Keyboard switch and keyboard

Abstract

The utility model discloses a keyboard switch and a keyboard. The keyboard switch comprises a housing; the button can slide up and down relative to the shell; the magnet is arranged on the button, and the magnet is linked along with the button; the spring abuts against the button and the shell and provides reset force for the button. The supporting part is arranged on the button and is used for supporting the magnet; the collision part is arranged on the button, and when the button moves downwards, the collision part can collide with the shell; the supporting part forms the impact part; or the supporting part and the impact part are arranged separately; or the impact part comprises a first impact part and a second impact part, the supporting part forms the first impact part, and the supporting part and the second impact part are arranged separately. The magnets are not easy to fall off, and the impact sound generated when the magnetic shaft works is easy to realize diversified design.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of keyboards, specifically a keyboard switch and a keyboard. Background Technology

[0002] A magnetic axis is used as a keyboard switch on a keyboard with a layout of 68 or 108 keys. Each key has a magnetic axis with a button and a magnet on it. The magnet can slide up and down with the button, moving closer to or away from the Hall element inside the keyboard. The Hall element senses the change in magnetic flux and generates an electrical signal, thus recognizing the keystrokes.

[0003] See details Figure 1 As shown, in the existing magnetic shaft design, the magnetic shaft includes a housing 1 and a button 2. The lower part of the button 2 is provided with a guide post 26, and the bottom of the guide post is provided with a mounting groove. The magnet 3 is assembled into the mounting groove from bottom to top and fixed by interference fit. When the user presses the keyboard key, the button slides down, causing the magnet at the bottom of the button to strike the housing and produce a sound. This structure has at least the following defects:

[0004] ① When typing, the sound is produced by the magnet striking the housing. Since the material of the magnet is basically constant and difficult to change, and the housing is generally made of plastic, the feedback sound produced by the collision between the magnet and the plastic housing when typing is basically fixed, resulting in a serious homogenization of keyboard feedback sound. However, different users have different needs for keyboard feedback sound. Therefore, the existing magnetic switches are difficult to meet the diverse needs of users.

[0005] ② For details, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 1 Because the magnet is installed in the mounting slot from bottom to top, it is suspended in the air. During keyboard use, the magnet will frequently hit the shell. After long-term use, the magnet is prone to loosening or even falling off, affecting the performance stability and lifespan of the magnetic switch, resulting in a poor user experience.

[0006] Therefore, it is necessary to improve and optimize the existing magnetic shaft. Utility Model Content

[0007] This invention aims to solve at least one of the problems of the prior art. To this end, this invention provides a keyboard switch and keyboard, where the magnet is less likely to fall off, and the striking sound of the magnetic shaft during operation can be easily diversified in design.

[0008] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve its technical problem is:

[0009] In a first aspect, this utility model embodiment provides a keyboard switch, comprising:

[0010] case;

[0011] The button can slide up and down relative to the housing;

[0012] A magnet is mounted on the button, and the magnet moves in sync with the button.

[0013] A spring, abutting against the button and the housing, provides a restoring force to the button;

[0014] A support portion is provided on the button to support the magnet;

[0015] An impact part is provided on the button, and when the button moves downward, the impact part can impact the housing;

[0016] The supporting portion forms the impact portion; or, the supporting portion is disposed separately from the impact portion; or, the impact portion includes a first impact portion and a second impact portion, the supporting portion forms the first impact portion, and the supporting portion is disposed separately from the second impact portion.

[0017] Optionally, the magnet and the button are injection molded as one piece; or, the magnet and the button are separately provided, the button is provided with a mounting groove, and the magnet is installed in the mounting groove from top to bottom, or the magnet is installed in the mounting groove from the side.

[0018] Optionally, the button is provided with a guide post, the housing is provided with a guide ring that cooperates with the guide post, and the magnet is provided on the guide post, or the magnet is provided on the side of the guide post.

[0019] Optionally, the magnet is disposed on the guide post, and the bottom of the support and guide ring is provided with a number of heat dissipation holes.

[0020] Optionally, the support portion is located at the lower part of the magnet, or the support portion is located at the middle part of the magnet.

[0021] Optionally, the bottom of the guide post forms the impact portion; or, the magnet is disposed on the side of the guide post, and the support portion is located below the magnet, with the support portion forming the impact portion; or, the bottom of the guide post forms the first impact portion, the magnet is disposed on the side of the guide post, and the support portion is located below the magnet, with the support portion forming the second impact portion.

[0022] Optionally, the impact part is integrally formed with the button, or they are connected separately.

[0023] Optionally, the button includes a separate upper button and a lower button, which are connected and fixed together, and the impact part is disposed on the lower button.

[0024] Optionally, the lower button is provided with the mounting groove, the magnet is installed in the mounting groove from top to bottom, a soft pad is provided in the mounting groove, the lower part of the soft pad abuts against the magnet, and the upper part of the soft pad abuts against the upper button; or, the upper part of the soft pad abuts against the magnet, and the lower part of the soft pad abuts against the bottom of the mounting groove.

[0025] Optionally, the button is provided with a plurality of buckles, which are arranged circumferentially to form a mounting groove. After the magnet is placed into the mounting groove from bottom to top, the buckles are fastened to the bottom of the magnet. The buckles form the support part, which forms the impact part, or the support part does not serve as the impact part.

[0026] Secondly, this utility model provides a keyboard, including a circuit board, on which a Hall element is disposed, and also includes the keyboard switches described in any of the embodiments of the first aspect above, wherein there are a plurality of keyboard switches.

[0027] This utility model has at least one of the following beneficial effects: In this embodiment, by providing a support portion on the button to support the magnet, the support portion always provides good support for the magnet when the button travels to the end of its stroke and impacts it, preventing the magnet from loosening or falling off and ensuring the stability of the magnet structure. By providing an impact portion on the button, using the support portion to form the impact portion, or separating the support portion from the impact portion, or designing the impact portion to include a first impact portion and a second impact portion, with the support portion forming the first impact portion and the support portion and the second impact portion being separate, the impact portion strikes the housing to generate sound. This eliminates the structure of using a magnet to strike the housing in the prior art, making the impact sound different from existing impact sounds, avoiding the homogenization problem of magnetic shaft products. Furthermore, manufacturers can easily achieve different impact sounds simply by changing the material of the impact portion, using combinations of different materials to achieve diverse impact feedback sounds, making the product structure highly versatile, reducing production costs, and meeting the diverse needs of users. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of a keyboard switch in an existing product design;

[0029] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the keyboard switch in one embodiment of the present invention (the magnet is disposed on the side of the guide post);

[0030] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of the assembled structure shown.

[0031] Figure 4 yes Figure 2A schematic cross-sectional view of the structure shown, after the magnet and button are assembled.

[0032] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the keyboard switch in another embodiment of the present invention (the magnet is set on the guide post);

[0033] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view of the assembled structure shown.

[0034] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view of the structure shown, after the magnet and button are assembled.

[0035] Figure 8 yes Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the structure shown with heat dissipation holes.

[0036] Figure 9 This is an exploded view of the keyboard switch in another embodiment of the present invention (the magnet is mounted on the guide post from the side);

[0037] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A schematic cross-sectional view of the assembled structure shown.

[0038] Figure 11 This is an exploded view of the keyboard switch in another embodiment of the present invention (the magnet is installed by inverted mounting);

[0039] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 A schematic cross-sectional view of the assembled structure shown.

[0040] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0041] 1-Housing, 11-Top cover, 12-Base, 13-Opening, 14-Guide ring, 15-Heat dissipation hole, 2-Button, 21-Support part, 22-Impact part, 23-Upper button, 24-Lower button, 25-Mounting slot, 26-Guide post, 27-Inverted clip, 3-Magnet, 4-Spring, 5-Soft pad. Detailed Implementation

[0042] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the embodiments of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described below can be arbitrarily combined with each other.

[0043] The following provides many different implementation methods or examples for realizing the structure of this utility model.

[0044] See Figures 2-12The first aspect of this utility model provides a keyboard switch, including a housing 1, which includes an upper cover 11 and a base 12. The upper cover 11 and the base 12 can be fixed by a snap-fit ​​connection. The upper cover 11 is provided with an opening 13 to allow a button 2 to extend out. The button 2 can slide up and down relative to the housing 1. A magnet 3 is disposed on the button 2 and moves in conjunction with the button 2. A spring 4 abuts against the button 2 and the housing 1 to provide a restoring force for the button 2. In actual use, a keycap can be installed on the button 2. When the user presses the keycap, the button 2 is pressed down, causing the magnet 3 to slide down with the button 2. When the user releases their finger, the button 2 returns to its original position under the restoring force of the spring 4. The upper part of the button 2 will abut against the upper cover 11 and will not detach from the housing 1. A support part 21 is disposed on the button 2 to support the magnet 3. The support part 21 acts as a support point and can provide an upward support force to the magnet 3, so that the magnet 3 will not fall off after long-term use and vibration. See details. Figures 2-8 As shown, in some embodiments, the support portion 21 can be located at the lower part of the magnet 3; or, in other embodiments, the support portion 21 can be located in the middle of the magnet 3. For example, the magnet 3 can be designed in a T-shape, and the support portion 21 can be designed below the horizontal edge of the T-shaped structure. The impact portion 22 is provided on the button 2. When the button 2 moves downward, the impact portion 22 can impact the housing 1, specifically impacting the base 12. The impact portion 22 can also be called a contact portion. Depending on the magnet installation method and installation position, the support portion 21 forms the impact portion 22. That is, the button 2 has a portion A, which is used to support the magnet 3 and also to impact the base 12 when the button 2 moves downward. In other embodiments, the support portion 21 and the impact portion 22 can be set separately. In other embodiments, the impact portion 22 can be designed to include a first impact portion and a second impact portion, with the support portion 21 forming the first impact portion, and the support portion 21 and the second impact portion being set separately. A more detailed description will follow below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0045] In some embodiments of this utility model, the magnet 3 and the button 2 are injection molded as one piece. The button 2 is generally made of plastic. When the button 2 is designed to include an upper button 23 and a lower button 24, the magnet 3 can be injection molded as one piece with the lower button 24. When fixing the magnet 3 by injection molding, a support part 21 is provided at the lower or middle part of the magnet 3 to support the magnet 3. The magnet 3 and the button 2 can also be designed as separate structures, and the button 2 is provided with a mounting groove 25, such as... Figure 2 or Figure 5 As shown, the magnet 3 is installed in the mounting slot 25 from top to bottom, or, as... Figure 9As shown, the magnet 3 is installed in the mounting groove 25 from the side. This eliminates the need for the existing method of installing the magnet from bottom to top (referred to as "forward installation"). The method described in this embodiment, where the magnet 3 is assembled into the mounting groove 25 from top to bottom or from the side, achieves reverse or lateral installation of the magnet. The magnet is no longer a suspended structure, and it will not fall off after prolonged use. It is understood that... Figure 3 or Figure 6 In the structure shown, the magnet 3 can be integrally formed with the button 2 by injection molding.

[0046] See Figures 2-8 As shown, in some embodiments of this utility model, the button 2 is provided with a guide post 26, and the housing 1 is provided with a guide ring 14 that cooperates with the guide post 26. See details. Figures 5-8 As shown, in some embodiments, the magnet 3 is disposed on the guide post 26; or, see details below. Figures 2-4 As shown, in some embodiments, the magnet 3 is disposed on the side of the guide post 26. The arrangement of the guide post 26 and the guide ring 14 helps to improve the stability of the button 2 when it slides down, that is, to improve the feel when typing on the keyboard.

[0047] See details Figure 8As shown, in some embodiments of this utility model, the magnet is disposed on the guide post 26, and the bottom of the support part 21 and the guide ring 14 are provided with a plurality of heat dissipation holes 15. To improve the smoothness of button 2's downward movement and avoid or reduce horizontal wobbling, the guide post 26 and guide ring 14 are highly matched, resulting in a certain degree of airtightness in the space between them. This leads to two problems: ① The airtight space makes it difficult for air to escape quickly when button 2 slides down, thus hindering its descent and affecting the smoothness of keystrokes; ② Keyboard typing speed is generally fast, and the rapid downward movement of button 2 compresses and heats the air in the airtight space. Simultaneously, the contact friction between guide post 26 and guide ring 14 also generates heat. This heat is transferred to magnet 3, raising its temperature. The magnet's temperature significantly affects its magnetism. Specifically, at low temperatures, the magnetic domains inside the magnet are neatly aligned, giving the magnet its overall magnetism. However, as the temperature rises, the thermal motion of the smaller domains becomes more intense, causing them to lose their neat alignment and affecting the magnetism. For magnetic axis products, their working principle relies on the magnetism of the magnet in conjunction with a Hall element. The Hall element is a high-precision sensing device, and changes in the magnet's temperature can affect the normal operation of the magnetic axis and keyboard. Therefore, in some embodiments of this invention, several heat dissipation holes 15 are provided at the bottom of the support portion 21 and the guide ring 14. This allows the heat generated in the relevant area of ​​the magnet to be quickly dissipated through the heat dissipation holes 15 when the button 2 slides down, helping the magnet 3 maintain a relatively stable temperature and preventing it from overheating. This avoids temperature drift in the magnet 3 and greatly improves the operational stability of the magnetic axis product and the keyboard.

[0048] The following analysis examines the support portion 21 and the impact portion 22: (See details below) Figure 3 or Figure 6 or Figure 10 As shown, in some embodiments of this utility model, when button 2 slides down to the end of its travel, the bottom of the guide post 26 impacts the bottom of the guide ring 14, forming the impact portion 22 at the bottom of the guide post 26; see details. Figure 3 As shown, in some other embodiments, the magnet 3 can be disposed on the side of the guide post 26, and the support portion 21 is located below the magnet 3. The support portion 21 impacts the bottom wall of the base 12, so that the support portion 21 forms the impact portion 22; see also Figure 3As shown, the bottom of the guide post 26 can be designed to impact the bottom of the guide ring 14, forming the first impact part. The magnet 3 is located on the side of the guide post 26, and the support part 21 is located below the magnet 3. The support part 21 also impacts the inner bottom wall of the base 12, forming the second impact part. Therefore, by designing impact parts at different positions and with different numbers, different impact sounds can be generated, providing diverse options for the feedback sound when typing on the keyboard. It is understandable that for... Figure 3 The structure shown can be modified by changing the length of the guide post 26. The bottom of the guide post 26 can strike the base 12 to form an impact part, or the support part 21 below the magnet 3 can strike the base 12 to form an impact part. Alternatively, the bottom of the guide post 26 and the support part 21 below the magnet 3 can strike the base 12 simultaneously.

[0049] In some embodiments of this utility model, see as follows: Figure 3 or Figure 6 As shown, the impact part 22 is integrally formed with the button 2; in other embodiments, the impact part 22 and the button 2 can also be connected separately. For example, the impact part 22 can be fixed to the button 2 by a snap-fit ​​or other connection method, or the impact part can be formed by bonding a component such as an impact plate to the bottom of the guide post 26.

[0050] See details Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments of this utility model, the button 2 includes a separate upper button 23 and a lower button 24, which are connected and fixed, specifically by plugging in. The impact part 22 is disposed on the lower button 24. This structure cleverly decomposes the existing one-piece button structure into two parts. Thus, the upper button 23 and the lower button 24 can be made of different materials. For example, the upper button 23 can be made of a plastic part with better structural strength to meet the requirements of keyboard typing and wear, while the lower button 24 can be made of a different material than the upper button 23 to better meet the impact requirements with the base 12. Different materials of the lower button 24 will also produce different impact sounds, making it easy to achieve a variety of impact sounds. Moreover, this structure makes the upper button 23 universal. The same upper button 23 can be adapted to lower buttons 24 with different structures or different materials, which can reduce the manufacturer's production costs.

[0051] See details Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, in some embodiments of this utility model, the lower button 24 is provided with a mounting groove 25, and the magnet 3 is installed in the mounting groove 25 from top to bottom. A soft pad 5 is provided in the mounting groove 25, with the lower part of the soft pad 5 abutting against the magnet 3 and the upper part of the soft pad 5 abutting against the upper button 23. The soft pad 5 allows the mounting groove 25 to be designed to be deeper, thereby allowing the magnet 3 to be installed lower to better meet the requirements of the Hall element for sensing magnetic flux. At the same time, it can also reduce the amount of magnet used, reducing costs. The soft pad 5 is used to press the magnet 3 firmly, making the magnet 3 more reliably fixed in the mounting groove 25. Moreover, when the button 2 moves upward to reset and hits the top cover 11, the soft pad 5 can also absorb some vibration, reducing the sound of the button 2 hitting the top cover 2 when resetting, and improving the user experience. In other embodiments, the soft pad can also be located below the magnet, with the upper part of the soft pad abutting against the magnet and the lower part of the soft pad abutting against the bottom of the mounting groove.

[0052] See details Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, in some other embodiments of this utility model, a plurality of buckles 27 may be provided on the button 2. The buckles 27 are arranged circumferentially to form a mounting groove. After the magnet 3 is inserted into the mounting groove from bottom to top, the buckles 27 are fastened to the bottom of the magnet 3. In this embodiment, the buckles 27 serve as the lower half of the guide post 26. After the buckles 27 are inserted into the guide ring, they can also guide the button 2 when it slides down. The buckles 27 form the support part 21, and the support part 21 forms the impact part 22. In other embodiments, depending on the position of the buckles, the support part formed by the buckles may not serve as the impact part.

[0053] The second aspect of this utility model also provides a keyboard, including a circuit board on which a Hall element is disposed, and a keyboard switch as described in any of the embodiments of the first aspect above. The keyboard switch is a plurality of switches, specifically, a keyboard may have 108 or 68 keyboard switches, or other numbers.

[0054] As can be seen from the above structural analysis, this embodiment of the utility model provides a support part 21 on the button 2 to support the magnet 3. When the button 2 moves down to the end of its travel and impacts the magnet 3, the support part 21 can always provide good support for the magnet 3, making it less likely to loosen or fall off, thus ensuring the stability of the magnet structure. By providing an impact part 22 on the button 2, the support part 21 forms the impact part 22; or, the support part 21 and the impact part 22 are set separately; or, the impact part 22 includes a first impact part and a second impact part, with the support part 21 forming the first impact part and the support part 21 and the second impact part being set separately. The impact part 22 is used to strike the housing 1 to produce sound, which abandons the structure of using a magnet to strike the housing in the prior art. This makes the impact sound different from the existing impact sound, avoids the homogenization problem of magnetic shaft products, and manufacturers can easily achieve different impact sounds by simply changing the material of the impact part. Different combinations of materials can achieve diversified impact feedback sounds, making the product structure highly versatile, reducing production costs, and meeting the diverse needs of users.

[0055] The embodiments of the present utility model have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. Within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art, various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A keyboard switch, characterized in that, include: case; The button can slide up and down relative to the housing; A magnet is mounted on the button, and the magnet moves in sync with the button. A spring, abutting against the button and the housing, provides a restoring force to the button; A support portion is provided on the button to support the magnet; An impact part is provided on the button, and when the button moves downward, the impact part can impact the housing; The supporting portion forms the impact portion; or, the supporting portion is disposed separately from the impact portion; or, the impact portion includes a first impact portion and a second impact portion, the supporting portion forms the first impact portion, and the supporting portion is disposed separately from the second impact portion.

2. A keyboard switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The magnet and the button are injection molded as one piece; or, the magnet and the button are separately provided, the button is provided with a mounting groove, and the magnet is installed in the mounting groove from top to bottom, or the magnet is installed in the mounting groove from the side.

3. A keyboard switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The button is provided with a guide post, the housing is provided with a guide ring that cooperates with the guide post, and the magnet is provided on the guide post, or the magnet is provided on the side of the guide post.

4. A keyboard switch according to claim 3, characterized in that: The magnet is mounted on the guide post, and the bottom of the support and guide ring is provided with several heat dissipation holes.

5. A keyboard switch according to claim 3, characterized in that: The support portion is located at the lower part of the magnet, or the support portion is located at the middle part of the magnet.

6. A keyboard switch according to claim 5, characterized in that: The bottom of the guide post forms the impact portion; or, the magnet is disposed on the side of the guide post, and the support portion is located below the magnet, forming the impact portion; or, the bottom of the guide post forms the first impact portion, the magnet is disposed on the side of the guide post, and the support portion is located below the magnet, forming the second impact portion.

7. A keyboard switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The impact part is integrally formed with the button, or they are connected separately.

8. A keyboard switch according to claim 2, characterized in that: The button includes a separate upper button and a lower button, which are connected and fixed together, and the impact part is disposed on the lower button.

9. A keyboard switch according to claim 8, characterized in that: The lower button is provided with the mounting groove, the magnet is installed in the mounting groove from top to bottom, and a soft pad is provided in the mounting groove. The lower part of the soft pad abuts against the magnet, and the upper part of the soft pad abuts against the upper button; or, the upper part of the soft pad abuts against the magnet, and the lower part of the soft pad abuts against the bottom of the mounting groove.

10. A keyboard switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The button is provided with several buckles, which are arranged circumferentially to form a mounting groove. After the magnet is placed into the mounting groove from bottom to top, the buckles are fastened to the bottom of the magnet. The buckles form the support part, which forms the impact part, or the support part does not serve as the impact part.

11. A keyboard, characterized in that: It includes a circuit board on which a Hall element is disposed, and also includes a keyboard switch as described in any one of claims 1-10, wherein there are a plurality of keyboard switches.

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