Short-shaft key switch

Abstract

The short-shaft key switch comprises a base, an upper cover, a shaft core, a PCB (Printed Circuit Board), a reset elastic piece, a magnetic piece and a magnetic sensing element, the upper cover is connected with the base, a containing cavity is formed in the upper cover, one end of the shaft core is arranged on the outer side of the upper cover, the other end of the shaft core penetrates through the upper cover to be arranged in the containing cavity, the reset elastic piece is installed in the containing cavity, the reset elastic piece enables the other end of the shaft core to abut against and be clamped in the containing cavity in the normal state, the PCB is connected with the base, and the magnetic sensing element is installed on the PCB. And the magnetic sensing element is arranged corresponding to the magnetic part, so that when the shaft core is pressed, the magnetic part and the magnetic sensing element generate an induction switching signal. As the magnetic part is not in contact with the magnetic sensing element, the abrasion of the conducting part after long-term use is effectively avoided, the service life is effectively prolonged, the use stability and safety of the short-axis key switch are ensured, and the normal conducting and disconnecting functions of the short-axis key switch are ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of switch technology, and more specifically, to a low-profile key switch. Background Art

[0002] The keyboard is the most commonly used and most important input device. English letters, Chinese characters, numbers, punctuation marks, etc. can be input into the computer through the keyboard, so as to issue commands to the computer, input data, etc. Its functions are mainly realized through key switches. The key switches are touch switches. When in use, pressure is applied in the switch operation direction under the condition of satisfying the operating force to close the switch function, and when the pressure is removed, the switch is disconnected.

[0003] Most keyboards on the market are usually regular height keyboards, but regular height keyboards are not easy to carry. Therefore, a low-profile keyboard was invented. The low-profile keyboard shortens the length of the shaft core and reduces the movable space of the shaft cavity. Its longitudinal length is more than 1 / 3 shorter than that of a regular mechanical shaft, so that it can be easy to carry. However, the current low-profile keyboard mainly triggers the static piece through the movement of the moving piece to realize the on and off functions of the key switch. After long-term use, the contact surface between the static piece and the moving piece is easy to wear and has a short service life, which affects the stability and safety of the key switch and even makes it impossible to realize the on and off functions. Utility Model Content

[0004] The present application aims to overcome the problem described in the above background technology that the current low-axis keyboard mainly triggers the static plate through the movement of the moving plate to achieve the on and off functions of the key switch. After long-term use, the contact surfaces of the static plate and the moving plate are easily worn and have a short service life, which affects the stability and safety of the key switch and even makes it impossible to achieve the on and off functions. A low-axis key switch is provided.

[0005] In order to solve the above technical problems, the technical solution adopted in this application is:

[0006] A short shaft key switch, comprising: a base, an upper cover, a shaft core, a PCB board, a reset elastic part, a magnetic part and a magnetic sensor element;

[0007] The upper cover is connected to the base and forms an accommodating cavity inside. One end of the shaft core is arranged on the outer side of the upper cover, and the other end passes through the upper cover and is arranged in the accommodating cavity. The reset elastic member is installed in the accommodating cavity, and the reset elastic member holds the other end of the shaft core in the accommodating cavity under normal conditions. The PCB board is connected to the base, and the magnetic sensor element is installed on the PCB board and is correspondingly arranged with the magnetic member, so that when the shaft core is pressed, the magnetic member and the magnetic sensor element generate an induction switching signal.

[0008] In one embodiment, a through hole is formed on the PCB board, and a supporting column is protruded downward from the base and matched with the through hole. The supporting column passes through the through hole, and a bottom groove for accommodating components is formed inside the supporting column.

[0009] In one embodiment, an abutment portion is provided on the shaft core, and a sound-generating platform matched with the abutment portion is provided at the bottom of the bottom groove, so that when the shaft core is pressed to slide downward, the abutment portion abuts against the sound-generating platform to generate sound.

[0010] In one embodiment, a positioning ring is provided at the bottom of the bottom groove, and the sounding platform is provided in the positioning ring, and an oil storage groove for storing excess lubricating oil between the shaft core and the positioning ring is formed between the positioning ring and the sounding platform.

[0011] In one embodiment, a clamping block is protruding outward from the circumference of the shaft core, a receiving groove is formed on the clamping block, and the magnetic member is clamped in the receiving groove.

[0012] In one embodiment, a rib for fastening the magnetic member is disposed on the inner surface of the receiving groove.

[0013] In one embodiment, the magnetic member is configured as a magnet, and the magnetic sensor element is configured as a Hall element.

[0014] In one embodiment, a main guide portion is disposed on the base, and a secondary guide portion cooperating with the main guide portion is disposed on the shaft core. The main guide portion cooperates with the secondary guide portion to guide the shaft core in a directional manner.

[0015] In one embodiment, the main guide portion is configured as a track groove, the auxiliary guide portion is configured as a guide rail, and the guide rail is slidably connected with the track groove.

[0016] In one embodiment, a sound-generating spring is installed in the accommodating cavity, so that when the shaft core slides downward, the sound-generating spring strikes and makes a sound.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effect is as follows: by installing the magnetic sensor element on the PCB board and the magnetic part on the right side of the shaft core, when the shaft core is pressed, the shaft core can slide in the accommodating cavity and drive the magnetic part above it to slide down, so that the magnetic sensor element can be induced, thereby switching the signal. When the pressure is removed, the reset elastic part drives the shaft core to move up and return to its original position. During this period, the magnetic sensor element and the magnetic part are induced to switch the signal again. Because the magnetic part and the magnetic sensor element have no contact, the conductive parts can be effectively prevented from being worn after long-term use, thereby effectively extending the service life, ensuring the stability and safety of the use of the short shaft key switch, and ensuring its normal conduction and disconnection functions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 It is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of a low-profile key switch of the present application;

[0019] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional structural diagram of an embodiment of a low-axis key switch of the present application;

[0020] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of an embodiment of a low-profile key switch of the present application;

[0021] Figure 4 It is a partial cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of a low-axis key switch of the present application;

[0022] Figure 5 It is a partial structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of a low-profile key switch of the present application.

[0023] 10. Low-profile push button switch; 100. Base; 110. Accommodating cavity; 120. Bearing column; 121. Bottom groove; 122. Sounding platform; 123. Oil accumulation groove; 124. Positioning ring; 130. Main guide part; 200. Upper cover; 300. Shaft core; 310. Abutment part; 320. Clamping block; 321. Accommodating groove; 322. Raised rib; 330. Auxiliary guide part; 400. PCB board; 410. Perforation; 500. Reset elastic member; 600. Magnetic member; 700. Magnetic sensor element; 800. Sounding shrapnel. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The technical solution of the present application is further described in detail below through specific embodiments and in combination with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0025] Example 1

[0026] like Figures 1 to 5As shown, in this embodiment, a short shaft key switch 10 includes: a base 100, an upper cover 200, a shaft core 300, a PCB board 400, a reset elastic member 500, a magnetic member 600 and a magnetic sensor element 700; the upper cover 200 is connected to the base 100 and forms a receiving cavity 110 inside, one end of the shaft core 300 is arranged on the outer side of the upper cover 200, and the other end passes through the upper cover 200 and is arranged in the receiving cavity 110, the reset elastic member 500 is installed in the receiving cavity 110, and the reset elastic member 500 holds the other end of the shaft core 300 against the card in the receiving cavity 110 under normal conditions, the PCB board 400 is connected to the base 100, and the magnetic sensor element 700 is installed on the PCB board 400 and is arranged corresponding to the magnetic member 600, so that when the shaft core 300 is pressed, the magnetic member 600 and the magnetic sensor element 700 generate an induction switching signal.

[0027] Specifically, the bottom end of the upper cover 200 is engaged with the top end of the base 100, a pressing hole is provided on the top surface of the upper cover 200, the top end of the shaft core 300 is provided on the upper cover 200, and the bottom end is provided in the accommodating cavity 110 through the pressing hole, the top end of the reset elastic member 500 is abutted against and provided on the shaft core 300, and the bottom end of the reset elastic member 500 is connected to the side wall of the accommodating cavity 110. A Hall element is welded on the PCB board 400, and two through holes are provided on the PCB board 400. Two protrusions are provided on the outer surface of the bottom end of the base 100, and each protrusion is inserted into a through hole to complete the installation of the PCB board 400 and the base 100. The magnetic sensor element 700 is provided corresponding to the magnetic member 600, and the magnetic sensor element 700 can be installed on the top of the PCB board 400 or on the bottom of the PCB board 400 according to actual production needs. Among them, the reset elastic member 500 is provided as a spring.

[0028] It is worth noting that by installing the magnetic sensor element 700 on the PCB board 400 and the magnetic part 600 on the right side of the shaft core 300, when the shaft core 300 is pressed, the shaft core 300 can slide in the accommodating cavity 110 and drive the magnetic part 600 above it to slide down, so that the magnetic sensor element 700 can be induced, thereby switching the signal. When the pressure is removed, the reset elastic part 500 drives the shaft core 300 to move up and return to its original position. During this period, the magnetic sensor element 700 and the magnetic part 600 are induced to switch the signal again. Because the magnetic part 600 and the magnetic sensor element 700 have no contact, the conductive parts are effectively prevented from being worn after long-term use, thereby effectively extending the service life, ensuring the stability and safety of the use of the short shaft key switch 10, and ensuring its normal conduction and disconnection functions.

[0029] In order to facilitate the installation and use of the short shaft key switch 10, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, in one embodiment, a through hole 410 is opened on the PCB board 400, and the base 100 protrudes downward and is provided with a supporting column 120 that cooperates with the through hole 410. The supporting column 120 is set through the through hole 410, and the supporting column 120 has a bottom groove 121 for accommodating components.

[0030] Specifically, a through hole 410 is provided in the middle of the PCB board 400, and a bearing column 120 is provided at the bottom center of the base 100 protruding downward. The cross-sectional shape of the bearing column 120 is set to be circular, and the shape of the through hole 410 is adapted to the shape of the bearing column 120. The bottom end of the bearing column 120 is set through the through hole 410, and the bottom groove 121 is used to position and install the reset elastic member 500. The bottom end of the shaft core 300 is a column, and the bottom groove 121 can be used to accommodate the column to facilitate the up and down sliding of the shaft core 300. In this way, by providing the bearing column 120, the pressing stroke of the shaft core 300 can be effectively guaranteed, that is, while ensuring that the feedback sense of the short shaft key switch 10 is roughly the same as that of the conventional key switch, the overall volume of the key switch is shortened, which is convenient for carrying. In this way, the practicality of the short shaft key switch 10 is effectively increased.

[0031] In order to ensure the feedback feeling of the short shaft key switch 10 when pressed, Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, in one embodiment, an abutment portion 310 is provided on the shaft core 300, and a sounding platform 122 matching the abutment portion 310 is provided at the bottom of the bottom groove 121, so that when the shaft core 300 is pressed to slide downward, the abutment portion 310 abuts against the sounding platform 122 to produce sound.

[0032] Specifically, the column of the shaft core 300 is provided with an abutting portion 310, and the abutting portion 310 is provided to protrude downward, and the bottom of the bottom groove 121 is provided with a sounding platform 122 protruding upward, and the sounding platform 122 is provided corresponding to the abutting portion 310. When the shaft core 300 slides downward to the bottom, the abutting portion 310 collides with the sounding platform 122 to make a sound, and at this time, a crisp sound can be made, which effectively increases the user feedback and increases the practicality of the low-profile key switch 10.

[0033] In one embodiment, the shape of the sounding platform 122 can be a truncated cone. It can be understood that the shape of the sounding platform 122 can be set according to actual production requirements. For example, the shape of the sounding platform 122 can be cylindrical, square or conical.

[0034] It is understandable that in order to ensure smooth pressing movement of the shaft body, lubricating oil is added inside the shaft body. If the lubricating oil is not well controlled and too much oil is added, the lubricating oil will flow to the bottom of the base 100. In this way, when the shaft core 300 is pressed to the bottom, there is lubricating oil between the bottom of the shaft core 300 and the base 100. Because the lubricating oil has a certain viscosity, when pressing, it will cause the pressing feel to be unclear. In order to avoid this situation, in one embodiment, a positioning ring 124 is provided at the bottom of the bottom groove 121, and the sounding platform 122 is provided in the positioning ring 124, and an oil accumulation groove 123 for storing excess lubricating oil between the shaft core 300 and the positioning ring 124 is formed between the positioning ring 124 and the sounding platform 122.

[0035] Specifically, a positioning ring 124 is protruding from the bottom of the bottom groove 121. The positioning ring 124 is used to position and install the bottom end of the reset elastic member 500, and the column of the shaft core 300 slides on the inner side of the positioning ring 124 to limit the sliding direction of the shaft core 300. An oil accumulation groove 123 is formed between the positioning ring 124 and the sounding platform 122. By accumulating excess lubricating oil in the oil accumulation groove 123, it is possible to prevent the lubricating oil from flowing between the shaft core 300 and the base 100, so as to prevent the sound from being unclear when the shaft body is pressed. That is, the lubricating oil can be accumulated in the oil accumulation groove 123, so as to prevent the lubricating oil from being present between the abutting portion 310 and the sounding platform 122.

[0036] It is understandable that the space of the short shaft key switch 10 is small, and the column of the shaft core 300 cannot be installed with the magnetic member 600. In order to facilitate the installation of the magnetic member 600, as shown in FIG. Figures 2 to 5 As shown, in one embodiment, a clamping block 320 is protruding outward from the circumference of the shaft core 300 , and a receiving groove 321 is formed on the clamping block 320 , and the magnetic member 600 is clamped in the receiving groove 321 .

[0037] Specifically, a clamping block 320 is installed on the right side of the top of the shaft core 300, and a receiving groove 321 is provided on the top surface of the clamping block 320. The magnetic member 600 is embedded and clamped in the receiving groove 321, so that the magnetic member 600 can be installed on the shaft core 300, which is convenient for the installation of the magnetic member 600. It is understandable that the magnetic member 600 can also be installed according to actual production requirements. For example, the magnetic member 600 can be installed at the bottom end of the shaft core 300 and spaced from the column; for another example, there is an installation groove at the bottom of the shaft core 300, and the magnetic member 600 can be installed in the installation groove.

[0038] In order to facilitate the fixed installation of the magnetic member 600, as Figures 3 to 5 As shown, in one embodiment, a rib 322 for fastening the magnetic member 600 is disposed on the inner surface of the receiving groove 321 .

[0039] Specifically, the shaft core 300 fastens the magnetic member 600 through the convex rib 322, and the fastening effect of the convex rib 322 effectively prevents the magnetic member 600 from easily detaching from the shaft core 300. It is understandable that the method of fixing the magnetic member 600 is not limited to the method of tight fitting, and can also be installed on the shaft core 300 by other methods such as riveting or gluing.

[0040] In order to facilitate the induction between the magnetic member 600 and the magnetic sensor element 700, in one embodiment, the magnetic member 600 is configured as a magnet, and the magnetic sensor element 700 is configured as a Hall element.

[0041] Specifically, the magnet is installed in the accommodating groove 321, and the Hall element is installed on the bottom surface of the PCB board 400. When the shaft core 300 drives the magnet to slide down to a certain distance, the magnet and the Hall element generate an induction switching signal.

[0042] In order to facilitate the sliding of the shaft core 300, as Figures 3 to 5 As shown, in one embodiment, a main guide portion 130 is disposed on the base 100, and a secondary guide portion 330 matched with the main guide portion 130 is disposed on the shaft core 300. The main guide portion 130 cooperates with the secondary guide portion 330 to guide the shaft core 300 to slide in a directional manner.

[0043] Specifically, main guide parts 130 are provided on both sides of the base 100, and auxiliary guide parts 330 are provided on both sides of the shaft core 300. Through the guiding cooperation between the main guide parts 130 and the auxiliary guide parts 330, the sliding direction of the shaft core 300 can be guided, so that the sliding of the shaft core 300 is facilitated.

[0044] In order to facilitate the guidance of the main guide part 130 and the auxiliary guide part 330, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown, in one embodiment, the main guide portion 130 is configured as a track groove, and the auxiliary guide portion 330 is configured as a guide rail, and the guide rail is slidably connected with the track groove.

[0045] Specifically, the shape of the guide rail is matched with the shape of the track groove. When the shaft core 300 slides, the guide rail slides in the track groove, so that the shaft core 300 is easily guided and limited.

[0046] In order to increase the sense of feedback, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in one embodiment, a sound-generating spring piece 800 is installed in the accommodating cavity 110 so that when the shaft core 300 slides downward, the sound-generating spring piece 800 strikes and makes a sound.

[0047] Specifically, the sound is emitted by the sound-generating spring piece 800 hitting the inner surface of the accommodating cavity 110, and a sense of segmentation is generated, thereby effectively increasing the sense of feedback during use. The manner in which the sound-generating spring piece 800 generates sound is known to those skilled in the art and is achievable, and is not described in detail in this embodiment.

[0048] Example 2

[0049] This embodiment is a further preferred embodiment of the embodiment 1. In this embodiment, a chamfer is provided on the abutting portion 310 .

[0050] Specifically, by providing a chamfer at the bottom end of the abutting portion 310 , the contact area between the abutting portion 310 and the sounding platform 122 is made smaller, and the sound generated when the abutting platform and the sounding platform 122 abut is clearer.

[0051] Example 3

[0052] This embodiment is a further preferred embodiment of the first embodiment. In this embodiment, a chamfer is provided on the top side wall of the bottom groove 121 .

[0053] Specifically, by providing a chamfer on the top side wall of the bottom groove 121 , it is convenient to insert the bottom end of the resetting elastic member 500 into the bottom groove 121 .

[0054] In one embodiment, the cross-sectional area of ​​the top end of the positioning ring 124 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the bottom end.

[0055] Specifically, by setting the cross-sectional area of ​​the top end of the positioning ring 124 to be smaller, it is convenient for the bottom end of the resetting elastic member 500 to be sleeved on the positioning ring 124 .

[0056] The drawings are only for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limitations on this patent. In order to better illustrate this embodiment, some parts of the drawings may be omitted, enlarged, or reduced, and do not represent the size of the actual product. For those skilled in the art, it is understandable that some well-known structures and their descriptions in the drawings may be omitted. The positional relationships described in the drawings are only for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limitations on this patent. In addition, it should also be understood that the thickness, length, width, and other dimensions of the various components in the embodiments of the present application shown in the drawings, as well as the overall thickness, length, width, and other dimensions of the integrated device are only for illustrative purposes and should not constitute any limitation on this application.

[0057] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meaning as those generally understood by technicians in the technical field of this application; the terms used in the specification of the application are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit this application; the terms "including" and "having" in the specification and claims of this application and the above-mentioned figure descriptions and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. The same or similar reference numerals in the drawings of the embodiments of this application correspond to the same or similar components; in the description of this application, it should be understood that if there are terms such as "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "long", "short" and the like indicating the orientation or position relationship based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the drawings, it is only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, so the terms describing the position relationship in the drawings are only used for exemplary description and cannot be understood as a limitation of this patent. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0058] In addition, the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance. "Vertical" is not strictly perpendicular, but within the error tolerance range. "Parallel" is not strictly parallel, but within the error tolerance range. In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", "connected", and "attached" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be directly connected, or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, or it can be the internal communication of two elements. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances. In the description of the embodiments of the present application, the orientation or position relationship indicated by the technical terms "thickness", "inside", "outside", etc. is based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the drawings, which is only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of the present application and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the embodiments of the present application.

[0059] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present application are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present application, and are not intended to limit the implementation methods of the present application. For those of ordinary skill in the art, other different forms of changes or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is not necessary and impossible to list all implementation methods here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present application should be included in the protection scope of the claims of the present application.

Claims

1. A low-profile key switch, characterized in that: include: A base (100), an upper cover (200), an axis core (300), a PCB board (400), a resetting elastic member (500), a magnetic member (600) and a magnetic sensor element (700); The upper cover (200) is connected to the base (100) and forms an accommodating cavity (110) therein; one end of the shaft core (300) is arranged on the outer side of the upper cover (200), and the other end passes through the upper cover (200) and is arranged in the accommodating cavity (110); the reset elastic member (500) is installed in the accommodating cavity (110), and the reset elastic member (500) holds the other end of the shaft core (300) against the accommodating cavity (110) under normal conditions; the PCB board (400) is connected to the base (100); the magnetic sensor element (700) is installed on the PCB board (400) and is arranged corresponding to the magnetic member (600), so that when the shaft core (300) is pressed, the magnetic member (600) and the magnetic sensor element (700) generate an induction switching signal.

2. The low-profile key switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The PCB board (400) is provided with a through hole (410), the base (100) protrudes downward and is provided with a bearing column (120) that matches the through hole (410), the bearing column (120) is arranged through the through hole (410), and the bearing column (120) has a bottom groove (121) for accommodating components.

3. The low-profile key switch according to claim 2, characterized in that: The shaft core (300) is provided with an abutment portion (310), and the bottom of the bottom groove (121) is provided with a sound-generating platform (122) matched with the abutment portion (310), so that when the shaft core (300) is pressed to slide downward, the abutment portion (310) abuts against the sound-generating platform (122) to generate sound.

4. The low-profile key switch according to claim 3, characterized in that: A positioning ring (124) is provided at the bottom of the bottom groove (121), and the sounding platform (122) is arranged in the positioning ring (124). An oil storage groove (123) for storing excess lubricating oil between the shaft core (300) and the positioning ring (124) is formed between the positioning ring (124) and the sounding platform (122).

5. The low-profile key switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: A clamping block (320) is protruding outwardly from the peripheral side of the shaft core (300), a receiving groove (321) is provided on the clamping block (320), and the magnetic member (600) is clamped in the receiving groove (321).

6. The low-profile key switch according to claim 5, characterized in that: A convex rib (322) for fastening the magnetic member (600) is provided on the inner surface of the accommodating groove (321).

7. The low-profile key switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The magnetic member (600) is configured as a magnet, and the magnetic sensor element (700) is configured as a Hall element.

8. The low-profile key switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The base (100) is provided with a main guide portion (130), and the shaft core (300) is provided with a secondary guide portion (330) that cooperates with the main guide portion (130). The main guide portion (130) and the secondary guide portion (330) cooperate to guide the shaft core (300) to slide in a directional manner.

9. The low-profile key switch according to claim 8, characterized in that: The main guide portion (130) is configured as a track groove, and the auxiliary guide portion (330) is configured as a guide rail, and the guide rail is slidably connected with the track groove.

10. The low-profile key switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: A sound-generating spring piece (800) is installed in the accommodating cavity (110), so that when the shaft core (300) slides downward, the sound-generating spring piece (800) strikes and generates sound.

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