Integrated module inductance key

Abstract

The utility model discloses an integrated module inductance key, and relates to the field of mechanical keys, and the inductance key comprises a housing, a shaft body which is slidably installed in the housing through a reset spring, and an induction assembly which is installed in the shaft body and is used for realizing inductance triggering, the shaft body comprises a handle portion partially extending out of the shell and a shaft rod extending out of the lower end of the handle portion, a metal rod piece is arranged in the shaft rod, a solid bottom end is formed at the bottom of the shaft rod, and the moving stroke of the shaft rod in the key is larger than the spacing distance between the solid bottom end and the bottom end of the shell. The bottom end of the entity is in contact with the inner bottom surface of the shell when the key works, and sounds through collision; the utility model aims to realize inductance triggering. According to the inductance key, through the integrated structure, the sound feedback effect of the key is improved, and the touch feeling of the key is closer to that of a traditional mechanical key.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the field of mechanical keys, in particular to an integrated module inductive key. BACKGROUND

[0002] As a new emerging key technology, inductive keys have gradually attracted the attention of electronic device manufacturers in recent years. Traditional key technologies mainly rely on mechanical structures to achieve signal transmission through physical contact. However, as electronic devices develop towards being thinner, more durable and intelligent, traditional mechanical keys gradually show limitations in size, durability and sensitivity. Inductive keys attempt to overcome these shortcomings by using electromagnetic induction principles to provide more flexible and durable key solutions.

[0003] Currently, inductive keys generally adopt a split design, that is, the metal components used to trigger induction are integrated inside the key, while the induction coil, supporting circuit and control chip are arranged on the PCB (printed circuit board) bottom plate of the device. When the user presses the key, the metal components inside the key are pressed down and inserted into the coil, changing the magnetic field around the coil and thus generating an electromagnetic induction signal. This signal is converted into a corresponding trigger output after circuit processing, realizing the key function. Although this design is relatively simple in manufacturing process and facilitates mass production, it still has several significant shortcomings in actual application.

[0004] Firstly, the structural design of split inductive keys results in the key bottom being hollowed out so that the metal components can be inserted into the coil for induction. Although this design effectively reduces the mechanical wear of the key and prolongs the service life of the key, it also causes the problem of lack of bottom touch. Specifically, the key cannot produce a clear bottom feedback when pressed, as traditional mechanical keys do, resulting in insufficient crispness of the sound feedback of the key, and users have difficulty obtaining satisfactory tactile and auditory feedback when operating. This defect is particularly evident in application scenarios that require clear feedback, such as high-precision industrial control devices or user interfaces that require rapid response, significantly affecting user experience.

[0005] Secondly, the split structure also has limitations in the universality and compatibility of the key. Traditional mechanical keys usually adopt a standardized pin connection structure, which has high universality and can adapt to various devices and application scenarios. However, the existing split inductive keys require specific coils and control circuits due to their specific modular design, limiting the universal use of the key. Different models or brands of devices may require different specifications of coils and control circuits, resulting in poor interchangeability of the key between different devices, increasing the complexity of design and manufacturing. In addition, this specialized design also limits the adaptability of the key in a diversified market environment, reducing its flexibility and competitiveness in different application scenarios.

[0006] The root cause of the above-mentioned deficiencies lies in that the design intention of the split inductive key mainly focuses on simplifying the manufacturing and integration process, but fails to fully consider the user experience and the diversification of market demand. Although the hollow key bottom design simplifies the manufacturing process of the key in the mechanical structure, it ignores the tactile and sound feedback requirements of the key in actual use. In addition, although the modular design concept improves the manufacturability of the key to a certain extent, the over-specialized interface design limits the universality of the key in different devices, and fails to meet the demand for flexibility and diversification of the rapidly changing consumer electronics market.

[0007] Therefore, it is of great significance and value to develop an integrated module inductive key. Content of the utility model

[0008] The purpose of the present application is to at least overcome at least one deficiency of the prior art, provide an integrated module inductive key, which improves the sound feedback effect of the key through integrated structure, making it closer to the crisp tactile feeling of traditional mechanical keys. At the same time, the improved structure design is expected to enhance the universality and compatibility of the key, and improve its adaptability in different devices and application scenarios.

[0009] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present application discloses an integrated module inductive key, which comprises a shell, a shaft body slidably installed in the shell through a reset spring, and a sensing assembly installed in the shaft body for realizing inductive triggering, wherein the shaft body comprises a handle part partially protruding out of the shell and a shaft rod protruding from the lower end of the handle part, a metal rod is arranged in the shaft rod, so that the bottom of the shaft rod forms a solid end, the active stroke of the shaft rod in the key is greater than the interval distance between the solid end and the bottom end of the shell, so that the solid end contacts the inner bottom surface of the shell during the operation of the key and makes a sound by impact; to realize inductive triggering, the sensing assembly comprises a PCB board fixed in the shell and provided with an opening for the shaft rod to pass through, and a ring-shaped coil arranged at the opening of the PCB board, the ring-shaped coil is connected with a trigger circuit on the PCB board for identifying inductive signals, and the PCB board is directly or indirectly connected with a pin protruding out of the shell for conduction, so as to input external power and output trigger signals through the pin.

[0010] In some embodiments, the shaft rod is hollow, and the metal rod is embedded in the shaft rod.

[0011] In some embodiments, the shaft rod is provided with a groove in the axial direction from the bottom end, the metal rod is inserted into the groove, and the bottom end of the metal rod is flush with or protrudes out of the shaft rod.

[0012] In some embodiments, the bottom end of the shaft rod is spherical.

[0013] In some embodiments, the shell is provided with a guide structure for guiding the shaft body.

[0014] In some embodiments, the annular coil is printed on a PCB board.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the present application has at least one of the following beneficial effects:

[0016] 1. Improved tactile feedback and sound feedback: By providing a solid bottom end at the bottom of the shaft, it ensures that the button can produce a crisp bottom feedback when pressed, similar to the tactile feedback and sound of traditional mechanical buttons, significantly improving the user's operation experience, especially in high-precision control devices or applications that require clear feedback.

[0017] 2. Improved versatility and compatibility of the button: The button design of the present application adopts an integrated modular structure, integrating the sensing components and circuit, reducing the dependence on specific coils and control circuits, thereby enhancing the versatility of the button. This design is compatible with multiple devices, reducing the problem of interface incompatibility between devices, and improving the adaptability of the button in different devices and application scenarios.

[0018] 3. Optimized manufacturing and integration process: Compared with traditional split design, the inductive button of the present application reduces complex component connection and installation steps through integrated structure, simplifies manufacturing process, improves production efficiency, and reduces manufacturing cost.

[0019] The above listed beneficial effects are not exhaustive of all advantages. Other potential beneficial effects and detailed technical implementation methods will be further disclosed in the embodiments or other description sections of the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0020] After reading the specific embodiments below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the aspects of the present disclosure will be better understood, and the positions, sizes, and ranges of the structures shown in the drawings and the like are sometimes not representative of actual positions, sizes, and ranges. In the drawings:

[0021] Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 2 is an exploded view of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 4 is a structural schematic diagram of a shaft body in an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The present disclosure will be described with reference to the attached drawings, which are presented for the purpose of illustration and description. It is to be understood that the present disclosure can be presented in a multitude of different forms and that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments set forth herein and illustrated in the drawings. Rather, the embodiments presented herein are meant to provide a more complete and enabling disclosure of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims. It should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein can be combined in a variety of ways to provide additional embodiments.

[0026] It is to be understood that like numerals refer to like elements throughout the drawings. In the drawings, the size of some of the features can be exaggerated for clarity.

[0027] It is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. All technical and scientific terms used herein are to be interpreted in accordance with their ordinary meaning unless otherwise defined. For the purposes of the present disclosure, the following terms are intended to have the following meanings.

[0028] As used in the description of the disclosure the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As used in the description of the disclosure the language "includes" and "comprises" is not intended to be Embodiments

[0029] Referring to the drawings Figure 1 and 4 The integrated module inductive key described in the present embodiment is mainly used in mechanical keyboards. The overall structure includes a shell 1, a shaft body 2, a reset spring 3, and an induction assembly 4. The shell 1 is made of high-strength ABS engineering plastic and is formed by precise injection molding process, which has excellent mechanical strength and wear resistance, can effectively protect the internal components and ensure the stability of the key in long-term use. The shell 1 is internally pre-provided with a plurality of mounting positioning grooves for fixing the shaft body 2 and the induction assembly 4, respectively, to ensure the precise docking and stable connection between the parts.

[0030] Specifically, the shaft body 2 is composed of a handle part 5 and a shaft rod 6. The handle part 5 partially protrudes from the shell 1 and is used for installing a keycap, improving the comfort and accuracy of user operation.

[0031] More specifically, the handle 5 extends outside the housing 1 for easy user operation; the shaft 6 extends from the lower end of the handle 5 and penetrates the interior of the housing 1. The shaft 6 is designed as a hollow structure with a cylindrical metal rod 7 embedded inside. In terms of material, there are various metal materials that can achieve inductance, such as aluminum.

[0032] The metal rod 7 is precision machined and embedded in the groove of the shaft 6, so that its bottom end forms a solid bottom end 8. The solid bottom end 8 contacts the inner bottom surface of the housing 1 when the button is at the lower travel stop, ensuring the stability of the button travel and providing perceptible pressing feedback.

[0033] In this embodiment, the reset spring 3 is installed between the housing 1 and the shaft 2. It is made of high-elasticity stainless steel and has undergone surface treatment to prevent corrosion and fatigue fracture, ensuring that the button can quickly return to its original position after being pressed multiple times.

[0034] One end of the return spring 3 is fixed to the inner wall of the housing 1, and the other end is fixed to the handle 5 of the shaft 2, ensuring that the shaft 2 can quickly return to its original position after being pressed.

[0035] In this embodiment, the sensing component 4 includes a PCB board 9 fixed inside the housing 1 and an induction coil 10 disposed at an opening in the PCB board 9. For example, the PCB board 9 may be manufactured using high-density interconnect (HDI) technology, featuring a multi-layer circuit design, and capable of realizing complex circuit connections and signal processing.

[0036] In terms of specific structure, for example, the induction coil 10 is precisely printed on the opening of the PCB board 9 through multi-layer copper foil stacking technology and photolithography process to ensure uniform distribution of magnetic field and high sensitivity.

[0037] The induction coil 10 is tightly connected to the trigger circuit on the PCB board 9. The trigger circuit is designed for low power consumption and can quickly generate an inductance signal when a change in magnetic field is detected. The PCB board 9 is connected to pin 11 via soldering. Pin 11 is used to connect to an external power supply and output a trigger signal, thus realizing the electrical connection with the mechanical keyboard control motherboard.

[0038] In a specific continuous relationship, the installation positioning groove inside the shell 1 firmly installs the shaft body 2 in the shell 1 through the fixing part, and the reset spring 3 connects the shell 1 and the shaft body 2, ensuring that the shaft body 2 can slide up and down during pressing without deviation. The metal rod 7 embedded in the shaft rod 6 is fixed in the groove through precision machining, so that the physical bottom end 8 of the metal rod 7 is in contact with the inner bottom surface of the shell 1 when the key is pressed to the stroke stop position, thereby limiting the maximum pressing distance of the key and providing stable physical feedback. The PCB board 9 of the induction assembly 4 is firmly installed in the shell 1 through the fixing part, and the position of the induction coil 10 is accurately calibrated to ensure that the metal rod 7 can effectively trigger the inductive signal during pressing. The position of the pin 11 is reasonably designed to facilitate electrical connection with the control mainboard of the mechanical keyboard, ensuring the stability and reliability of signal transmission.

[0039] In the application scenario of the mechanical keyboard, the integrated module inductive key realizes efficient inductive triggering and stable mechanical operation through its precise structure design and reasonable connection relationship. The user presses the handle 5, the shaft body 2 slides down under the action of the reset spring 3, the metal rod 7 in the shaft rod 6 gradually approaches the induction coil 10, causing the magnetic field to change, triggering the trigger circuit on the PCB board 9, generating an inductive signal and outputting to the control mainboard of the mechanical keyboard through the pin 11, completing the triggering of the key function. When the key is pressed to the stroke stop position, the physical bottom end 8 is in contact with the inner bottom surface of the shell 1, providing perceptible pressing feedback, and the reset spring 3 quickly returns the shaft body 2 to the initial position, ensuring that the key can quickly respond to the next pressing operation.

[0040] In summary, the embodiment describes the structure and connection relationship of the shell 1, the shaft body 2, the reset spring 3 and the induction assembly 4 in detail, and fully shows the specific application of the integrated module inductive key in the mechanical keyboard. Reasonable material selection and precise structure design make the key module have significant advantages in improving the performance of the mechanical keyboard, prolonging the service life and improving the user experience, meet the technical requirements and standards of the patent application, and have high practical value and promotion potential.

[0041] Although the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, those skilled in the art should understand that various changes and modifications can be made to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure in essence. Therefore, all changes and modifications are included in the protection scope of the present disclosure defined by the claims. The present disclosure is defined by the additional claims, and the equivalents of these claims are also included.

Claims

1. An integrated modular inductive key, characterized by: The inductive button comprises a shell, a shaft body slidably installed in the shell through a reset spring, and an induction assembly installed in the shaft body for realizing inductive triggering, wherein the shaft body comprises a handle part partially extending out of the shell and a shaft rod extending from the lower end of the handle part, a metal rod is arranged in the shaft rod, the bottom of the shaft rod forms a solid end, the active stroke of the shaft rod in the button is greater than the interval distance between the solid end and the bottom end of the shell, the solid end is in contact with the bottom surface in the shell during the operation of the button, and the solid end strikes to make a sound; in order to realize inductive triggering, the induction assembly comprises a PCB board fixed in the shell and provided with an opening for the shaft rod to pass through, and a ring-shaped coil arranged at the opening of the PCB board, the ring-shaped coil is connected with a trigger circuit on the PCB board for identifying inductive signals, meanwhile, the PCB board is directly or indirectly connected with a pin extending out of the shell for conduction, external electric energy is connected through the pin, and a trigger signal is output.

2. The integral modular inductive key of claim 1, wherein: The shaft rod is hollow, and the metal rod is embedded in the shaft rod.

3. The integral modular inductive key of claim 1 wherein: The shaft rod is provided with a groove in the axial direction from the bottom end, the metal rod is inserted into the groove, and the bottom end of the metal rod is flush with or extends out of the shaft rod.

4. The integral modular inductive key of claim 1 wherein: The bottom end of the shaft rod is in a spherical shape.

5. The integral modular inductive key as defined in claim 1 wherein: The shell is provided with a guide structure for guiding the shaft body.

6. The integral modular inductive key of claim 1 wherein: The ring-shaped coil is printed on the PCB board.

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