Key shaft body and keyboard

Abstract

The utility model provides a key shaft body, and the key shaft body comprises a housing which comprises a hollow cavity; the middle part of the magnetic key shaft is arranged in the cavity, and the upper part and the lower part of the magnetic key shaft can extend out of the shell; the magnetic driving device is arranged in the cavity and used for applying acting force to the magnetic key shaft in the vertical direction; and the magnetic sensor is arranged in the cavity and is used for determining the position of the magnetic key shaft. According to the key shaft body disclosed by the invention, adjustable trigger pressure and trigger stroke can be realized, and a linear input function, a force feedback function and a vibration feedback function are provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the technical field of keyboards, and in particular to a key axis and a keyboard. Background Art

[0002] Each key axis of the current mechanical keyboard is an independent mechanical switch, which is controlled by a metal spring inside the switch. The trigger signal is transmitted through the mechanical axis to close the circuit. The trigger pressure of each key axis is fixed and cannot be adjusted. At the same time, the existing mechanical keyboard does not have the corresponding linear input function, force feedback function and vibration feedback function.

[0003] Therefore, people would like to provide a key axis and a keyboard to achieve adjustable trigger pressure and trigger travel, and provide linear input function, force feedback function and vibration feedback function. Utility Model Content

[0004] The present disclosure provides a key shaft and a keyboard to at least solve the above technical problems existing in the prior art.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a key shaft is provided, comprising: a shell, the shell comprising an internal hollow cavity; a magnetic key shaft, the middle portion of the magnetic key shaft is arranged in the cavity, and the upper and lower portions of the magnetic key shaft can extend out of the shell; a magnetic drive device, arranged inside the cavity, for applying a force to the magnetic key shaft in a vertical direction; and a magnetic sensor, arranged inside the cavity, for determining the position of the magnetic key shaft.

[0006] In one possible implementation manner, the shell includes a base and a cover, and the base and the cover cooperate to form an internal hollow cavity.

[0007] In one possible implementation manner, a protrusion is provided on the magnetic key shaft, and a slide rail is provided on the base, wherein the slide rail is perpendicular to the base; the protrusion is provided on the slide rail to limit the movement of the magnetic key shaft in the vertical direction.

[0008] In one possible implementation manner, the magnetic key shaft includes a shaft core and a magnet; the middle portion of the shaft core is disposed in the cavity and connected to the magnet; the upper portion of the shaft core can extend out of the cover body for connecting the keycap; and the lower portion of the shaft core can extend out of the base.

[0009] In one possible implementation manner, the key shaft also includes a spring; the spring is arranged inside the cavity, one end of the spring is connected to the base, and the other end of the spring is connected to the magnet, for applying force to the magnetic key shaft in a vertical direction.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the magnet includes a multi-level magnetic structure formed by alternatingly stacking two magnetic poles.

[0011] In one possible implementation manner, the magnetic drive device includes a first coil and a second coil, the first coil is parallel to the second coil, and the first coil and the second coil are parallel to the moving direction of the magnetic key axis; the first coil and the second coil are respectively arranged on both sides of the magnet, and the first coil and the second coil have different horizontal heights.

[0012] In one embodiment, the key shaft body also includes a controller; the controller is electrically connected to the magnetic drive device, and is used to control the magnitude and direction of the force applied by the magnetic drive device to the magnetic key shaft in the vertical direction according to the current magnitude and current direction of the coil included in the magnetic drive device; the controller is electrically connected to the magnetic sensor, and is used to adjust the current magnitude and current direction of the coil included in the magnetic drive device according to the position of the magnetic key shaft.

[0013] In one possible implementation manner, the magnetic sensor is a three-axis linear Hall sensor, and the three-axis linear Hall sensor is disposed at the bottom of the cavity to determine the position of the magnetic key axis.

[0014] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a keyboard is provided, comprising: a base and a plurality of the above-mentioned key shafts arranged on the base.

[0015] The key shaft disclosed in the present invention comprises: a shell, the shell comprising an internal hollow cavity; a magnetic key shaft, the middle portion of the magnetic key shaft is arranged in the cavity, and the upper and lower portions of the magnetic key shaft can extend out of the shell; a magnetic driving device, arranged in the cavity, for applying a force to the magnetic key shaft in a vertical direction; a magnetic sensor, arranged in the cavity, for determining the position of the magnetic key shaft. In this way, the key shaft disclosed in the present invention can achieve adjustable trigger pressure and trigger stroke, and provide linear input function, force feedback function, and vibration feedback function.

[0016] It should be understood that the content described in this section is not intended to identify the key or important features of the embodiments of the present disclosure, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Other features of the present disclosure will become easily understood through the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will become readily understood by reading the detailed description below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, several embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in an exemplary and non-limiting manner, in which:

[0018] In the drawings, the same or corresponding reference numerals represent the same or corresponding parts.

[0019] Figure 1 The schematic diagram of the structure of the key axis of the embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 1 ;

[0020] Figure 2 The schematic diagram of the structure of the key axis of the embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 2 ;

[0021] Figure 3 The schematic diagram of the structure of the key axis of the embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 3 ;

[0022] Figure 4 The schematic diagram of the structure of the key axis of the embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 4 .

[0023] Explanation of the numbers in the figure: 1. Shell; 11. Base; 12. Cover; 111. Slide rail; 2. Magnetic key shaft; 21. Protrusion; 22. Shaft core; 23. Magnet; 3. Magnetic drive device; 31. First coil; 32. Second coil; 4. Magnetic sensor; 5. Spring. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] In order to make the purpose, features, and advantages of the present disclosure more obvious and easy to understand, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present disclosure. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present disclosure, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0025] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, a key shaft body of an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a shell 1, the shell 1 includes an internal hollow cavity; a magnetic key shaft 2, the middle part of the magnetic key shaft 2 is arranged in the cavity, and the upper and lower parts of the magnetic key shaft 2 can extend out of the shell 1; a magnetic drive device 3, arranged inside the cavity, for applying a force to the magnetic key shaft 2 in a vertical direction; a magnetic sensor 4, arranged inside the cavity, for determining the position of the magnetic key shaft 2.

[0026] In some embodiments, the housing 1 includes a base 11 and a cover 12, the base 11 and the cover 12 cooperate to form an internal hollow cavity, and the base 11 and the cover 12 are connected by a snap. A slide rail 111 is provided on the base 1, and the slide rail 111 is perpendicular to the base 11, and the slide rail 111 is arranged inside the cavity. A protrusion 21 is provided on the magnetic key shaft 2, and the protrusion 21 is arranged on the slide rail 111. The protrusion 21 is slidably connected to the slide rail 111, and the protrusion 21 can slide up and down along the slide rail 111 to limit the movement of the magnetic key shaft 2 in the vertical direction. Among them, the base 11 and the cover 12 can be made of metal materials, and the base 11 and the cover 12 can also be made of non-metallic materials.

[0027] The key shaft of the disclosed embodiment can realize linear key position detection through a three-axis linear Hall sensor, while avoiding magnetic field interference generated by the coil, and providing a linear input function. The magnetic field generated by different coil currents realizes adjustable trigger pressure and trigger stroke, and the staggered coils and multi-level magnetic structure realize precise control of trigger pressure and trigger stroke. At the same time, the two relative sets of coils can offset most of the horizontal force, so that the magnetic key shaft can move vertically smoothly. By changing the current size and current direction passing through the coil included in the magnetic drive device, the force feedback function and vibration feedback function of the key shaft are realized. The key shaft does not require a mechanical switch, reduces the structure of the contact spring, and improves the service life of the key shaft.

[0028] In some embodiments, the magnetic key shaft 2 includes a shaft core 22 and a magnet 23; the middle part of the shaft core 22 is arranged in the cavity and connected to the magnet 23; the upper part of the shaft core 22 can extend out of the cover 12 for connecting the keycap; the lower part of the shaft core 22 can extend out of the base 11. The key shaft body also includes a spring 5; the spring 5 is arranged inside the cavity, one end of the spring 5 is connected to the base 11, and the other end of the spring 5 is connected to the magnet 23, which is used to apply a force to the magnetic key shaft 2 in the vertical direction. Among them, the shaft core 22 can be a non-metallic material, the middle part of the shaft core 22 is arranged in the cavity, the shaft core 22 is fixedly connected to the magnet 23, and the shaft core 22 can drive the magnet 23 to move up and down. When the keycap is pressed, the shaft core 22 can drive the magnet 23 to move downward, and the spring 5 is compressed; when the keycap is released, due to the elastic effect of the spring 5, the magnet 23 can drive the shaft core 22 to move upward.

[0029] The key shaft of the disclosed embodiment can realize linear key position detection through a three-axis linear Hall sensor, while avoiding magnetic field interference generated by the coil, and providing a linear input function. The magnetic field generated by different coil currents realizes adjustable trigger pressure and trigger stroke, and the staggered coils and multi-level magnetic structure realize precise control of trigger pressure and trigger stroke. At the same time, the two relative sets of coils can offset most of the horizontal force, so that the magnetic key shaft can move vertically smoothly. By changing the current size and current direction passing through the coil included in the magnetic drive device, the force feedback function and vibration feedback function of the key shaft are realized. The key shaft does not require a mechanical switch, reduces the structure of the contact spring, and improves the service life of the key shaft.

[0030] In some embodiments, the magnetic drive device 3 includes a first coil 31 and a second coil 32, the first coil 31 is parallel to the second coil 32, and the first coil 31 and the second coil 32 are parallel to the moving direction of the magnetic key shaft 2; the first coil 31 and the second coil 32 are respectively arranged on both sides of the magnet 23, and the horizontal heights of the first coil 31 and the second coil 32 are different. The magnetic drive device 3 can apply an upward or downward force to the magnet 23 in the vertical direction. Among them, the magnet 23 can be composed of two magnetic poles, the N (north) pole and the S (south) pole. The magnet 23 can also include a multi-level magnetic structure formed by alternating stacking of two magnetic poles, and the multi-level magnetic structure can be formed by alternating stacking of N poles and S poles. For example, the multi-level magnetic structure includes six layers of magnetic poles, wherein the first layer is an N pole, the second layer is an S pole, the third layer is an N pole, the fourth layer is an S pole, the fifth layer is an N pole, and the sixth layer is an S pole. The first coil 31 and the second coil 32 can be energized. According to the current magnitude and current direction of the first coil 31 and the second coil 32, when the magnet 23 moves up and down, the first coil 31 and the second coil can apply an upward or downward force to the magnet 23 in the vertical direction. The first coil 31 and the second coil 32 can apply equal magnetic forces in opposite directions to the magnet 23 in the horizontal direction, and the magnetic forces applied by the first coil 31 and the second coil 32 to the magnet 23 in the horizontal direction can be offset. The first coil 31 can be fixedly connected to the base 11, and the second coil 32 can also be fixedly connected to the base 11.

[0031] The key shaft of the disclosed embodiment can realize linear key position detection through a three-axis linear Hall sensor, while avoiding magnetic field interference generated by the coil, and providing a linear input function. The magnetic field generated by different coil currents realizes adjustable trigger pressure and trigger stroke, and the staggered coils and multi-level magnetic structure realize precise control of trigger pressure and trigger stroke. At the same time, the two relative sets of coils can offset most of the horizontal force, so that the magnetic key shaft can move vertically smoothly. By changing the current size and current direction passing through the coil included in the magnetic drive device, the force feedback function and vibration feedback function of the key shaft are realized. The key shaft does not require a mechanical switch, reduces the structure of the contact spring, and improves the service life of the key shaft.

[0032] In some embodiments, the key shaft body further includes a controller; the controller is electrically connected to the magnetic drive device 3, and is used to control the magnitude and direction of the force applied by the magnetic drive device 3 to the magnetic key shaft 2 in the vertical direction according to the magnitude and direction of the current of the coil included in the magnetic drive device 3; the controller is electrically connected to the magnetic sensor 4, and is used to adjust the magnitude and direction of the current of the coil included in the magnetic drive device 3 according to the position of the magnetic key shaft 2. The magnetic sensor 4 is fixedly connected to the base 11, and the magnetic sensor 4 can be a three-axis linear Hall sensor, which is arranged at the bottom of the cavity and is used to determine the position of the magnetic key shaft 2.

[0033] The key shaft of the disclosed embodiment can realize linear key position detection through a three-axis linear Hall sensor, while avoiding magnetic field interference generated by the coil, and providing a linear input function. The magnetic field generated by different coil currents realizes adjustable trigger pressure and trigger stroke, and the staggered coils and multi-level magnetic structure realize precise control of trigger pressure and trigger stroke. At the same time, the two relative sets of coils can offset most of the horizontal force, so that the magnetic key shaft can move vertically smoothly. By changing the current size and current direction passing through the coil included in the magnetic drive device, the force feedback function and vibration feedback function of the key shaft are realized. The key shaft does not require a mechanical switch, reduces the structure of the contact spring, and improves the service life of the key shaft.

[0034] In some embodiments, the key shaft can realize the functions of linear output and adjusting the trigger height. First, the controller can set the trigger position of the key shaft. When the key cap connected to the key shaft is pressed, the three-axis linear Hall sensor can detect the position of the magnetic key shaft 2 in real time and transmit the position of the magnetic key shaft 2 to the controller. When the position of the magnetic key shaft 2 is the same as the trigger position of the key shaft set by the controller, the key shaft linearly outputs the corresponding key position.

[0035] The key shaft of the disclosed embodiment can realize linear key position detection through a three-axis linear Hall sensor, while avoiding magnetic field interference generated by the coil, and providing a linear input function. The magnetic field generated by different coil currents realizes adjustable trigger pressure and trigger stroke, and the staggered coils and multi-level magnetic structure realize precise control of trigger pressure and trigger stroke. At the same time, the two relative sets of coils can offset most of the horizontal force, so that the magnetic key shaft can move vertically smoothly. By changing the current size and current direction passing through the coil included in the magnetic drive device, the force feedback function and vibration feedback function of the key shaft are realized. The key shaft does not require a mechanical switch, reduces the structure of the contact spring, and improves the service life of the key shaft.

[0036] In some embodiments, the key shaft can realize a vibration feedback function. When the controller receives a signal that needs to generate vibration feedback, the three-axis linear Hall sensor can detect the position of the magnetic key shaft 2 in real time, and transmit the position of the magnetic key shaft 2 to the controller. The controller adjusts the current magnitude and current direction of the first coil 31 and the second coil 32 included in the magnetic drive device 3 in real time according to the position of the magnetic key shaft 2. The magnet 23 is continuously subjected to the up and down forces applied by the magnetic drive device 3 in the vertical direction, thereby driving the magnetic key shaft 2 to move up and down to produce a vibration effect. In a vibration cycle, the magnetic key shaft 2 can move a certain distance upward and then move a certain distance downward, wherein the distance moved upward and the distance moved downward can be the same, and the distance moved upward and the distance moved downward can also be different. Preferably, in a vibration cycle, the magnetic key shaft 2 can move 4 mm upward and then move 4 mm downward. The embodiment of the present disclosure does not limit the specific distance moved upward and the distance moved downward.

[0037] The key shaft of the disclosed embodiment can realize linear key position detection through a three-axis linear Hall sensor, while avoiding magnetic field interference generated by the coil, and providing a linear input function. The magnetic field generated by different coil currents realizes adjustable trigger pressure and trigger stroke, and the staggered coils and multi-level magnetic structure realize precise control of trigger pressure and trigger stroke. At the same time, the two relative sets of coils can offset most of the horizontal force, so that the magnetic key shaft can move vertically smoothly. By changing the current size and current direction passing through the coil included in the magnetic drive device, the force feedback function and vibration feedback function of the key shaft are realized. The key shaft does not require a mechanical switch, reduces the structure of the contact spring, and improves the service life of the key shaft.

[0038] In some embodiments, the key shaft can realize the functions of force feedback and adjusting the trigger pressure. The controller can set the trigger pressure of the key shaft and the strength of the force feedback. The three-axis linear Hall sensor can detect the position of the magnetic key shaft 2 in real time and transmit the position of the magnetic key shaft 2 to the controller. The controller adjusts the current size and current direction of the first coil 31 and the second coil 32 included in the magnetic drive device 3 according to the position and trigger pressure of the magnetic key shaft 2, and applies a force in the vertical direction to the magnet 23 to suppress or strengthen the upward elastic force applied by the spring 5 to the magnet 23. In this way, the trigger pressure of the key shaft can be adjusted. The controller can also adjust the current size and current direction of the first coil 31 and the second coil 32 included in the magnetic drive device 3 according to the position and force feedback of the magnetic key shaft 2, and apply a force in the vertical direction to the magnet 23 to suppress or strengthen the upward elastic force applied by the spring 5 to the magnet 23. In this way, the force feedback of the key shaft can be realized.

[0039] As an example, the principle of force feedback generated by the interaction between the magnetic drive device 3 and the magnet 23 may include: taking the first coil 31 as an example, the magnet 23 is composed of two magnetic poles, the N pole and the S pole. The center of the first coil 31 can be aligned with the N-level center of the magnet 23. When the first coil 32 is fed with a counterclockwise current, according to the right-hand screw rule, the first coil 31 will generate an S-level magnetic field at the end close to the magnet 23. At this time, the first coil 31 will exert an upward force on the magnet 23, which can prevent the magnetic shaft 2 from moving downward. The magnitude of the current fed is different, and the force of the force feedback is also different. The larger the current, the stronger the force, and the smaller the current, the weaker the force. When the first coil 32 is fed with a counterclockwise current, according to the right-hand screw rule, the first coil 31 will generate an N-level magnetic field at the end close to the magnet 23. At this time, the first coil 31 will exert a downward force on the magnet 23, which can offset part of the upward elastic force of the spring to prevent the magnetic shaft 2 from moving upward.

[0040] The key shaft of the disclosed embodiment can realize linear key position detection through a three-axis linear Hall sensor, while avoiding magnetic field interference generated by the coil, and providing a linear input function. The magnetic field generated by different coil currents realizes adjustable trigger pressure and trigger stroke, and the staggered coils and multi-level magnetic structure realize precise control of trigger pressure and trigger stroke. At the same time, the two relative sets of coils can offset most of the horizontal force, so that the magnetic key shaft can move vertically smoothly. By changing the current size and current direction passing through the coil included in the magnetic drive device, the force feedback function and vibration feedback function of the key shaft are realized. The key shaft does not require a mechanical switch, reduces the structure of the contact spring, and improves the service life of the key shaft.

[0041] In some embodiments, a keyboard may include a base and a plurality of the above-mentioned key shafts disposed on the base. The controller may determine whether the keyboard is in use. When the keyboard is in use, the key shaft included in the keyboard may set the trigger pressure of the key shaft. After entering the application, the key shaft may provide corresponding vibration feedback and force feedback according to the vibration feedback signal and force feedback strength set by the application. When the keyboard is not in use, the first coil 31 and the second coil 32 are powered off, and only the key position corresponding to the key shaft is triggered based on the trigger pressure provided by the spring 5 itself, so as to achieve the purpose of power saving. The controller may determine whether the keyboard is in use by monitoring the keyboard input.

[0042] The keyboard of the disclosed embodiment can realize linear key position detection through the three-axis linear Hall sensor of the key shaft, while avoiding the interference of the magnetic field generated by the coil, and providing a linear input function. The magnetic field generated by different coil currents realizes adjustable trigger pressure and trigger stroke, the staggered coils and the multi-level magnetic structure realize precise control of the trigger pressure and trigger stroke, and the two relative sets of coils can offset most of the horizontal force, so that the magnetic key shaft can move vertically smoothly. By changing the current size and current direction passing through the coil included in the magnetic drive device, the force feedback function and vibration feedback function of the key shaft are realized. The key shaft does not require a mechanical switch, which reduces the structure of the contact spring and increases the service life of the key shaft in the keyboard.

[0043] It should be understood that the various forms of processes shown above can be used to reorder, add or delete steps. For example, the steps recorded in this disclosure can be executed in parallel, sequentially or in different orders, as long as the desired results of the technical solutions disclosed in this disclosure can be achieved, and this document does not limit this.

[0044] In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of the features. In the description of the present disclosure, the meaning of "plurality" is two or more, unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.

[0045] The above is only a specific embodiment of the present disclosure, but the protection scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art who is familiar with the technical field can easily think of changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the present disclosure, which should be included in the protection scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the protection scope of the present disclosure should be based on the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A key axis, characterized in that: The key shaft body comprises: A housing (1), wherein the housing (1) comprises a hollow cavity; A magnetic key shaft (2), wherein the middle portion of the magnetic key shaft (2) is arranged in the cavity, and the upper portion and the lower portion of the magnetic key shaft (2) are capable of extending out of the housing (1); A magnetic driving device (3) is arranged inside the cavity and is used to apply a force to the magnetic key shaft (2) in a vertical direction; the magnetic driving device (3) comprises a first coil (31) and a second coil (32), the first coil (31) is parallel to the second coil (32), and the first coil (31) and the second coil (32) are parallel to the moving direction of the magnetic key shaft (2); A magnetic sensor (4) is arranged inside the cavity and is used to determine the position of the magnetic key shaft (2).

2. The key shaft according to claim 1, characterized in that: The housing (1) comprises a base (11) and a cover (12), wherein the base (11) and the cover (12) cooperate to form an internal hollow cavity.

3. The key shaft according to claim 2, characterized in that: The magnetic key shaft (2) is provided with a protrusion (21), the base (11) is provided with a slide rail (111), and the slide rail (111) is perpendicular to the base (11); The protrusion (21) is arranged on the slide rail (111) to limit the movement of the magnetic key shaft (2) in the vertical direction.

4. The key shaft according to claim 2, characterized in that: The magnetic key shaft (2) comprises a shaft core (22) and a magnet (23); The middle part of the shaft core (22) is arranged in the cavity and connected to the magnet (23); The upper part of the shaft core (22) can extend out of the cover body (12) for connecting with a key cap; The lower part of the shaft core (22) can extend out of the base (11).

5. The key shaft according to claim 1, characterized in that: The key shaft body also includes a spring (5); The spring (5) is arranged inside the cavity, one end of the spring (5) is connected to the base (11), and the other end of the spring (5) is connected to the magnet (23), and is used to apply a force to the magnetic key shaft (2) in a vertical direction.

6. The key shaft according to claim 4, characterized in that: The magnet (23) comprises a multi-level magnetic structure formed by alternating stacking of two magnetic poles.

7. The key shaft according to claim 6, characterized in that: The first coil (31) and the second coil (32) are respectively arranged on both sides of the magnet (23), and the first coil (31) and the second coil (32) are at different levels.

8. The key shaft according to claim 1, characterized in that: The button shaft body also includes a controller; The controller is electrically connected to the magnetic drive device (3) and is used to control the magnitude and direction of the force applied by the magnetic drive device (3) to the magnetic key shaft (2) in the vertical direction according to the magnitude and direction of the current of the coil included in the magnetic drive device (3); The controller is electrically connected to the magnetic sensor (4) and is used to adjust the current magnitude and current direction of the coil included in the magnetic drive device (3) according to the position of the magnetic key shaft (2).

9. The key shaft according to claim 1, characterized in that: The magnetic sensor (4) is a three-axis linear Hall sensor, which is arranged at the bottom of the cavity and is used to determine the position of the magnetic key axis (2).

10. A keyboard, characterized in that: The keyboard comprises: a base and a plurality of key shafts as described in any one of claims 1 to 9 arranged on the base.

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