Key shaft with ball and keyboard switch structure with key shaft

Abstract

The invention discloses a key shaft with a ball. The key shaft comprises a shaft sleeve, a shaft core and the ball, wherein the shaft core can swing relative to the shaft sleeve, and the ball is arranged between the shaft sleeve and the shaft core. The center of one of the shaft sleeve and the shaft core is provided with a first spherical crown for partially loading the ball, the other one of the shaft sleeve and the shaft core is in contact with the ball, and the shaft core can do spherical swing relative to the shaft sleeve by virtue of the matching of the ball and the first spherical crown. According to the key shaft, side swing of the shaft sleeve is effectively reduced, so that smoothness and pressing hand feeling are improved. In addition, the invention also discloses a keyboard switch structure comprising the base, the cover body and the key shaft.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of computer products, and more particularly to a key shaft with a ball bearing and a keyboard switch structure having the key shaft. Background Technology

[0002] As we all know, computers have become an indispensable tool in modern people's work and life. Whether it's a laptop or a desktop computer, the keyboard is one of the most important input devices, so the quality of the keyboard directly determines the user experience.

[0003] In a center-magnet switch structure disclosed in Chinese Patent Application No. 202420043358.1, the button's reliable up-and-down sliding is ensured by the cooperation of its positioning post and the guide post on the base. However, when the pressing force applied to the button is inevitably tilted relative to the sliding direction of the button, the pressing force also causes the button to wobble during the sliding process, thus hindering the sliding of the button and affecting the smoothness of the button's sliding, as well as the pressing feel and the stability of the magnetic field.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a key shaft with a ball bearing and a keyboard switch structure with the key shaft to overcome one or more of the above-mentioned defects. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One object of the present invention is to provide a ball-bearing key shaft that effectively reduces lateral sway to improve the smoothness and feel of pressing.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide a keyboard switch structure that effectively reduces lateral sway to improve the smoothness and feel of pressing.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a ball-bearing key shaft comprising a bushing, a core that can swing relative to the bushing, and a ball disposed between the bushing and the core. A first spherical crown is provided at the center of one of the bushing and the core for partially inserting the ball. The other of the bushing and the core contacts the ball, and the core can spherically swing relative to the bushing by means of the cooperation between the ball and the first spherical crown.

[0008] Compared with the prior art, the button shaft of the present invention includes a bushing, a core that can swing relative to the bushing, and a ball bearing disposed between the bushing and the core. A first spherical crown is provided at the center of one of the bushing and the core for partially inserting the ball bearing, while the other of the bushing and the core contacts the ball bearing. This design allows the core to swing spherically relative to the bushing with the help of the ball bearing and the first spherical crown, making the swing of the core smoother due to the involvement of the ball bearing. Furthermore, since the force acting on the core is applied to the center of the bushing through the ball bearing, the impact of the core's swing on the bushing is effectively reduced, thereby effectively reducing the lateral sway of the bushing. Therefore, the button shaft of the present invention provides a smoother press and a better feel.

[0009] Preferably, the center of one of the bushing and the shaft core is provided with an inclined surface that is tangentially connected to the first spherical crown, and the inclined surface extends around a straight circle passing through the height of the first spherical crown.

[0010] Preferably, the axis of the shaft or bushing where the first spherical crown is located is parallel to or coincides with the straight line passing through the height of the first spherical crown.

[0011] Preferably, the center of the other of the shaft core and the bushing is provided with a recessed structure for partially inserting the ball.

[0012] Preferably, the recessed structure is a second spherical cap, and the axis of the shaft core or the bushing where the second spherical cap is located is parallel to or coincides with the straight line passing through the height of the second spherical cap.

[0013] Preferably, the recessed structure is a concave hole, and the center line of the concave hole is parallel to or coincides with the center line of the shaft core or the bushing where the concave hole is located.

[0014] Preferably, the other of the shaft core and the bushing has a flat surface that is perpendicular to the axis of the other and allows the balls to contact and engage.

[0015] Preferably, the shaft core is arranged spaced apart from the bushing in both the lateral and axial directions.

[0016] Preferably, the circumference of the shaft core extends axially to laterally surround the lateral wall of the bushing, and the lateral wall has a limiting elongated hole extending axially from the shaft core. The bushing is correspondingly provided with a limiting protrusion, which is placed in the limiting elongated hole with a clearance fit.

[0017] To achieve the above objectives, the keyboard switch structure of the present invention includes a base, a cover, and the aforementioned key shaft. The cover is assembled and connected to the base, and together with the base, defines a mounting cavity. The bushing is slidably assembled in the mounting cavity along the axial direction of the bushing, the key shaft is located in the mounting cavity, and the key shaft also protrudes from the cover.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the key switch of the present invention includes a bushing, a core that can swing relative to the bushing, and a ball bearing disposed between the bushing and the core. A first spherical crown is provided at the center of one of the bushing and the core for the ball bearing to be partially inserted, and the other of the bushing and the core contacts the ball bearing. This design allows the core to swing spherically relative to the bushing with the help of the ball bearing and the first spherical crown, making the swing of the core smoother due to the involvement of the ball bearing. Furthermore, since the force acting on the core is applied to the center of the bushing through the ball bearing, the impact of the core's swing on the bushing is effectively reduced, thereby effectively reducing the lateral sway of the bushing. Therefore, the keyboard switch structure of the present invention also has the advantages of smoother pressing and better tactile feedback.

[0019] Preferably, the keyboard switch structure of the present invention further includes an elastic element located in the mounting cavity, a guide sleeve structure protruding from the mounting cavity is provided on the base, the bushing is axially slidably fitted inside the guide sleeve structure, and the elastic element is fitted outside the guide sleeve structure and abuts against both the bushing and the base.

[0020] Preferably, a magnetic element is embedded in the bushing.

[0021] Preferably, the cover has an opening at its center for the shaft portion to extend out of the cover, and the shaft is also clearance-fitted with the opening. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is an internal view of the keyboard switch structure of the first embodiment of the present invention after it has been cut by a bisecting plane in the front-back direction.

[0023] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded 3D view of the keyboard switch structure.

[0024] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Internal view after concealing the base, cover, elastic components, and magnetic components.

[0025] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A 3D view of the bushing in the keyboard switch structure shown.

[0026] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A 3D view of the pivot in the keyboard switch structure shown.

[0027] Figure 6 This is an internal view of the keyboard switch structure of the second embodiment of the present invention after being cut by a bisecting plane in the front-back direction.

[0028] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A 3D view of the pivot in the keyboard switch structure shown.

[0029] Figure 8 This is an internal view of the keyboard switch structure according to the third embodiment of the present invention after it has been cut by a bisecting plane in the front and back directions.

[0030] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A 3D view of the pivot in the keyboard switch structure shown. Detailed Implementation

[0031] To illustrate the technical content and structural features of the present invention in detail, the following description is provided in conjunction with the embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0032] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 The keyboard switch structure 100 of the first embodiment includes a key shaft 10, a base 20, and a cover 30. The cover 30 is assembled and connected to the base 20, and the cover 30 and the base 20 together define a mounting cavity 40.

[0033] Combined Figure 3 The button shaft 10 includes a bushing 11, a shaft core 12 that can swing relative to the bushing 11, and ball bearings 13 disposed between the bushing 11 and the shaft core 12. The bushing 11 can be assembled into the mounting cavity 40 along its axial direction (see the direction indicated by arrow A and the opposite direction); alternatively, it can be... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As an example, the base 20 is provided with a guide sleeve structure 21 protruding into the mounting cavity 40. In this case, the bushing 11 can be axially slidably fitted into the guide sleeve structure 21, so as to ensure the smooth axial sliding of the bushing 11 on the base 20. Obviously, according to actual needs, other structures well known in the art can also be used to achieve smooth sliding of the bushing 11 relative to the base 20, so they are not included here. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The above is the limit.

[0034] Meanwhile, the center of the bushing 11 is provided with a first spherical crown 111 for partially inserting the ball 13, that is, only a portion of the ball 13 is located inside the first spherical crown 111, and the remaining portion is located outside the first spherical crown 111, as shown in the figure. Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown; alternatively, at Figure 1 and Figure 3In the example, the axis C1 of the bushing 11 where the first spherical crown 111 is located coincides with the straight line 1111 passing through the height of the first spherical crown 111, as shown in the figure. Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, this design more effectively ensures that the pressing force applied to the shaft core 12 is transmitted through the ball bearings 13 to the center of the bushing 11, further reducing the lateral sway of the bushing 11 during sliding. Obviously, depending on actual needs, the axis C1 of the bushing 11 containing the first spherical crown 111 can also be made parallel to the straight line 1111 passing through the height of the first spherical crown 111. Therefore, it is not necessary to... Figure 1 and Figure 3 The above is the limit.

[0035] Furthermore, the shaft core 12 is located in the mounting cavity 40, and the shaft core 12 also protrudes from the cover 30 to meet the user's need for pressing the shaft core 12; alternatively, in Figure 1 and Figure 2 As an example, the cover 30 has an opening 31 at its center for the shaft 12 to extend out of the cover 30. The shaft 12 is also clearance-fitted with the opening 31, as shown in the figure. Figure 1 As shown, this provides a position to allow the shaft core 12 to swing relative to the bushing 11. Additionally, the shaft core 12 contacts the ball bearing 13, and the shaft core 12 can spherically swing relative to the bushing 11 by means of the cooperation of the ball bearing 13 and the first spherical crown 111; alternatively, in... Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 In this example, the center of the shaft core 12 is provided with a recessed structure 121 for partially inserting the ball bearing 13. This recessed structure is a second spherical crown, as indicated by the designation 121. The axis C2 of the shaft core 12 containing the second spherical crown 121 coincides with the straight line 1211 passing through the height of the second spherical crown 121. Obviously, depending on actual needs, the axis C2 of the shaft core 12 containing the second spherical crown 121 can also be made parallel to the straight line 1211 passing through the height of the second spherical crown 121. Therefore, it is not considered... Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 The above is for reference only. For more details, see the description below.

[0036] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, as an example, the shaft core 12 is located on the side of the bushing 11 (e.g., Figure 1 and Figure 3 The shaft core 12 is spaced apart from the bushing 11 in both the left-right direction and axial direction, so that a suitable gap 14 is left between the shaft core 12 and the bushing 11, thereby better meeting the needs of the shaft core 12 to swing relative to the bushing 11. Furthermore, combined with... Figure 2 and Figure 5As an example, the axially extending periphery of the shaft core 12 laterally surrounds the lateral wall 126 of the bushing 11. The lateral wall 126 has a limiting elongated hole 1261 extending axially from the shaft core 12. The bushing 11 correspondingly has a limiting protrusion 113, which is placed in the limiting elongated hole 1261 with a clearance fit. The fit between the limiting protrusion 113 and the limiting elongated hole 1261 prevents the shaft core 12, after being fitted together, from accidentally separating from the bushing 11 along its axial direction. Furthermore, in… Figures 1 to 4 As an example, the center of the bushing 11 is provided with an inclined surface 112 that is tangentially connected to the first spherical crown 111. That is, the inclined surface 112 is connected to the first spherical crown 111 and is tangential to the first spherical crown 111. The inclined surface 112 also extends in a circle around the straight line 1111 passing through the height of the first spherical crown 111, so that the inclined surface 112 is formed by the side of the frustum. Therefore, with the help of the inclined surface 112, the bushing 11 is spaced apart from the ball 13 except for the first spherical crown 111 which is engaged with the ball 13. This makes the engagement between the ball 13 and the bushing 11 more sensitive and smoother.

[0037] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, as an example, the keyboard switch structure 100 of the first embodiment also includes an elastic member 50 located within the mounting cavity 40. The elastic member 50 is sleeved outside the guide sleeve structure 21 and abuts against both the bushing 11 and the base 20. This allows the elastic member 50 to be more compactly arranged within the mounting cavity 40 by limiting its position using the guide sleeve structure 21. The elastic member 50 provides a reset force for the key shaft 10 and a buffering effect for the pressing and sliding of the key shaft 10. Furthermore, in... Figures 1 to 3 As an example, a magnetic element 60 is embedded in the bushing 11. Preferably, the magnetic element 60 is embedded in the center of the bushing 11, so that when the button shaft 10 is pressed and moves closer to the base 20, the magnetic element 60 approaches the PCB board located below the base 20, allowing the corresponding components on the PCB board to sense the change in the magnetic field of the magnetic element 60, thereby enabling the circuit to conduct. Because the magnetic element 60 is embedded in the center of the bushing 11, the change in the magnetic field of the magnetic element 60 is more stable. Specifically, in Figures 1 to 3 In this example, the magnetic element 60 is a magnet, and the elastic element 50 is a compression spring; obviously, depending on actual needs, the elastic element 50 can also be other types of springs well known in the art, therefore it is not considered as such. Figures 1 to 3 The above is the limit.

[0038] Please see Figure 6 and Figure 7 The keyboard switch structure 100' of the second embodiment is basically the same as the keyboard switch structure 100 of the first embodiment. The differences are described below.

[0039] In the keyboard switch structure 100' of the second embodiment, the recessed structure 121' is a recessed hole, that is, the reference numeral 121' also indicates a recessed hole. The center line 1211' of the recessed hole 121' coincides with the center line C2 of the axis core 12 where the recessed hole 121' is located. Obviously, according to actual needs, the center line 1211' of the recessed hole 121' can also be made parallel to the center line C2 of the axis core 12 where the recessed hole 121' is located. Therefore, it is not considered as such. Figure 7 and Figure 8 The above is the limit.

[0040] In the keyboard switch structure 100 of the first embodiment, the recessed structure 121 is the second spherical crown, that is, the label 121 also represents the second spherical crown. The axis C2 of the shaft core 12 where the second spherical crown 121 is located coincides with the straight line 1211 passing through the height of the second spherical crown 121.

[0041] Apart from the differences mentioned above, the two are the same, so they will not be repeated here.

[0042] Please see Figure 8 and Figure 9 The keyboard switch structure 100 in the third embodiment is basically the same as the keyboard switch structure 100 in the first embodiment. The differences are described below.

[0043] In the keyboard switch structure 100`` of the third embodiment, the spindle core 12 has a flat surface 121`` that is perpendicular to the axis C2 of the spindle core 12 and is used for contact and engagement with the ball bearing 13.

[0044] In the keyboard switch structure 100 of the first embodiment, a recessed structure 121 is provided at the center of the spindle core 12 for the ball bearing 13 to be partially inserted. The recessed structure 121 is a second spherical crown, that is, the label 121 also indicates the second spherical crown. The axis C2 of the spindle core 12 where the second spherical crown 121 is located coincides with the straight line 1211 passing through the height of the second spherical crown 121.

[0045] Apart from the differences mentioned above, the two are the same, so they will not be repeated here.

[0046] Compared with the prior art, the button shaft 10 includes a bushing 11, a core 12 that can swing relative to the bushing 11, and a ball bearing 13 disposed between the bushing 11 and the core 12. Furthermore, a first spherical crown 111 for partially inserting the ball bearing 13 is provided at the center of one of the bushing 11 and the core 12, while the other of the bushing 11 and the core 12 contacts the ball bearing 13. This design allows the core 12 to spherically swing relative to the bushing 11 with the cooperation of the ball bearing 13 and the first spherical crown 111. The movement of the pivot 12 becomes smoother due to the intervention of the ball bearing 13. Furthermore, since the force acting on the pivot 12 is applied to the center of the sleeve 11 through the ball bearing 13, the impact of the pivot 12's movement on the sleeve 11 is effectively reduced, thereby effectively reducing the lateral sway of the sleeve 11. Therefore, the key switch 10 is smoother to press and has a better feel. Thus, the keyboard switch structure 100 (100', 100'') with this key switch 10 also has the advantages of smoother pressing and a better feel.

[0047] To further clarify, a spherical cap refers to the curved surface remaining after a sphere is cut by a plane; the resulting circular surface is the base, and the portion of the diameter perpendicular to the circular surface that is cut off is the height. Furthermore, although the attached diagram shows the first spherical cap 111 and the inclined surface 112 provided by the bushing 11, it is clear that, depending on actual needs, the first spherical cap 111 and the inclined surface 112 can also be provided by the shaft core 12; when the shaft core 12 is provided with the first spherical cap 111 and the inclined surface 112, then the bushing 11 provides a second spherical cap 121, a concave hole 121', or a flat surface 121''; therefore, it is not limited to what is shown in the attached diagram. In addition, spherical oscillation refers to oscillation around the spherical surface of the ball 13 or the first spherical cap 111. Finally, the direction indicated by arrow B is the front-back direction.

[0048] The above-disclosed examples are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. Therefore, any equivalent variations made in accordance with the claims of the present invention are within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A key shaft with ball bearings, characterized in that, The device includes a bushing, a shaft core that can swing relative to the bushing, and a ball bearing disposed between the bushing and the shaft core. A first spherical crown is provided at the center of one of the bushing and the shaft core for partially inserting the ball bearing. The other of the bushing and the shaft core is in contact with the ball bearing. The shaft core can swing spherically relative to the bushing by means of the cooperation between the ball bearing and the first spherical crown.

2. The key shaft according to claim 1, characterized in that, At the center of one of the bushing and the shaft core, there is an inclined surface that is tangentially connected to the first spherical crown, and the inclined surface extends around a straight circle passing through the height of the first spherical crown.

3. The key shaft according to claim 1, characterized in that, The axis of the shaft or bushing where the first spherical crown is located is parallel to or coincides with the straight line passing through the height of the first spherical crown.

4. The key shaft according to claim 1, characterized in that, The center of the other of the shaft core and the bushing is provided with a recessed structure for the ball bearing to be partially inserted.

5. The key shaft according to claim 4, characterized in that, The recessed structure is a second spherical crown, and the centerline of the shaft core or the bushing where the second spherical crown is located is parallel to or coincides with the straight line passing through the height of the second spherical crown; or, the recessed structure is a concave hole, and the centerline of the concave hole is parallel to or coincides with the centerline of the shaft core or the bushing where the concave hole is located.

6. The key shaft according to claim 1, characterized in that, The other of the shaft core and the bushing has a flat surface that is perpendicular to the axis of the other and allows the balls to contact and engage.

7. The key shaft according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shaft core is arranged at a distance from the bushing in both the lateral and axial directions.

8. The key shaft according to claim 1, characterized in that, The axially extending periphery of the shaft core laterally surrounds the lateral wall of the bushing. The lateral wall has a limiting elongated hole extending axially from the shaft core. The bushing is correspondingly provided with a limiting protrusion, which is placed in the limiting elongated hole with a clearance fit.

9. A keyboard switch structure, comprising a base and a cover, wherein the cover is assembled and connected to the base and together with the base defines a mounting cavity, characterized in that, The keyboard switch structure further includes a key shaft according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the bushing is slidably fitted into the mounting cavity along the axial direction of the bushing, the core is located in the mounting cavity, and the core is also exposed from the cover.

10. The keyboard switch structure according to claim 9, characterized in that, It also includes an elastic element located within the mounting cavity, a guide sleeve structure protruding from the mounting cavity on the base, a bushing slidably fitted within the guide sleeve structure, an elastic element fitted outside the guide sleeve structure and abutting against both the bushing and the base; a magnetic element is embedded within the bushing; an opening is provided at the center of the cover for the shaft core to partially extend out of the cover body, and the shaft core is also clearance-fitted with the opening.

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