Magnetic encoder button

Abstract

The invention discloses a magnetic encoder button which is used for being matched with a magnetic induction element to convert angular displacement into an electric signal, the magnetic encoder button comprises a button base, a magnetic part and a rotary knob and further comprises a worm and a sliding block, the worm is arranged on the lower portion of the rotary knob and can rotate along with the rotary knob, the sliding block is arranged in the button base and can move up and down in the button base, and the magnetic part is assembled on the sliding block; the worm is in transmission connection with the sliding block and rotates left and right to drive the sliding block to drive the magnetic piece to move up and down. The rotation detection function of the encoder is successfully combined with the installation form of a traditional key, so that a single key can output a rotation encoding function; the overall structure is completely compatible with a standard magnetic axis switch, plug and play is realized, and the process is greatly simplified; in addition, a unique design of a reset through groove and a reset piece is provided, so that the magnet can automatically and rapidly rebound to a central initial position at a stroke end point, and the magnet can infinitely move back and forth in the stroke and continuously output coding signals during continuous unidirectional rotation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of electronic device input technology, and more specifically to a magnetic encoder button. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional push-button switches, whether mechanical, photoelectric, or magnetic, generate signals by pressing the key shaft, causing it to move up and down to trigger electronic components and generate a switching signal. Common examples include keyboard keys, which convert linear displacement into electrical signals. Traditional encoders, whether mechanical, photoelectric, or magnetic, generate signals by turning a knob / wheel, converting angular displacement into electrical signals. Common examples include mouse wheels.

[0003] However, in practical applications, keyboard users also need to output angular displacement signals from encoders directly on the keys. This necessitates the design of new keycap structures to meet this market demand. Especially for magnetic axis keyboards built with magnetic axis / Hall effect key switches, the designed keycaps need to be compatible with the keyboard's structure and the Hall effect components on the PCB, allowing for immediate use after removing the existing magnetic axis / Hall effect key and inserting the keycap. In other words, a new keycap needs to be developed to accommodate the mounting frame and magnetic sensing element that match the magnetic axis keycap, working in conjunction with this magnetic sensing element to convert angular displacement into an electrical signal.

[0004] It should be emphasized that magnetic axis buttons (also known as Hall switches, magnetic key switches, etc.) are conventional existing technologies. The up-and-down displacement of the button's axis drives the magnetic component in the button to change its spatial position, causing the corresponding magnetic induction element (such as a Hall switch) on the base plate (PCB board) to receive changes in magnetic flux / magnetic field strength, thereby generating an electrical signal. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention aims to provide a new structure for a magnetic encoder button; based on this structure, further optimization can be performed to solve the technical problem of continuously generating signals even with continuous forward or reverse rotation.

[0006] To achieve this technical objective, the present invention provides a magnetic encoder button for converting angular displacement into an electrical signal in conjunction with a magnetic induction element. The button includes a key base, a magnetic component, and a knob. It also includes a worm gear and a slider. The worm gear is located below the knob and rotates with it. The slider is located within the key base and can move up and down within it. The magnetic component is mounted on the slider. The worm gear and slider are connected in a transmission manner; the worm gear rotates left and right to drive the slider, which in turn drives the magnetic component to move up and down.

[0007] Preferably, the worm has a helical groove, and the slider has a protrusion or a ball that matches the helical groove. The worm and the slider are connected by the helical groove and the protrusion or ball to form a transmission connection. A guide structure that restricts the movement direction of the slider is formed between the slider and the key seat.

[0008] Preferably, the device also includes a reset member, which enables the slider to be in its initial position within the key seat when not subjected to external force; a reset through groove is provided on the worm along the axial direction of the worm; when the reset through groove of the worm rotates to the protrusion or ball of the slider, the protrusion or ball is no longer limited by the helical groove, and the slider is reset to its initial position under the action of the reset member.

[0009] Preferably, when the slider is in the initial position, the position of the worm gear helical groove corresponding to the position of the protrusion or ball on the slider is set as the reset center point, and the reset center point is located in the middle of the reset through groove; the helical groove has a first helical groove segment and a second helical groove segment, wherein the helical groove extending from the reset center point toward the knob direction is the first helical groove segment, and the helical groove extending from the reset center point toward the key seat direction is the second helical groove segment.

[0010] Preferably, the reset element is a reset spring; the slider is provided with a mounting groove, the middle part of the reset spring is embedded in the mounting groove, and both ends of the reset spring are limited to the key seat. When the reset spring is not subjected to external force and undergoes elastic deformation, the slider is in the initial position.

[0011] Preferably, the reset component is a magnetic reset assembly; the magnetic reset assembly includes a first magnet disposed on the key base and a second magnet disposed on the slider, the first magnet and the second magnet attract each other, and the slider is in the initial position when the attraction force is at its maximum.

[0012] Preferably, the device also includes a key cover and a keycap, the keycap being located above the key cover and fitted onto the top of the knob, the knob being disposed within the key cover and extending beyond the key cover.

[0013] Preferably, a mounting plate is provided between the key base and the key cover. The mounting plate is provided with a tactile spring. The knob is provided with a toothed structure facing the tactile spring in the lower circumference. The toothed structure cooperates with the tactile spring to produce a tactile feel when rotated.

[0014] Preferably, the top of the assembly plate has a fixing post extending upwards, and the bottom of the key cover has a fixing hole corresponding to the position of the fixing post. The fixing post and the fixing hole are combined to achieve a fixed connection between the key cover and the assembly plate.

[0015] Preferably, the worm gear is disposed below the mounting plate, and the upper end of the worm gear has a connecting hole. The mounting plate has a through hole corresponding to the position of the connecting hole. A connecting rod extends downward from the bottom of the knob. After passing through the through hole of the mounting plate, the connecting rod is inserted into the connecting hole of the worm gear. The bottom of the worm gear has a boss, and the bottom of the key seat has a mounting cavity at a corresponding position. The boss is rotatably disposed in the mounting cavity.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this invention are: it combines the rotation detection function of the encoder with the installation form of the traditional button, so that a single button can output the rotation encoding function; the overall structure is fully compatible with standard magnetic shaft switches (such as ROG and PRO magnetic shafts), without the need to modify the keyboard PCB board or replace the magnetic sensing element, and can be used as a plug and play (pull out the magnetic shaft and insert the button), which greatly simplifies the process; this invention also has a unique reset slot and reset component design, which allows the magnet to automatically and quickly return to the center initial position at the end of the stroke, ensuring that the magnet can move back and forth infinitely within the stroke during continuous unidirectional rotation, and continuously output the encoding signal. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the knob and the segmented spring in this invention;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the segmented spring-loaded sheet and the assembly plate in this invention;

[0022] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the slider in the present invention;

[0023] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the knob, worm gear, and slider in this invention;

[0024] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the worm gear in this invention;

[0025] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the key socket structure in this invention;

[0026] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the bottom structure of the key cover in this invention;

[0027] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the reset structure in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the reset structure in a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] In the diagram: 1-Keycap, 2-Key cover, 201-Fixing hole, 3-Knob, 301-Connecting rod, 302-Corrugated tooth structure, 4-Assembly plate, 401-Fixing post, 402-Through hole, 5-Tactile spring, 6-Worm, 601-Helical groove, 602-Reset through groove, 603-Connecting hole, 604-Boss, 605-Reset center point, 7-Slider, 701-Ball, 702-Mounting groove, 8-Magnetic component, 9-Reset spring, 10-Key base, 1001-Mounting cavity, 11-Magnetic reset assembly, 1101-First magnet, 1102-Second magnet. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. To provide a clear and complete description of the technical solution, the following embodiments are selected for illustration; these embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention; other embodiments obtained based on this application without inventive effort are all within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0033] In the following embodiments, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "inner," "outer," "top / bottom," etc., are all based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the purpose of clearly describing this embodiment. They do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. At the same time, the terms "first" and "second" in the embodiments are only used for descriptive purposes and do not represent an indication or implication of relative importance.

[0034] like Figure 1-2 As shown, the core of the magnetic encoder button described in this invention lies in converting the rotational motion of the knob into the linear reciprocating motion of the magnetic component, and cooperating with the magnetic induction element on the peripheral PCB board to convert the angular displacement into an electrical signal output.

[0035] The magnetic encoder key of the present invention mainly includes a key base 10, a magnetic element 8, and a knob 3, and also includes a worm gear 6 and a slider 7. The worm gear 6 is disposed at the lower part of the knob 3 and can rotate with the knob 3. The slider 7 is disposed in the key base 10 and can move up and down in the key base 10. The magnetic element 8 is assembled on the slider 7. The worm gear 6 and the slider 7 are connected in a transmission manner. The worm gear 6 rotates left and right to drive the slider 7 to drive the magnetic element 8 to move up and down.

[0036] The key transmission components of this invention are the worm gear 6 and the slider 7. In a preferred embodiment, the top of the worm gear 6 has a connecting hole 603 that matches the connecting rod 301 of the knob, and the two rotate synchronously after being inserted. The outer surface of the worm gear 6 is machined with a helical groove 601. The slider 7 is disposed within the key seat 10, and a guide cavity is formed inside the key seat to accommodate the vertical movement of the slider 7. A guide structure is formed between the slider 7 and the key seat 10 to restrict the direction of slider movement; these are all things that those skilled in the art can understand. Crucially, such as... Figure 6 As shown, a ball bearing 701 is embedded in the slider 7 (or an extended protrusion; the preferred embodiment of the ball bearing shown in the accompanying drawings is illustrated). Figure 7 As shown, the ball bearing 701 extends into the helical groove 601 of the worm gear 6, and the rotation of the worm gear 6 drives the slider to move up and down under the action of the helical groove and the ball bearing 701.

[0037] In this invention, the slider 7 is set to a specific initial position, and a reset member is provided to maintain or return the slider to its initial position. The reset member enables the slider to be in its initial position within the key seat when no external force is applied. The slider 7 has a mounting groove 702 for mounting the reset member. When the slider 7 is in its initial position, the position of the helical groove 601 of the worm gear 6 corresponding to the protrusion or ball 701 on the slider 7 is set as the reset center point 605; the helical groove 601 has a first helical groove section and a second helical groove section, such as... Figure 8 As shown, the spiral groove 601 extending towards the knob 3 from the reset center point 605 is the first spiral groove segment; the spiral groove 601 extending towards the key seat 10 from the reset center point 605 is the second spiral groove segment. A reset through groove is constructed on the worm along the axial direction of the spiral groove, with the reset center point located in the middle of the reset through groove; when the reset through groove of the worm rotates to the protrusion or ball 701 of the slider, the protrusion or ball 701 is no longer limited by the spiral groove, and the slider 7 is reset to the initial position under the action of the reset component.

[0038] The reset mechanism in this application provides the following two solutions:

[0039] Option 1 (Mechanical Reset): For example Figure 11-12As shown, the reset element is a reset spring 9. The reset spring 9 is embedded in the mounting groove 702 of the slider 7. Both ends of the reset spring 9 are always limited on the key seat 10. When the reset spring is not subjected to external force and undergoes elastic deformation, the slider 7 is in the initial position, providing the slider 7 with an elastic force tending towards the center position.

[0040] Option 2 (Magnetic Reset): For example... Figure 13-14 As shown, the reset component is a magnetic reset assembly 11. It includes a first magnet 1101 fixed on the key base 10 and a second magnet 1102 fixed in the mounting groove 702 of the slider 7. Preferably, two first magnets 1101 and two second magnets 1102 are provided, and the two second magnets 1102 are respectively installed in the mounting grooves 702 at both ends of the slider 7. When the slider 7 is in the initial center position, the first magnet 1101 and the second magnet 1102 are adjacent to each other. At this time, the first magnet and the second magnet attract each other, and the attraction force is the maximum. This position is the initial position of the slider.

[0041] The core working principle of this button is to convert the infinite rotational motion of the knob into linear reciprocating motion of the magnetic component driven by the slider within a limited stroke through a worm gear-slider mechanism, and to achieve automatic reset by using a reset slot and a reset component, thereby generating continuous coded signals.

[0042] Under the action of the reset component (reset spring 9 or magnetic suction assembly 11), the slider 7 is stabilized at a "specific initial position", that is, the center point (at 1.8 mm) of the total stroke (e.g., 3.6 mm). At this time, the ball 701 on the slider 7 is located in the reset groove 602 of the worm gear 6 and is not subject to the lateral force of the wall of the spiral groove 601.

[0043] When the user rotates keycap 1 forward, power is transmitted to worm gear 6 via knob 3. Worm gear 6 begins to rotate, and the groove wall of the reset groove 602 of worm gear 6 pushes ball bearing 701, causing ball bearing 701 to quickly enter the second helical groove section.

[0044] As the worm gear 6 continues to rotate forward, the inclined surface of the second helical groove section forces the ball bearing 701 to move downward, thereby driving the entire slider 7 to resist the reset component (the reset spring 9 or being pulled away from the point of maximum magnetic attraction), and causing the magnetic component 8 to move downward from the center position of 1.8mm to the bottom position of 3.6mm. During this process, the movement of the magnetic component 8 is detected by the magnetic induction element on the PCB board, which outputs a continuously changing electrical signal. At the same time, the toothed structure 302 on the knob 3 interacts with the tactile spring 5, producing a periodic tactile feedback and a "click" sound.

[0045] Similarly, when the user rotates in the opposite direction, the ball bearing 701 will enter the first spiral groove section, driving the slider 7 to move upward to the 0mm top position.

[0046] When the ball 701 moves along the spiral groove to the end of its stroke (bottom or top), it just reaches the entrance of the next reset groove 602.

[0047] Once it enters the reset groove 602, the ball 701 immediately breaks free from the constraint of the spiral groove 601. At this moment, the stored reset energy (the compressive potential energy of the reset spring or the attraction of the magnet) is released instantly, driving the slider 7 to quickly reset along the vertical reset groove 602 with the ball 701 until it is stabilized again at the initial center position of 1.8mm.

[0048] As long as the user rotates in the same direction, the ball bearing 701 will immediately enter the next adjacent spiral groove segment after springing back to the center, repeating the above linear movement and automatic reset process. This allows the slider 7 to achieve infinite reciprocating motion within the range of 0-1.8mm (when rotating in the opposite direction) or 1.8-3.6mm (when rotating in the forward direction), thereby achieving continuous encoding.

[0049] Specifically, after the knob is rotated a specific angle (such as 180° or 360°), the magnet moves the entire stroke, depending on the pitch design of the worm gear helical groove. Preferably, the concave-convex tooth structure 302 can be designed with 18 teeth, which produces a tactile feedback every 20° of rotation, thus creating a good match with the total stroke and operating feel.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the magnetic encoder button includes a keycap 1 and a key cover 2. The key cover 2 is fixed to the key base by a snap-fit ​​or tight fit. A knob 3 extends from an opening in the center of the key cover 2. The keycap 1 is fitted onto the knob 3 for user operation; rotating the keycap 1 causes the knob 3 to rotate. A connecting rod 301 extends from the bottom of the knob 3 and inserts into the connecting hole 603 of the worm gear 6, thereby transmitting torque to the worm gear 6. The cross-section of the connecting rod 301 is preferably square.

[0051] To limit the movement of the worm, a boss 604 is provided at the bottom of the worm 6, such as... Figure 9 As shown, the bottom of the key seat 10 is provided with a mounting cavity 1001. The boss 604 at the bottom of the worm 6 falls into the mounting cavity 1001 at the bottom of the key seat 10, thereby restricting the axial and radial movement of the worm 6 and making it only able to rotate.

[0052] To provide users with a tactile feedback when rotating the control button, in a preferred embodiment, the lower part of the knob has an integrally formed disc structure, such as... Figure 3 , 4 As shown, the bottom of the disk is machined with a toothed structure 302. Figure 5 As shown, the upper part of the key base 10 is provided with a mounting plate 4, and at least two fixing posts 401 extend upward from the top of the mounting plate 4, as shown. Figure 10As shown, the bottom of the key cover 2 has a fixing hole; the fixing post 401 is connected to the fixing post 401 of the mounting plate 4 through the fixing hole 201, thereby firmly combining the key cover 2 and the mounting plate 4 into a whole. The center of the mounting plate 4 has a through hole 402 for the connecting rod 301 of the knob 3 to pass through. In addition, a tactile spring 5 is fixedly installed on the mounting plate 4. The spring 5 has a protrusion that presses against the concave and convex tooth structure 302 of the knob 3. The protrusion on the tactile spring and the concave and convex tooth structure 302 of the knob 3 match to provide the user with a tactile feel, or it can also produce a tactile sound.

[0053] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any minor modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A magnetic encoder button for converting angular displacement into an electrical signal in conjunction with a magnetic induction element, comprising a key base, a magnetic component, and a knob, characterized in that, It also includes a worm gear and a slider. The worm gear is located at the lower part of the knob and can rotate with the knob. The slider is located inside the key seat and can move up and down in the key seat. The magnetic component is assembled on the slider. The worm gear and the slider are connected in a transmission. The worm gear rotates left and right to drive the slider to move the magnetic component up and down.

2. The magnetic encoder button according to claim 1, characterized in that, The worm has a helical groove, and the slider has a protrusion or a ball that matches the helical groove. The worm and the slider are connected by the helical groove and the protrusion or ball to form a transmission connection. A guide structure that restricts the movement direction of the slider is formed between the slider and the key seat.

3. The magnetic encoder button according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a reset component, which enables the slider to be in its initial position within the key seat when not subjected to external force; a reset through groove is provided on the worm along the axial direction of the worm; when the reset through groove of the worm rotates to the protrusion or ball of the slider, the protrusion or ball is no longer limited by the helical groove, and the slider is reset to its initial position under the action of the reset component.

4. The magnetic encoder button according to claim 3, characterized in that, When the slider is in the initial position, the position of the worm gear helical groove corresponding to the position of the protrusion or ball on the slider is set as the reset center point, and the reset center point is located in the middle of the reset through groove; the helical groove has a first helical groove segment and a second helical groove segment, wherein the helical groove extending towards the knob direction from the reset center point is the first helical groove segment, and the helical groove extending towards the key seat direction from the reset center point is the second helical groove segment.

5. The magnetic encoder button according to claim 4, characterized in that, The reset element is a reset spring; the slider is provided with a mounting groove, the middle part of the reset spring is embedded in the mounting groove, and the two ends of the reset spring are limited to the key seat. When the reset spring is not subjected to external force and undergoes elastic deformation, the slider is in the initial position.

6. The magnetic encoder button according to claim 4, characterized in that, The reset component is a magnetic reset assembly; the magnetic reset assembly includes a first magnet disposed on the key base and a second magnet disposed on the slider, the first magnet and the second magnet attract each other, and the slider is in the initial position when the attraction force is at its maximum.

7. The magnetic encoder button according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, It also includes a key cover and a keycap, the keycap being located above the key cover and fitted onto the top of the knob, the knob being disposed in the key cover and extending out of the key cover.

8. The magnetic encoder button according to claim 7, characterized in that, An assembly plate is also provided between the key base and the key cover. The assembly plate is provided with a tactile spring. The knob is provided with a toothed structure facing the tactile spring in the lower circumference. The toothed structure cooperates with the tactile spring to produce a tactile feel when rotated.

9. The magnetic encoder button according to claim 8, characterized in that, The top of the assembly plate has a fixing post extending upwards, and the bottom of the key cover has a fixing hole corresponding to the position of the fixing post. The fixing post and the fixing hole are combined to achieve a fixed connection between the key cover and the assembly plate.

10. The magnetic encoder button according to claim 8, characterized in that, The worm gear is located below the mounting plate, and its upper end has a connecting hole. The mounting plate has a through hole corresponding to the position of the connecting hole. A connecting rod extends downward from the bottom of the knob. The connecting rod passes through the through hole of the mounting plate and is inserted into the connecting hole of the worm gear. The bottom of the worm gear has a boss, and the bottom of the key seat has a mounting cavity at the corresponding position. The boss is rotatably disposed in the mounting cavity.

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