A stroke touch adjustable switch structure and input device

Abstract

The present application aims to provide a stroke touch adjustable switch structure and an input device with sensitive response, low energy consumption, natural and obvious trigger feedback, high consistency and stability of overall structure and convenient equipment assembly. The stroke touch adjustable switch structure comprises a shell, a shaft core and a displacement sensor, the shaft core is movably arranged in the shell through an elastic member, an active cavity is arranged in the shaft core, a first magnetic body is movably arranged in the active cavity, an electromagnetic coil assembly for driving the first magnetic body to accelerate movement and generate impact vibration is arranged on the shell, and the displacement sensor detects the displacement of the shaft core to trigger conduction. The input device comprises the stroke touch adjustable switch structure. The present application is applied to the technical field of switch structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of switch structures, and particularly to a switch structure and input device with adjustable travel and tactile feedback. Background Technology

[0002] Mouse and keyboard, as input devices for computer interaction, are frequently used in daily life. Mouse and keyboard operations are primarily performed via buttons, leading to increasing user concerns about button usability and lifespan. Buttons are typically triggered by a keycap or cover in conjunction with a switch mechanism. Traditional mechanical switches use metal contacts and springs for conduction, with the springs generating a noticeable vibration upon triggering, providing clear feedback to the user. However, this metal-contact, spring-driven conduction mechanism is prone to wear and tear during use, leading to poor contact and malfunction due to component deformation. To address this, various contactless switch structures, such as photoelectric switches and Hall effect switches, have emerged. While these structures solve the lifespan and malfunction issues, the contactless triggering means users cannot perceive whether a button has been pressed, requiring frequent confirmation through the computer interface, significantly impacting the user experience. To address this, a vibrator is added to the existing contactless switch structure to provide trigger feedback to the user. For example, Chinese patent application CN2026201479628 describes a vibratory feedback button and mouse with adjustable travel. The vibrator on the button generates a vibration feedback to the user's finger when the switch is triggered. However, while this structure achieves trigger feedback, the separation of triggering and vibration makes the user experience less natural than traditional mechanical switch structures. Furthermore, the assembly of this structure is complex, requiring additional wiring between the button and the circuit board, making the assembly of input devices like mice cumbersome and difficult to perform quickly.

[0003] Therefore, if a switch structure with adjustable travel and tactile feedback that provides natural trigger feedback, sensitive response, high consistency and stability of the overall structure, and ease of device assembly can be provided, the above-mentioned technical problems can be solved well. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a switch structure and input device with adjustable stroke and tactile feedback that is responsive, low in energy consumption, has natural and obvious trigger feedback, and has high consistency and stability of overall structure and is easy to assemble.

[0005] The technical solution adopted in this invention is as follows: the adjustable travel tactile switch structure includes a housing, a shaft, and a displacement sensor. The shaft is movably disposed in the housing via an elastic element. A movable cavity is provided inside the shaft, and a first magnetic body is movably disposed in the movable cavity. An electromagnetic coil assembly is provided on the housing to drive the first magnetic body to move and generate impact vibration. The displacement sensor detects the displacement of the shaft to trigger the switch.

[0006] As can be seen from the above scheme, the shaft core and the displacement sensor realize the basic conduction function of the switch structure, while the displacement sensor realizes non-contact conduction triggering. Based on this, the operation mode of detecting the displacement of the shaft core by the displacement sensor allows users to adjust the conduction triggering according to their needs, thereby meeting the user's custom travel requirements. By setting a movable cavity within the shaft core and having a first magnetic body moving and engaging within it, a vibration actuator is formed inside the shaft core. This structure allows vibration to originate from the shaft core. Users experience more natural vibration feedback, clearly knowing that the vibration originates from the button pressed by their finger, avoiding overall mouse vibration or resonance of local components, significantly improving the user experience. The electromagnetic coil assembly generates a magnetic field when energized, thereby driving the first magnetic body to move and produce impact vibration. The movable cavity provides acceleration space for the first magnetic body. When the electromagnetic coil assembly drives the first magnetic body, it accelerates, resulting in a greater impact force and more noticeable vibration feedback. Compared to traditional structures where the magnetic body is fixed to a shaft, this design can generate a larger vibration impact force with extremely low coil current, enhancing its feasibility in battery-powered wireless input devices. Furthermore, by providing different voltages and currents to the electromagnetic coil assembly, different magnetic field intensities are generated, allowing for adjustable vibration feedback after triggering. This provides users with a switch structure with adjustable travel sensitivity, characterized by natural trigger feedback, sensitive response, integrated structure for easy production and assembly, and high consistency and stability. This adjustable travel sensitivity switch structure can be applied to various input devices requiring vibration feedback, such as mice, keyboards, and game controllers.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment, the displacement sensor is a Hall sensor, an inductive sensor, a capacitive sensor, or a photoelectric sensor, and the shaft core is provided with a corresponding trigger structure that cooperates with the displacement sensor.

[0008] A preferred embodiment is that the shaft core is further provided with a reset structure that drives the first magnetic body to reset after movement.

[0009] A further preferred embodiment is that the reset structure includes a second magnetic body disposed on the shaft core, the second magnetic body being magnetically engaged with the first magnetic body.

[0010] A further preferred embodiment is that the reset structure includes an elastic body disposed within the movable cavity, the elastic body contacting the first magnetic body and applying force to the first magnetic body.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the electromagnetic coil assembly comprises several groups of coils stacked sequentially along the axial direction of the core; when trigger feedback is performed, at least one group of the coils magnetically engages with the first magnetic body.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the outer side of the electromagnetic coil assembly is provided with several layers of magnetic sheets.

[0013] A preferred embodiment is that the shaft is provided with a plurality of vent holes, which connect the movable cavity to the external atmosphere.

[0014] A preferred embodiment is that the housing is provided with a stepped hole, the shaft is movably fitted in the stepped hole, and the outer wall of the shaft is provided with a boss that limits the fit with the stepped hole.

[0015] A preferred embodiment is that the first magnetic body is provided with a guide hole, and the movable cavity is provided with a guide post that cooperates with the guide hole.

[0016] The input device includes a control circuit board and a tactile switch structure with adjustable travel, the tactile switch structure being disposed on the control circuit board. The input device is a mouse, keyboard, or game controller. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the adjustable travel tactile switch structure. Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the adjustable travel tactile switch structure described in Embodiment 2; Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the initial state of the adjustable travel tactile switch structure described in Embodiment 2; Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the adjustable travel tactile switch structure described in Embodiment 2 when it generates vibration feedback; Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the adjustable travel tactile switch structure described in Embodiment 3; Figure 6 This is an exploded structural diagram of the shaft core described in Embodiment 3; Figure 7This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the adjustable travel tactile switch structure described in Embodiment 4; Figure 8 This is an exploded view of the adjustable travel tactile switch structure described in Embodiment 4; Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the adjustable travel tactile switch structure described in Embodiment 5; Figure 10 This is an exploded structural diagram of the shaft core described in Embodiment 5; Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of the adjustable travel tactile switch structure described in Embodiment Six; Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of the initial state of the adjustable travel tactile switch structure described in Embodiment Six; Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view of the pressed state of the adjustable travel tactile switch structure described in Embodiment Six; Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the first embodiment when the input device is a keyboard; Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the second embodiment when the input device is a keyboard. Detailed Implementation

[0018] like Figure 1 As shown, this invention provides a switch structure with adjustable travel and tactile feedback, comprising a housing 1, a shaft core 2, and a displacement sensor 3. The housing 1 has a stepped hole, and the shaft core 2 is movably disposed within the stepped hole via an elastic element 4. A boss 14, which limits and cooperates with the stepped hole, is provided on the outer wall of the shaft core 2. A movable cavity 5 is provided within the shaft core 2, and a first magnetic body 6 is movably disposed within the movable cavity 5. An electromagnetic coil assembly 7 is provided on the housing 1 to drive the first magnetic body 6 to accelerate and generate impact vibration. The electromagnetic coil assembly 7 generates a magnetic field to drive the first magnetic body 6, causing it to move within the movable cavity 5. The displacement sensor 3 detects the displacement of the shaft core 2 and triggers the switch. The elastic element 4 is a spring, and a limiting block is provided on the shaft core 2 to cooperate with the spring, thereby enabling the shaft core 2 to automatically reset. The limiting block ensures that the elastic element 4 does not shift, improving the movement stability of the shaft core 2.

[0019] The displacement sensor 3 can be a Hall sensor, inductive sensor, capacitive sensor, photoelectric sensor, or resistance strain / pressure sensor, etc. The displacement sensor 3 converts the displacement into an electrical signal, which is then fed back to the processor of the input device to achieve conduction triggering. Conduction triggering can be achieved by the processor of a mouse, keyboard, game controller, or other input device monitoring changes in the electrical signal, or by a sensor with a trigger threshold setting function that directly generates an on / off signal. The shaft core 2 is correspondingly provided with a trigger structure that cooperates with the displacement sensor 3, and the trigger structure matches the type of displacement sensor 3. For example, when the displacement sensor 3 is a Hall sensor, the trigger structure is a magnet. The Hall sensor detects the change in the magnetic field caused by the displacement of the shaft core 2, thereby obtaining the displacement of the shaft core 2. When the first magnetic body 6 is a permanent magnet, it can be used as the trigger structure; when the first magnetic body 6 is a ferromagnetic body, an additional magnet can be provided on the shaft core 2 as a trigger structure. Similarly, when the displacement sensor 3 is a photoelectric sensor, inductive sensor, or capacitive haptic sensor, the displacement of the shaft core 2 is obtained through a structure matching its working principle.

[0020] like Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the shaft core 2 includes a shaft body and a cover body. The shaft body and the cover body are connected to form the movable cavity 5. The split shaft core structure facilitates the assembly of the first magnetic body 6.

[0021] Preferably, the shaft core 2 is provided with a plurality of vent holes 11, which connect the movable cavity 5 to the external atmosphere. The vent holes 11 enable the first magnetic body 6 to achieve air pressure balance when moving within the movable cavity 5, promptly dissipating the air pressure generated during its movement, thereby ensuring smooth movement of the first magnetic body 6 within the movable cavity 5. At least one vent hole 11 is connected to both ends of the movable cavity 5 to ensure smooth movement of the first magnetic body 6 during its reciprocating stroke.

[0022] Preferably, the electromagnetic coil assembly 7 includes several groups of coils stacked sequentially along the axial direction of the shaft core 2; when triggering feedback, at least one group of the coils magnetically engages with the first magnetic body 6. The number of coils can be set according to the height of the housing 1 and the displacement stroke of the shaft core 2. This adapts to the position of the first magnetic body 6 when triggered after the user adjusts the stroke, driving the first magnetic body 6 with one or more suitable groups of coils, thereby ensuring the effect of vibration feedback and improving the driving efficiency of the coils. At the same time, the vibration magnitude can be further increased by the coordinated cooperation of multiple groups of coils. For a single coil, the magnitude of the electrical signal input during triggering can be adjusted by external software or coded switches, achieving adjustable vibration effect. The engagement between the coil and the first magnetic body 6 is mainly mutual attraction, but it can also be driven by mutual repulsion through adjusting the structure and layout.

[0023] Example 1: In this embodiment, the first magnetic body 6 is a permanent magnet. The displacement sensor 3 is a Hall sensor, and the first magnetic body 6 serves as a trigger structure in conjunction with the displacement sensor 3. When the shaft core 2 moves, the displacement sensor 3 detects the change in magnetic field strength generated by the movement of the first magnetic body 6 and determines the displacement of the shaft core 2.

[0024] In its natural state, the shaft core 2 rests against the top of the stepped hole under the action of the elastic member 4.

[0025] When the shaft core 2 is pressed down, the displacement sensor 3 continuously detects the displacement of the shaft core 2, and when the displacement exceeds a set threshold, the processor of the device sends a conduction signal to the computer device.

[0026] When the circuit is activated, two driving signals in opposite directions are applied to the electromagnetic coil assembly 7. The electromagnetic coil assembly 7 first generates a repulsive magnetic field, causing the first magnetic body 6 to move upward. Then, it switches to an attractive magnetic field, driving the first magnetic body 6 to move downward in the active cavity 5 and impact the cavity wall. The vibration generated by the impact is transmitted to the button along the shaft core 2, allowing the user to perceive the trigger feedback.

[0027] Example 2: like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that: In this embodiment, the first magnetic body 6 is a permanent magnet or a ferromagnet. The shaft core 2 is also provided with a reset structure that drives the first magnetic body 6 to reset after movement. When the electromagnetic coil assembly stops being energized, the reset structure applies a constant force to reset it. The reset structure keeps the first magnetic body 6 in a fixed position within the movable cavity 5 when there is no vibration feedback, thereby reducing the error in the displacement sensor 3's measurement of the shaft core 2's position.

[0028] like Figure 3 As shown, in its natural state, the shaft core 2 rests against the top of the stepped hole under the action of the elastic member 4, and the reset assembly applies force to the first magnetic body 6, causing the first magnetic body 6 to rest against the end of the movable cavity 5 away from the electromagnetic coil assembly 7.

[0029] When the shaft core 2 is pressed down, the displacement sensor 3 continuously detects the displacement of the shaft core 2. When the displacement exceeds a set threshold, the processor of the input device sends a conduction signal to the computer device, and simultaneously applies a set current and voltage to the electromagnetic coil assembly 7. Figure 4 As shown, the electromagnetic coil assembly 7 generates a magnetic field that drives the first magnetic body 6 to accelerate within the movable cavity 5 and impact the cavity wall. The vibration generated by the impact is transmitted along the shaft core 2 to the button, allowing the user to perceive the trigger feedback. After the electromagnetic coil assembly 7 is de-energized, the first magnetic body 6 resets under the force applied by the reset structure.

[0030] In this embodiment, the reset structure includes a second magnetic body 8, which is disposed on the shaft core 2 and magnetically engages with the first magnetic body 6. This arrangement allows the second magnetic body 8 to attract and position the first magnetic body 6 in its natural state, and to automatically reset itself after vibration feedback. The second magnetic body 8 is a permanent magnet or a ferromagnetic material. At least one of the first magnetic body 6 and the second magnetic body 8 is a permanent magnet, thus ensuring a magnetic engagement effect.

[0031] Preferably, the cover is provided with a limiting groove, and the second magnetic body 8 is limited and fitted within the limiting groove. An exhaust hole 11 is provided at the bottom of the limiting groove, and the limiting groove is also provided with several exhaust channels that fit with the second magnetic body 8 with a clearance. This design ensures the fixation effect of the second magnetic body 8 while facilitating the integrated production of the cover.

[0032] Example 3: like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 2 is that: The reset structure includes an elastic body 9 disposed within the movable cavity 5. The elastic body 9 contacts the first magnetic body 6 and keeps the first magnetic body 6 away from the electromagnetic coil assembly 7. The elastic body 9 drives the first magnetic body 6 to maintain its reset state through its own elastic force. Simultaneously, the elastic deformation capability of the elastic body 9 allows for rapid deformation during the movement of the first magnetic body 6, avoiding affecting its movement speed and ensuring effective vibration feedback. Specifically, when the electromagnetic coil assembly 7 is energized, the first magnetic body 6 moves rapidly and compresses the elastic body 9, causing it to impact the inner wall of the movable cavity 5 and generate vibration feedback. When the electromagnetic coil assembly 7 is de-energized, the elastic body 9 quickly recovers and drives the first magnetic body 6 to reset.

[0033] The elastic body 9 includes a contact portion and a support portion, and a plurality of elastic walls are provided between the contact portion and the support portion, with a rapid deformation cavity formed between two adjacent elastic walls.

[0034] In this embodiment, the elastic body 9 has two elastic walls, and the contact portion, the support portion, and the two elastic walls cooperate to form a ring structure. The movable cavity 5 is provided with a slot that limits the movement of the elastic body 9, ensuring that the elastic body 9 can be stably installed within the movable cavity 5.

[0035] Preferably, a second magnetic body 8 may be added to the shaft core 2 to magnetically engage with the first magnetic body 6, thereby enhancing the ability of the first magnetic body 6 to maintain its reset state.

[0036] Example 4: like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, in a further preferred embodiment, the outer side of the electromagnetic coil assembly 7 is provided with several layers of magnetic sheets 10. The magnetic sheets 10 are annular and cover the outer surface of the electromagnetic coil assembly 7. The magnetic sheets 10 further enhance the efficiency of the magnetic field of the electromagnetic coil assembly 7, thereby improving the response performance of the electromagnetic coil assembly 7 and saving power consumption.

[0037] Example 5: like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, in a further preferred embodiment, the first magnetic body 6 is provided with a guide hole, and a guide post 12 that mates with the guide hole is provided inside the movable cavity 5. With the guide hole provided, the first magnetic body 6 is annular, and the guide post 12 guides the first magnetic body 6, ensuring that the first magnetic body 6 does not shake within the movable cavity 5. This avoids additional noise and improves the user experience.

[0038] Example 6: like Figures 11 to 13 As shown, the difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 5 is that: In this embodiment, the movable cavity 5 is an open cavity. The guide post 12 guides and limits the first magnetic body 6, enabling the first magnetic body 6 to move linearly along the axial direction of the shaft core 2. At the same time, the cavity wall acts as a barrier, allowing the first magnetic body 6 to impact and generate vibration feedback during movement. The open cavity design makes the structure of the shaft core 2 simpler and facilitates production and assembly.

[0039] In this embodiment, the displacement sensor 3 is a through-beam optical sensor, including a transmitter and a receiver. The triggering structure is a baffle 15 disposed on the shaft core 2, and the baffle 15 has a V-shaped opening. The baffle 15 is used to block light outside the V-shaped opening. The light emitted by the transmitter passes through the V-shaped opening and is received by the receiver. The amount of blocked light changes with the displacement of the shaft core 2, and the optical sensor obtains the displacement of the shaft core 2 by detecting the change in light.

[0040] The present invention also provides an input device, the input device including a control circuit board 13 and a travel-adjustable tactile switch structure as described in the foregoing embodiments, the travel-adjustable tactile switch structure being disposed on the control circuit board 13. The control circuit board 13 is provided with a processor for executing feedback drive and processing and feeding back conduction signals.

[0041] The housing 1 is fixed on the control circuit board 13. The displacement sensor 3 and the electromagnetic coil assembly 7 are both connected to the control circuit board 13 and communicate with the processor through the printed circuit on the control circuit board 13, thereby realizing the synchronous operation of sending the conduction signal and vibration triggering.

[0042] Specifically, the input device can be a computer input device such as a mouse, keyboard, or game controller. By setting up the adjustable-touch switch structure, customizable buttons are provided to the user, improving the user experience. Figures 1 to 13 The structure shown is the switch structure when the input device is a mouse. Figure 14 and Figure 15 The structure shown is the switch structure when the input device is a keyboard. The main difference lies in adjusting the shape of the components to adapt to different scenarios.

[0043] in, Figure 14 The keyboard keys shown use Hall effect sensors as displacement sensors 3. Figure 15 The keyboard keys shown use through-beam optical sensors as displacement sensors 3.

[0044] Although the embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to actual solutions, they do not constitute a limitation on the meaning of the present invention. Modifications to the embodiments and combinations with other solutions based on this specification will be obvious to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A switch structure with adjustable travel tactile feedback, characterized in that: It includes a housing (1), a shaft (2), and a displacement sensor (3). The shaft (2) is movably disposed in the housing (1) via an elastic element (4). A movable cavity (5) is provided in the shaft (2). A first magnetic body (6) is movably disposed in the movable cavity (5). An electromagnetic coil assembly (7) is provided on the housing (1) to drive the first magnetic body (6) to move and generate impact vibration. The displacement sensor (3) detects the displacement of the shaft (2) and triggers the conduction.

2. The adjustable travel tactile switch structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The displacement sensor (3) is a Hall sensor, an inductive sensor, a capacitive sensor, or a photoelectric sensor, and the shaft core (2) is provided with a trigger structure that cooperates with the displacement sensor (3).

3. The adjustable travel tactile switch structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The shaft core (2) is also provided with a reset structure that drives the first magnetic body (6) to reset after movement.

4. The adjustable travel tactile switch structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The reset structure includes a second magnetic body (8) disposed on the shaft core (2), and the second magnetic body (8) magnetically engages with the first magnetic body (6).

5. The adjustable travel tactile switch structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The reset structure includes an elastic body (9) disposed in the active cavity (5), the elastic body (9) is in contact with the first magnetic body (6) and applies force to the first magnetic body (6).

6. The adjustable travel tactile switch structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electromagnetic coil assembly (7) includes several groups of coils stacked sequentially along the axial direction of the core (2); when trigger feedback is performed, at least one of the groups of coils magnetically engages with the first magnetic body (6).

7. The adjustable travel tactile switch structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer side of the electromagnetic coil assembly (7) is provided with several layers of magnetic sheets (10).

8. The adjustable travel tactile switch structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The shaft core (2) is provided with a plurality of exhaust holes (11), which connect the movable cavity (5) to the outside atmosphere.

9. The adjustable travel tactile switch structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first magnetic body (6) is provided with a guide hole, and the movable cavity (5) is provided with a guide post (12) that cooperates with the guide hole.

10. An input device, characterized in that: It includes a control circuit board (13) and a travel-adjustable tactile switch structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, the travel-adjustable tactile switch structure being disposed on the control circuit board (13).

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