A keycap with switchable press end

Abstract

This invention discloses a keycap with a switchable press end, comprising a keycap body, a slider on the keycap body, a manual toggle switch on the outer side of the slider, and a mechanical button trigger end on the inner side of the slider. This invention offers significant advantages over existing technologies. First, it simplifies the structure, abandoning complex patterns and using a slider and slide rail in conjunction with the main control board buttons to achieve function switching, reducing the number of components and assembly difficulty. Second, it improves circuit stability by eliminating flexible connecting wires and avoiding poor contact. Third, it reduces costs by decreasing raw material and labor costs. Fourth, it facilitates maintenance and troubleshooting. Fifth, it saves space, contributing to the miniaturization and thinning of devices. Sixth, it has strong compatibility, easily integrating with different components. Seventh, it expands functionality, offering precise multi-level switching, suitable for various handle buttons, and using Hall effect and optical switches to enrich functional scenarios and enhance the user experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of game controller button technology, and more particularly to a keycap with a switchable press end. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of electronic device button design, enabling a single keycap to switch between two or more button functions is of great significance for improving the ease of operation and functionality of the device. Currently, a common technical approach is to set multiple buttons inside the keycap and use a button switching mechanism to switch button positions. By aligning the button with the keycap position, the button function can be switched. For example, the structure disclosed in the utility model with Chinese Patent Publication No. CN 220070714 U, entitled "Game Controller with Trigger Button Hall Linearity and Mechanical Button Feel," illustrates this.

[0003] However, this existing technology has many drawbacks. Structurally, the design is unreasonable, requiring an additional switching mechanism on the main control circuit board and a separate button circuit board on the switching mechanism, resulting in a complex overall structure. Furthermore, the buttons or button circuit board need to be connected to the main control circuit board via flexible connecting cables. During long-term, repeated switching, the connecting cables are prone to poor contact, severely affecting circuit stability and reducing the reliability and lifespan of the equipment.

[0004] Besides the problems of complex structure and poor circuit stability, this existing technology also has the following drawbacks in practical applications:

[0005] High costs: The need for an additional switching mechanism, a separate button circuit board, and flexible connecting cables significantly increases raw material procurement costs. Furthermore, the complex structure increases assembly difficulty, prolongs production time, and leads to higher labor costs, resulting in a persistently high overall product cost and impacting market competitiveness.

[0006] High maintenance difficulty: When a malfunction occurs, due to the involvement of multiple components and complex connection lines, technicians need to spend a lot of time troubleshooting whether the problem lies in the switching mechanism, the button circuit board, or the flexible connection line, etc. The high maintenance difficulty and cost will also reduce user satisfaction with the product.

[0007] Large space occupation: The additional switching mechanism and button circuit board will take up more internal space. For some electronic devices with strict space requirements, such as thin and light laptops and small handheld game consoles, this design will limit the development of thinness and miniaturization of the device and cannot meet users' pursuit of device portability.

[0008] Therefore, developing a keycap with switchable press end to solve the problems of complex structure, poor circuit stability, high cost, difficult maintenance, and large space occupation of existing technologies has become an urgent problem to be solved by those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The present invention addresses the above-mentioned shortcomings by providing a keycap with a switchable press end.

[0010] The above-mentioned objective of the present invention is achieved by the following technical solution: a keycap with a switchable press end, comprising a keycap body, a slider on the keycap body, a manual toggle knob on the outer side of the slider, and a mechanical key trigger end on the inner side of the slider.

[0011] Furthermore, the keycap body is provided with a slide rail, and the slider is disposed on the slide rail.

[0012] Furthermore, the slide rail is a linear slide rail or a curved slide rail.

[0013] Furthermore, the slider has at least two sliding positions.

[0014] Furthermore, a positioning structure or positioning spring is provided between the keycap body and the slider to cooperate with each other.

[0015] Furthermore, the keycap body can be any one of the trigger keycaps, action keycaps, shoulder keycaps, or other function keycaps of a game controller.

[0016] Furthermore, the sliding position also includes mechanical buttons with staggered positions. The keycap body is provided with a magnet or a light path control part (light-blocking part or light-transmitting part). The magnet, together with the Hall element in the game controller, forms a Hall switch. The light path control part (light-blocking part or light-transmitting part), together with the optical element in the game controller, forms an optical switch.

[0017] Working principle of the invention:

[0018] When users need to switch key functions, they move the slider by operating the manual toggle switch located on the outside of the slider. Since the slider is mounted on the slide rail of the keycap body, which can be a linear or curved slide rail, this determines the slider's movement trajectory, providing users with different operation options.

[0019] The slider has at least two sliding positions, each corresponding to a different button function. When the slider moves to the corresponding position, the mechanical button trigger end on the inside of the slider will correspond to a different mechanical button inside the game controller (which can be a tactile button, a micro switch, or a conductive rubber button), thereby switching the button function.

[0020] The positioning structure or positioning spring that works between the keycap body and the slider plays a crucial role. When the slider moves to the target position, the positioning structure or positioning spring provides a certain amount of resistance and positioning effect, ensuring that the slider can stay stably at that position. This prevents the slider from moving unexpectedly due to misoperation or external interference, thus ensuring the stability and accuracy of key function switching.

[0021] When using the Hall effect button function as a trigger button, action button, shoulder button, or other function button on a game controller, moving the slider to the mechanical button offset position causes the magnet on the keycap to interact with the Hall element in the game controller to form a Hall switch, achieving linear button functionality. Similarly, when using the optical button function, moving the slider to the mechanical button offset position causes the light path control part (light-blocking or light-transmitting part) on the keycap to interact with the optical element in the game controller to form an optical switch, also achieving linear button functionality.

[0022] The advantages of this invention compared to the prior art are:

[0023] 1. Simplified Structure: It abandons the traditional complex approach of setting up switching mechanisms and independent key circuit boards on the main control circuit board. Instead, it achieves the function of switching between different keys on the same keycap simply by setting a slider with a manual toggle and a mechanical key trigger on the keycap itself, combined with a slide rail design and keys directly mounted on the main control circuit board. This eliminates the need for additional complex switching mechanisms and independent circuit boards, significantly simplifying the overall structure, reducing the number of parts, and lowering assembly difficulty.

[0024] 2. Improved circuit stability: By eliminating the flexible connection wire between the buttons or button circuit board and the main control circuit board, the problem of poor contact caused by repeated switching of the connection wire is fundamentally avoided, which significantly improves the stability of the circuit, enhances the reliability of the equipment, and extends the service life of the equipment.

[0025] 3. Reduced costs: The simplified structure reduces raw material procurement costs. At the same time, fewer parts and a simpler assembly process shorten production time and reduce labor costs, thereby lowering the overall cost of the product and enhancing its price competitiveness in the market.

[0026] 4. Easy to maintain: The simple structural design makes troubleshooting easier, allowing technicians to quickly locate the problem, greatly reducing maintenance difficulty and cost, improving maintenance efficiency, and enhancing user satisfaction with after-sales service.

[0027] 5. Space saving: This design eliminates the need for additional large switching mechanisms and independent circuit boards, reducing the space occupied inside the device and enabling a thinner and smaller design that meets users' needs for device portability.

[0028] 6. Strong compatibility: The keycap design is relatively independent and easy to match with different models of main control circuit boards or other electronic components. It has good compatibility, which facilitates product upgrades and integration with other new technologies, and is conducive to the expansion of product functions and the improvement of performance.

[0029] 7. Functional Expansion: The slider has at least two sliding positions, which, together with the positioning structure or positioning spring, make the button switching more precise and stable; the keycap body can be used as keycaps for various buttons on the game controller, making it widely applicable; a magnet is set to form a Hall switch with the Hall element in the game controller, and a light-shielding part or a light-transmitting part is set to form an optical switch with the optical element in the game controller, further enriching the functions and application scenarios of the buttons and improving the user operating experience. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the slider being positioned at point A in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Sectional view at point AA.

[0034] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the slider being positioned at the second gear (B) in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the slider being located at position three (C) in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating the three sliding positions in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of one side of the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the other side of the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 10 A top view of the slider in the first position in the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 Sectional view at point BB.

[0041] Figure 12A top view of the slider in the second embodiment of the present invention, showing the slider in the second position.

[0042] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 Sectional view at point CC.

[0043] Figure 14 A three-dimensional structural diagram of one side of the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 15 A three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of another side of the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 16 A schematic diagram of the slider in the first position in the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 17 A schematic diagram of the slider in the second position in the third embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0047] The invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0048] Example 1: Trigger keycap: such as Figures 1 to 7 As shown, a keycap with a switchable press end includes a keycap body 1, which is a trigger keycap for a game controller. A linear slide rail 2 (or an arc slide rail in other embodiments) is provided on the keycap body 1, and a slider 3 is mounted on the linear slide rail 2, allowing the slider 3 to slide smoothly on the linear slide rail 2. A manual toggle 4 is provided on the outer side of the slider 3 for convenient operation with the user's fingers; a mechanical button trigger end 5 is installed on the inner side of the slider 3, which cooperates with a mechanical button 8 (which can be a tactile button, a micro switch, or a conductive rubber button).

[0049] Slider 3 has three sliding positions, each corresponding to a different trigger button function. For example, position one is light trigger shooting, position two is normal shooting, and position three is powerful shooting.

[0050] A positioning structure, consisting of a groove 6 and a raised point 7, is provided between the keycap body 1 and the slider 3. When the slider 3 moves to different positions, the raised point 7 engages with the corresponding groove 6, providing resistance and positioning to ensure that the slider 3 remains stably in place.

[0051] The keycap body 1 is provided with a magnet 11, and a Hall element is provided in the corresponding position in the game controller. The two work together to form a Hall switch.

[0052] Work process:

[0053] Mechanical Button Function Operation: When using the game controller, to switch the mechanical button function of the trigger, the user can move the slider 3 along the linear slide rail 2 by flicking the manual switch 4 on the outside of the slider 3. When the slider 3 is moved to position A, the mechanical button trigger end 5 on the inside of the slider 3 contacts the corresponding light-trigger shot mechanical button inside the game controller. Pressing the trigger at this time will activate the light-trigger shot function. When the slider 3 is moved to position B, the mechanical button trigger end 5 contacts the corresponding normal shot mechanical button. Pressing the trigger will activate the normal shot function. The locking slots and blocks in the positioning structure ensure the stability of the slider 3 in each mechanical button position and prevent accidental operation.

[0054] Hall switch function enabled: When the user needs to use the Hall switch function of the trigger button, the slider 3 is moved to the mechanical button misalignment position C by manually turning the switch 4. In this position, the mechanical button trigger end 5 on the inside of the slider 3 is misaligned with the mechanical button inside the game controller and does not contact any mechanical button. At this time, when the trigger button is pressed, the magnet 11 on the keycap body 1 will change position with the action of the trigger button. The Hall element in the game controller can sense the change in the magnetic field of the magnet 11 and convert this change in magnetic field into an electrical signal and transmit it to the game device, thereby realizing a linear button function different from mechanical buttons. For example, in the game, it can realize more delicate and continuous shooting force control.

[0055] Example 2: Action key caps: such as Figures 8 to 13 As shown, a keycap with a switchable press end includes a keycap body 1, which is an action keycap for a game controller. A linear slide rail 2 is provided on the keycap body 1, and a slider 3 is installed on the linear slide rail 2. The slider 3 has a manual toggle 4 on its outer side and a mechanical button trigger end 5 on its inner side. The mechanical button trigger end 5 cooperates with a mechanical button 8 (which can be a tactile button, a micro switch, or a conductive rubber button).

[0056] Slider 3 has two sliding positions: the first position corresponds to the normal attack function of the action button, and the second position corresponds to the special attack function of the action button.

[0057] A positioning structure (a positioning spring may be used in other embodiments) is provided between the keycap body 1 and the slider 3. The positioning structure is in the form of a slot 9 and a block 10. When the slider 3 moves to different positions, the block 10 will engage with the corresponding slot 9, providing a certain resistance and positioning effect to ensure that the slider 3 stays stably.

[0058] Work process:

[0059] When a user needs to switch action key functions in the game, they can move the slider 3 on the linear slide rail 2 by flicking the manual lever 4 on the outside of the slider 3 with their finger.

[0060] When slider 3 moves to the first position, mechanical button trigger 5 triggers the mechanical button inside the game controller corresponding to the normal attack, thus performing the normal attack action.

[0061] When slider 3 is moved to the second position, the mechanical button trigger end 5 contacts the mechanical button corresponding to the special attack. Pressing the action button will activate the special attack. The positioning structure ensures the accurate position of slider 3 in each position and prevents accidental movement.

[0062] Example 3: Shoulder keycaps: such as Figures 14 to 17 As shown, a keycap with a switchable press end includes a keycap body 1, which is a shoulder button keycap of a game controller. The keycap body 1 has a linear slide rail 2, on which a slider 3 is mounted. The slider 3 slides on the linear slide rail 2. The slider 3 has a manual toggle 4 on its outer side and a mechanical button trigger end 5 on its inner side. The mechanical button trigger end 5 cooperates with a mechanical button 8 (which can be a tactile button, a microswitch, or a conductive rubber button).

[0063] Slider 3 has two sliding positions. One position is a mechanical button with staggered positions, and the other corresponds to different functions of the shoulder buttons, such as switching weapons in position one and opening the item bar in position two.

[0064] The keycap body 1 and the slider 3 are positioned by a positioning structure (such as positioning groove 6 and positioning protrusion 7).

[0065] Work process:

[0066] When the user needs to use the shoulder buttons' regular functions, they can manually move slider 3 to position one or two using toggle 4. The mechanical button trigger end 5 inside slider 3 will then contact the corresponding mechanical button to switch weapons or open the item bar.

[0067] Example 4: Other Function Keycaps (not shown): A keycap with switchable press end, comprising a keycap body, wherein the keycap body is an other function keycap (such as a custom function key) of the game controller. The keycap body is provided with an arc-shaped slide rail, a slider is mounted on the arc-shaped slide rail, the slider has a manual toggle on its outer side and a mechanical button trigger end on its inner side, the mechanical button trigger end cooperating with a mechanical button (which can be a tactile button, a micro switch, or a conductive rubber button).

[0068] The slider has three sliding positions, one of which is a mechanical button offset position, and the other two positions correspond to different custom functions, such as one position to activate the map and the other position to summon pets.

[0069] The keycap body and the slider are positioned using a positioning spring.

[0070] The keycap body has a light path control section (either a light-transmitting section or a light-blocking section), and optical components are installed in the corresponding positions in the game controller.

[0071] Work process:

[0072] When users need to use custom functions, they can manually move the slider to the corresponding position using the toggle switch. The mechanical button trigger will then activate the corresponding mechanical button, enabling the map to be activated or the pet to be summoned.

[0073] When the user needs to use the optical button function (linear button function), the slider is moved to the mechanical button offset position. At this time, the trigger end of the mechanical button is not in contact with the mechanical button. The light-transmitting part on the keycap body and the optical element in the game controller form an optical switch. When the button is pressed, light passes through the light-transmitting part and is sensed by the optical element. Depending on the degree of pressing, the light signal received by the optical element changes, thereby realizing the linear button function. For example, in games, it can realize the character's different movement speeds.

[0074] 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 keycap with switchable press end, comprising a keycap body, characterized in that: The keycap body is provided with a slider, the outside of which is provided with a manual toggle switch, and the inside of which is provided with a mechanical button trigger end.

2. The keycap with a switchable press end according to claim 1, characterized in that: The keycap body is provided with a slide rail, and the slider is disposed on the slide rail.

3. A keycap with a switchable press end according to claim 2, characterized in that: The slide rail can be a linear slide rail or a curved slide rail.

4. A keycap with a switchable press end according to claim 1, characterized in that: The slider has at least two sliding positions.

5. A keycap with a switchable press end according to claim 1, characterized in that: The keycap body and the slider are provided with a positioning structure or positioning spring that cooperates with each other.

6. A keycap with a switchable press end according to claim 1, characterized in that: The keycap body can be any one of the trigger keycaps, action keycaps, or shoulder keycaps of a game controller.

7. A keycap with a switchable press end according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sliding position also includes a mechanical button with staggered positions. The button cap body is provided with a magnet, and the magnet, together with the Hall element in the game controller, forms a Hall switch.

8. A keycap with a switchable press end according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sliding position also includes mechanical buttons with staggered positions. The keycap body is provided with an optical path control unit, which, together with the optical elements in the game controller, forms an optical switch.

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