Magnetic axis key and input device

Abstract

The utility model provides a magnetic axis key and an input device. The magnetic shaft key comprises a non-magnetic key shaft, a key upper cover, a key seat, a magnetic sensing module, a movable magnet and N static magnets, n is an integer greater than / equal to 2. The moving magnet is fixedly arranged at the lower end of the key shaft, the magnetizing direction of the moving magnet is the same as that of the N static magnets, and the moving magnet and the N static magnets are magnetized up and down. And the N static magnets are distributed around the moving magnet, so that magnetic forces between the moving magnet and the N static magnets are mutually counteracted in any direction perpendicular to the magnetizing direction of the moving magnet and the N static magnets. The magnetic axis key provided by the utility model is simple in structure, and the magnetic sensor is prevented from being saturated while the pressing springback of the magnetic axis key is realized through the ingenious layout of the magnet; different pressing hand feelings are achieved by setting the pressing stroke position of the magnetic shaft key, and the individual requirements of users are met.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the field of input and output devices for human-computer interaction, and particularly relates to a magnetic axis key and an input device. Background Art

[0002] Physical keys are a very important type of input and output devices, which are widely used in electrical devices such as mobile phones and computers. Among them, there is a type of physical key called a magnetic axis key, and the magnetic axis key uses a magnetic sensor to sense the movement of the magnetic axis to achieve the output of a pressing signal. The advantages of the magnetic axis key are that it can trigger rapidly, while avoiding physical wear and having relatively good durability. This is mainly due to its short stroke length and low latency. For example, an ordinary mechanical axis key requires a stroke of about 10 mm or more to complete two triggers; in contrast, the magnetic axis key only requires a few millimeters of stroke, and the response latency is only 1 ms.

[0003] However, when the existing magnetic axis keys usually implement the pressing and restoring function, usually only one pressing feel can be provided by one magnetic axis structure, which is difficult to meet the extreme experience requirements of different users for the pressing feel. For example, some game users may prefer magnetic axis keys with distinct pressing levels and pressing trigger sensations to improve the game experience; another part of game users or business users prefer keys with smooth, light pressing and rapid rebound for gaming or office work. The existing magnetic axis keys cannot meet the personalized requirements of the above users for the pressing feel with a simple structure. On the other hand, when pursuing the pressing feel of the magnetic axis key, there is often a contradiction that the magnetic sensor is prone to saturation and difficult to set. Summary of the Utility Model

[0004] In order to meet the user's requirements for the pressing feel of the magnetic axis key, the utility model provides a magnetic axis key that can meet the user's personalized pressing feel requirements and is not prone to magnetic saturation of the sensor with a simple key structure, and a corresponding input device.

[0005] The magnetic axis key provided by the utility model includes: a non-magnetic key shaft, a key upper cover, a key seat, a moving magnet, and N identical static magnets; N is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0006] The key upper cover is used for being assembled with the key seat in a matching manner, and is provided with a shaft hole corresponding to the accommodating cavity arranged on the key seat; the lower end of the key shaft passes through the shaft hole and extends into the accommodating cavity of the key seat.

[0007] The moving magnet is fixedly arranged at the lower end of the key shaft, and the magnetization direction is vertical magnetization. All the static magnets are fixedly installed on the key base, and their magnetization directions are the same as that of the moving magnet. The N static magnets are distributed around the moving magnet, so that the magnetic forces between the moving magnet and the N static magnets cancel each other out in any direction perpendicular to their own magnetization directions. Preferably, the number of static magnets is 2.

[0008] Furthermore, the magnetic axis key further includes a magnetic sensing module arranged below the moving magnet and outside the pressing stroke of the magnetic axis key. Taking the direction of the N-S pole connection line of the moving magnet as the Z-axis direction, the magnetic sensing module senses the magnetic field intensity in the Z-axis direction at its own position.

[0009] The magnetic axis key provided by the present utility model uses N static magnets distributed around the moving magnet to ensure that the magnetic forces received by the moving magnet from the static magnets cancel each other out in any direction perpendicular to its own magnetization direction, and at the same time, the magnetic sensor is arranged below the moving magnet (outside the pressing stroke). This can weaken the magnetic field at the position where the magnetic sensor is located to avoid saturation of the magnetic sensor.

[0010] Preferably, the moving magnet is a bar magnet, a cylindrical magnet or a ring magnet, and the N static magnets are bar magnets, cylindrical magnets or ring magnets. In some embodiments, a part of the static magnet can protrude from the bottom of the key base.

[0011] Furthermore, both the moving magnet and the N static magnets are magnets magnetized in half, and the lengths in the N-S connection direction are the same. Only with the above magnetic axis key structure, different pressing feelings can be achieved to meet the personalized needs of users:

[0012] Smooth and light pressing, quick rebound: In the initial state where the magnetic axis key is not pressed, in the pressing direction, the bottom of the moving magnet is higher than the top of the N static magnets by H, H = L / 2, where L is the height of the moving magnet or the static magnet; the pressing stroke of the magnetic axis key is L.

[0013] Clear pressing levels and paragraphs: In the initial state where the magnetic axis key is not pressed, in the pressing direction, the bottom of the moving magnet is flush with the top of the N static magnets, and the pressing stroke of the magnetic axis key is L, where L is the height of the moving magnet or the static magnet.

[0014] Furthermore, the magnetic sensing module includes a plurality of magnetic sensors arranged on the PCB board; the magnetic sensors are Hall sensors or magnetic sensors based on XMR; the XMR includes GMR, TMR, AMR, etc.

[0015] Corresponding to the above magnetic axis button, the present utility model further provides an input device. The input device includes a plurality of buttons, wherein at least one button is the above magnetic axis button.

[0016] The magnetic axis button provided by the present utility model has a simple structure. On the premise of ensuring the magnetic force balance of the moving magnet on the horizontal plane, N smaller static magnets are arranged to provide the background magnetic field and the return spring force instead of a whole large static magnet in the existing magnetic axis button, which can effectively avoid the saturation of the magnetic sensor. In addition, according to the positions of the moving magnet and the static magnet, setting the pressing stroke of the magnetic axis button can provide a variety of different pressing feels to meet the needs of different users. Description of the Drawings

[0017] Figure 1 is an exploded view of the magnetic axis button provided by the present utility model in some embodiments.

[0018] Figure 2a 、 Figure 2b are respectively a schematic diagram of the relative positions of the moving magnet and the static magnet in the magnetic axis button provided by the present utility model in the first embodiment, and a corresponding pressing resistance schematic diagram.

[0019] Figure 3a 、 Figure 3b are respectively a schematic diagram of the relative positions of the moving magnet and the static magnet in the magnetic axis button provided by the present utility model in the second embodiment, and a corresponding pressing resistance schematic diagram. Detailed Description of the Embodiments

[0020] Next, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present utility model, rather than all of the embodiments. Usually, the components of the embodiments of the present utility model described and shown in the drawings here can be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0021] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present utility model provided in the drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the present utility model to be protected, but only represents the selected embodiments of the present utility model. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present utility model without creative efforts belong to the scope of protection of the present utility model.

[0022] As Figure 1 shown in the embodiment, the magnetic axis button provided by the present utility model includes: a non-magnetic button shaft 10, a button upper cover 11, a button seat 12, a magnetic sensing module ( Figure 1 not shown in the figure), a moving magnet 14 and 2 identical static magnets 15 (the number of static magnets can be N according to actual needs, and N is an integer greater than or equal to 2).

[0023] The upper button cover 11 can be assembled with the button base 12 by means of fitting or the like. An axial hole 111 corresponding to the accommodation cavity 121 provided on the button base 12 is provided on the upper button cover 11. The lower end of the button shaft 10 passes through the axial hole 111 and extends into the accommodation cavity 121 of the button base.

[0024] The moving magnet 14 is fixed through an accommodation cavity ( Figure 1 not shown in the figure) provided at the lower end of the button shaft 10, and its magnetization direction is up and down magnetization. The magnetic sensor module is arranged below the moving magnet 15 and is outside the pressing stroke of the magnetic axis button. In this embodiment, the pressing stroke of the magnetic axis button is limited by a convex block 101 provided on the button shaft in cooperation with the button base 12.

[0025] All the static magnets 15 are fixedly installed on the button base 12, and their magnetization directions are the same as the magnetization direction of the moving magnet 14. The N static magnets 15 are distributed around the moving magnet 14 so that the magnetic forces between the moving magnet 14 and the N static magnets 15 cancel each other out in any direction perpendicular to the magnetization direction of themselves (that is, the magnetic force received by the moving magnet 14 is balanced on any plane perpendicular to the magnetization direction of itself).

[0026] Correspondingly, taking the direction of the N-S pole connection line of the moving magnet 14 as the Z-axis direction, the magnetic sensing module senses the magnetic field strength in the Z-axis direction at its own position.

[0027] Based on the fact that the magnetic axis button provided by the present invention ensures the balance of the magnetic force received by the moving magnet in the plane perpendicular to the magnetization direction of itself, N smaller static magnets are provided to replace the larger single-piece static magnet in the existing magnetic axis button to provide the background magnetic field and the return force, effectively avoiding the magnetic sensor saturation caused by the over-concentration of the magnetic field at the magnetic sensor.

[0028] In Figure 1 the moving magnet 14 is an annular magnet, and the static magnet 15 is a cylindrical magnet. Obviously, the moving magnet 14 can be a bar magnet, a cylindrical magnet or an annular magnet; the static magnet 15 can also be a bar magnet, a cylindrical magnet or an annular magnet. In some embodiments, a part of the static magnet 14 can extend out from the bottom of the button base.

[0029] Further, both the moving magnet 14 and the static magnet 15 are magnets magnetized in half, and the lengths in the N-S connection line direction are the same. The following Figure 2a 、 Figure 3a embodiments are based on this and can achieve different pressing feelings to meet the personalized needs of users:

[0030] InFigure 2a In one embodiment, in the initial state where the magnetic axis button is not pressed, in the pressing direction, the bottom of the moving magnet 14 is higher than the top of the two stationary magnets 15 by H, and H = L / 2, where L is the height of the moving magnet 14 or the stationary magnet 15 (i.e., the length in the N-S connection direction); the pressing stroke of the magnetic axis button is L. When the magnetic axis button in this embodiment is pressed, the changing trend of the button resistance felt by the user is as Figure 2b shown. The magnetic axis button in this embodiment has a smooth, light pressing feeling and a swift rebound, which can meet the requirements of competitive game players for the button feel.

[0031] In Figure 3a one embodiment, in the initial state where the magnetic axis button is not pressed, in the pressing direction, the bottom of the moving magnet 14 is flush with the top of the stationary magnet 15, and the pressing stroke of the magnetic axis button is L, where L is the height of the moving magnet or the stationary magnet 15. Correspondingly, when the magnetic axis button in this embodiment is pressed, the changing trend of the button resistance felt by the user is as Figure 3b shown. The magnetic axis button in this embodiment triggers in the middle of the pressing process, with distinct pressing levels and paragraphs, and is suitable for the button feel requirements of game users and business office workers.

[0032] Further, the magnetic sensing module includes a plurality of magnetic sensors provided on the PCB board. The magnetic sensors are Hall sensors or magnetic sensors implemented based on XMR. The XMR includes GMR, TMR, AMR, etc.

[0033] Corresponding to the above magnetic axis button, the present invention also provides an input device. The input device includes a plurality of buttons, and at least one button is the above magnetic axis button.

[0034] The above are only embodiments of the present invention and are not used to limit the present invention. For those skilled in the art, the present invention can have various changes and modifications. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present invention shall be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A magnetic axis button, characterized in that, The magnetic axis button includes: a non-magnetic button shaft, a button upper cover, a button base, a moving magnet, and N identical static magnets; N is an integer greater than or equal to 2; The button upper cover is used to be assembled with the button base, and is provided with a shaft hole corresponding to the accommodation cavity provided on the button base; the lower end of the button shaft passes through the shaft hole and extends into the accommodation cavity of the button base; The moving magnet is fixedly arranged at the lower end of the button shaft, and the magnetization direction is vertical magnetization; all the static magnets are fixedly installed on the button base, and their magnetization directions are the same as the magnetization direction of the moving magnet; the N static magnets are distributed around the moving magnet, so that the magnetic forces between the moving magnet and the N static magnets cancel each other out in any direction perpendicular to their own magnetization direction.

2. The magnetic axis button according to claim 1, characterized in that, The moving magnet is a bar magnet, a cylindrical magnet or a ring magnet, and the N static magnets are bar magnets, cylindrical magnets or ring magnets.

3. The magnetic axis button according to claim 1, characterized in that, A part of the N static magnets extends out from the bottom of the button base.

4. The magnetic axis button according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that Both the moving magnet and the N static magnets are magnetized in half, and the lengths in the N-S connection direction are the same.

5. The magnetic axis button according to claim 4, wherein In the initial state where the magnetic axis button is not pressed, in the pressing direction, the bottom of the moving magnet is higher than the top of the N static magnets by H, H = L / 2, where L is the length in the N-S connection direction of the moving magnet or the static magnet; the pressing stroke of the magnetic axis button is L.

6. The magnetic axis button according to claim 4, wherein In the initial state where the magnetic axis button is not pressed, in the pressing direction, the bottom of the moving magnet is flush with the top of the N static magnets, and the pressing stroke of the magnetic axis button is L, where L is the length in the N-S connection direction of the moving magnet or the static magnet.

7. The magnetic axis button according to any one of claims 1-3, 5-6, characterized in that The magnetic axis button further includes a magnetic sensing module arranged below the moving magnet and outside the pressing stroke of the magnetic axis button.

8. The magnetic axis button according to claim 7, characterized in that, The magnetic sensing module includes a plurality of magnetic sensors arranged on a PCB board, and the magnetic sensors are Hall sensors or magnetic sensors based on XMR; the XMR includes GMR, TMR, AMR, etc.

9. The magnetic axis key according to claim 8, wherein, Taking the N-S pole connection direction of the moving magnet as the Z-axis direction, the magnetic sensing module senses the magnetic field strength in the Z-axis direction at its own position.

10. An input device, characterized in that, The input device includes a plurality of buttons; among them, at least one button is the magnetic axis button according to any one of claims 1-9.

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