the light-transmitting shell is transparent to form the light-transmitting area.

3. The photoelectric switch button according to claim 2, characterized in that: The photoelectric switch button also includes an LED light, which is mounted on the circuit board and electrically connected to the circuit board. The LED light emits light toward the light-transmitting shell.

4. The photoelectric switch button according to claim 3, characterized in that: The light-shielding shell is provided with a light-guiding cavity, and the end of the light-guiding cavity facing the light-transmitting shell is provided with a light-guiding opening. The LED lamp is located in the light-guiding cavity and emits light towards the light-transmitting shell through the light-guiding opening.

5. The photoelectric switch button according to claim 1, characterized in that: The photosensitive component includes a photosensitive element, which is mounted on the circuit board and electrically connected to the circuit board, and the photosensitive element is located inside the first light-shielding cavity.

6. The photoelectric switch button according to claim 5, characterized in that: The photosensitive component further includes a light guide, which is disposed on the photosensitive element and is used to guide the light from the light-transmitting opening into the photosensitive element.

7. A keyboard, characterized in that: Includes the photoelectric switch button as described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

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