Keyboard rotary key encoder structure
By designing a keyboard rotary key encoder structure, pressing, rotating, and shaking operations were realized, solving the problem of the single function of existing keyboard rotary encoders, improving the keyboard's versatility and user experience, and extending its service life.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202520585015.2
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-03-28
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-24
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-03-28
AI Technical Summary
Existing keyboard rotary encoders have limited functionality, only enabling rotation and key operations, which cannot meet the diverse needs of users.
Design a keyboard rotary key encoder structure to achieve multiple operations through pressing, rotating and shaking of the encoder component. Each operation can transmit different types of signals, including pressing signals, rotation angle signals and direction signals.
It enables multi-functional keyboard input, enhances functionality and practicality, provides a flexible operating experience, and extends the keyboard's lifespan through protective design.
Smart Images

Figure CN223941712U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of keyboard technology, and in particular to a keyboard rotary key encoder structure. Background Technology
[0002] A rotary encoder is an electromechanical device that converts rotational motion into electronic signals. It is typically used to detect the position, speed, and direction of rotation. In a keyboard, a rotary encoder is essentially a customizable knob that can execute different commands depending on the direction of rotation. Rotary encoders come in several types, including incremental and absolute encoders. Incremental rotary encoders are most commonly used in mechanical keyboards because they allow for continuous adjustments, such as volume control or scrolling, without requiring a specific start or end position.
[0003] Currently, most keyboard rotary encoders on the market use conventional rotary key encoders, which can only perform rotation and key functions, making their functionality too limited. Therefore, there is an urgent need to design a keyboard rotary key encoder structure to solve the above problems. Utility Model Content
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of existing technologies by proposing a keyboard rotary key encoder structure. Its advantage lies in enabling the encoder assembly to perform three operations: pressing, rotating, and shaking. Each operation causes the PCB board to receive and transmit different types of signals, thereby achieving multi-functional keyboard input.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:
[0006] A keyboard rotary key encoder structure includes a keyboard body and a keyboard cover disposed on the keyboard body. A mounting ear is provided at the corner of the top inner wall of the keyboard cover. A PCB board is detachably mounted at the bottom of the mounting ear. An encoder assembly is provided at the top of the PCB board.
[0007] The encoder assembly can move relative to the PCB board along the height direction. When the encoder assembly is pressed, the PCB board receives and transmits a pressing signal. When the encoder assembly is rotated, the PCB board receives and transmits a rotation angle signal. When the encoder assembly is rocked, the PCB board receives and transmits a direction signal.
[0008] The above technical solutions enable the encoder assembly to perform three operations: pressing, rotating, and shaking. Each operation causes the PCB board to receive and transmit different types of signals, thereby realizing the keyboard's multi-functional input.
[0009] The present invention is further configured such that the encoder assembly includes an encoder body mounted on a PCB board, and a connecting seat is provided on the top of the encoder body. A ball groove is provided in the middle of the connecting seat, and a ball is movably mounted on the inner wall of the ball groove. The bottom of the ball is connected to the rotary button end of the encoder body. A rocker arm is fixed in the middle of the top of the ball, and an annular pressing seat is fixed in the middle of the outer wall of the ball. An annular groove is provided in the middle of the inner wall of the ball groove, and movable holes are provided on the inner wall of the annular groove near the bottom and around the connecting seat. A rheostat is installed on one side of each movable hole, and the sliding end of the rheostat passes through the movable hole and is in contact with the surface of the annular pressing seat.
[0010] The above technical solutions enable precise detection of the joystick's direction of movement, achieving accurate detection and control of the direction.
[0011] The present invention is further configured such that a U-shaped plate is installed on the sliding end of the rheostat, and multiple springs are installed on one side of the U-shaped plate and one side of the connecting seat.
[0012] The above technical solution allows the spring force to reset the sliding end of the rheostat, thereby driving the annular compression seat and the ball back to their initial positions, making it easier to restore the rocker arm to a vertical state.
[0013] The present invention is further configured such that one end of the sliding end of the rheostat is designed to be spherical, and the surface of the annular extrusion seat is designed to be arc-shaped.
[0014] The present invention is further configured such that a cover is installed on the outer wall of the rocker arm, and a sealing ring is provided at the bottom of the cover, and the cover is sleeved on the outside of the connecting seat.
[0015] The above technical solutions effectively prevent dust, liquids, and other contaminants from entering the encoder assembly, protecting the internal structure and extending the keyboard's lifespan.
[0016] The present invention is further provided that a button hole is provided at the corner of the top side of the keyboard cover for the top of the joystick to pass through, and a knob cover is provided on the top of the joystick.
[0017] The above technical solutions facilitate the rotation and rocking of the crank.
[0018] The present invention is further configured such that a limiting groove is provided at the top center of the rocker arm, and a limiting strip that cooperates with the limiting groove is provided at the center of the inner wall of the knob cover.
[0019] The above technical solutions make the connection between the knob cover and the rocker arm more stable.
[0020] The present invention is further configured such that the keyboard body is provided with a plurality of key mounting slots, and ordinary keys are installed in each key mounting slot; and a notch for mounting an encoder assembly is provided at one corner of the keyboard body.
[0021] The above technical solutions provide a suitable installation location for the encoder component, making the overall keyboard structure compact and aesthetically pleasing.
[0022] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:
[0023] 1. This utility model enables the entire encoder assembly to be pressed, allowing the PCB board to receive and transmit pressing signals; to be rotated, transmitting rotation angle signals; and to be rocked, transmitting direction signals. It integrates multiple operation functions into one component, enriching the input methods of keyboard rotary key encoders, meeting diverse user operation needs, and improving the functionality and practicality of the keyboard.
[0024] 2. This utility model adopts a design where a sphere moves within a ball groove. The bottom of the sphere is connected to the rotary button end of the encoder body, and the top is connected to a rocker arm. This structure makes the rocker arm's movement more flexible and smooth, accurately transmitting direction signals to the PCB board and providing users with a better operating experience. Furthermore, by opening an annular groove in the inner wall of the ball groove and setting movable holes around the annular groove and connecting seat, a rheostat is installed on one side of the movable hole. The design of the rheostat's sliding end fitting against the surface of the annular pressing seat allows for precise detection of the rocker arm's direction. When the rocker arm is moved, the annular pressing seat presses against the sliding end of the rheostat, which converts this change into an electrical signal and transmits it to the PCB board, thereby achieving precise detection and control of the direction. Attached Figure Description
[0025] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of a keyboard rotary key encoder structure proposed in this utility model;
[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the mounting ear and knob cover structure of a keyboard rotary key encoder proposed in this utility model;
[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the rocker arm and limiting groove structure of a keyboard rotary key encoder structure proposed in this utility model;
[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the connector and ball structure of a keyboard rotary key encoder structure proposed in this utility model;
[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the annular groove and spring structure of a keyboard rotary key encoder structure proposed in this utility model;
[0030] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the movable hole and ball groove structure of a keyboard rotary key encoder structure proposed in this utility model;
[0031] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the annular extrusion base structure of a keyboard rotary key encoder proposed in this utility model.
[0032] In the diagram: 1. Keyboard body; 2. Keyboard top cover; 3. PCB board; 4. Encoder body; 5. Button hole; 6. Knob cover; 7. Ordinary key; 8. Mounting ear; 9. Closed cover; 10. Rocker arm; 11. Limiting groove; 12. Connecting seat; 13. Ball; 14. Rheostat; 15. U-shaped plate; 16. Annular groove; 17. Spring; 18. Movable hole; 19. Ball groove; 20. Annular compression seat. Detailed Implementation
[0033] The technical solution of this utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments.
[0034] Reference Figures 1-7 This utility model provides a keyboard rotary key encoder structure, including a keyboard body 1 and a keyboard cover 2 disposed on the keyboard body 1. A mounting ear 8 is provided at the corner of the top inner wall of the keyboard cover 2. A PCB board 3 is detachably mounted at the bottom of the mounting ear 8. An encoder assembly is disposed on the top of the PCB board 3. The encoder assembly includes an encoder body 4 disposed on the PCB board 3, and a connecting seat 12 is provided on the top of the encoder body 4. A ball groove 19 is formed in the middle of the connecting seat 12. A ball 13 is movably mounted on the inner wall of the ball groove 19. The bottom of the ball 13 is connected to the rotary key end of the encoder body 4. The top middle of the ball 13... A rocker arm 10 is fixedly mounted, and an annular extrusion seat 20 is fixedly mounted in the middle of the outer wall of the ball 13. An annular groove 16 is opened in the middle of the inner wall of the ball groove 19, and movable holes 18 are opened on the inner wall of the annular groove 16 near the bottom and around the connecting seat 12. A rheostat 14 is installed on one side of each movable hole 18. The sliding end of the rheostat 14 passes through the movable hole 18 and is in contact with the surface of the annular extrusion seat 20. One end of the sliding end of the rheostat 14 is designed to be spherical, and the surface of the annular extrusion seat 20 is designed to be arc-shaped. A U-shaped plate 15 is installed on the sliding end of the rheostat 14, and multiple springs 17 are installed on one side of the U-shaped plate 15 and one side of the connecting seat 12.
[0035] The encoder assembly can move relative to the PCB board 3 along the height direction. When the encoder assembly is pressed, the PCB board 3 receives and transmits the pressing signal. When the encoder assembly is rotated, the PCB board 3 receives and transmits the rotation angle signal. When the encoder assembly is rocked, the PCB board 3 receives and transmits the direction signal. Through the coordinated work of the encoder assembly and the PCB board 3, the encoder assembly can perform three operations: pressing, rotating, and rocking. Each operation will cause the PCB board 3 to receive and transmit different types of signals, thereby realizing the multi-functional input of the keyboard.
[0036] To achieve good protective performance, refer to Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 The outer wall of the rocker arm 10 is fitted with a cover 9, and a sealing ring is provided at the bottom of the cover 9. The cover 9 is fitted over the outside of the connector 12. The cover 9 can effectively prevent dust, liquids and other substances from entering the encoder assembly, thus protecting the internal structure and extending the service life of the keyboard.
[0037] To ensure a more secure connection between the knob cover 6 and the rocker arm 10, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 3 A button hole 5 is provided at one corner of the top of the keyboard cover 2 for the top of the joystick 10 to pass through. A knob cover 6 is provided on the top of the joystick 10. A limit groove 11 is provided in the middle of the top of the joystick 10. A limit strip is provided in the middle of the inner wall of the knob cover 6 to cooperate with the limit groove 11. The cooperation between the limit groove 11 and the limit strip makes the connection between the knob cover 6 and the joystick 10 more stable, preventing the knob cover 6 from loosening or falling off during use and ensuring the stability of operation.
[0038] To meet the basic usage requirements of the keyboard, refer to Figure 1 The keyboard body 1 has several key mounting slots, and each key mounting slot is equipped with a regular key 7. One corner of the keyboard body 1 has a notch for mounting the encoder component. The layout design of the regular key 7 and the notch makes reasonable use of the keyboard space. It does not affect the use of the regular key 7, and provides a suitable mounting position for the encoder component, making the overall structure of the keyboard compact and beautiful.
[0039] Working principle: When the user presses the knob cover 6, the force is transmitted to the rotating button end of the encoder body 4 through the rocker arm 10 and the ball 13. After the encoder body 4 detects the pressing action, it converts it into an electrical signal. The PCB board 3 receives the electrical signal and transmits it to the computer and other devices, thereby realizing a function similar to pressing a normal button 7.
[0040] The user rotates the knob cover 6, which, through the cooperation of the limit strip and the limit groove 11, causes the rocker arm 10 to rotate. The rocker arm 10 causes the ball 13 to rotate in the ball groove 19, and the ball 13 in turn causes the rotary button end of the encoder body 4 to rotate. The encoder body 4 detects the rotation action and converts the rotation angle information into an electrical signal. The PCB board 3 receives this electrical signal and transmits it to external devices to realize functions that require angle information, such as volume adjustment and cursor rotation control.
[0041] The user shakes the knob cover 6, which causes the rocker arm 10 to tilt in a certain direction. The rocker arm 10 causes the ball 13 to swing within the ball groove 19. The annular pressing seat 20 on the ball 13 then presses the sliding end of the rheostat 14 in the corresponding direction. As the position of the sliding end of the rheostat 14 changes, its resistance value also changes. The rheostat 14 converts the change in resistance value into an electrical signal. Shaking in different directions will cause different changes in resistance value, thereby generating different electrical signals. The PCB board 3 receives these electrical signals and transmits them to external devices to realize functions such as directional control in games. When the user stops shaking the rocker arm 10, the elastic force of the spring 17 will reset the sliding end of the rheostat 14, thereby causing the annular pressing seat 20 and the ball 13 to return to their initial positions, and the rocker arm 10 will also return to the vertical state.
[0042] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model, but the protection scope of the present utility model is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or changes made by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present utility model, based on the technical solution and the inventive concept of the present utility model, should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A keyboard rotary key encoder structure, comprising a keyboard body (1) and a keyboard cover (2) disposed on the keyboard body (1), characterized in that, The top inner wall corner of the keyboard cover (2) is provided with a mounting ear (8), and a PCB board (3) is detachably mounted on the bottom of the mounting ear (8). An encoder assembly is provided on the top of the PCB board (3). The encoder assembly can move relative to the PCB board (3) in the height direction. When the encoder assembly is pressed, the PCB board (3) receives and transmits a pressing signal. When the encoder assembly is rotated, the PCB board (3) receives and transmits a rotation angle signal. When the encoder assembly is shaken, the PCB board (3) receives and transmits a direction signal.
2. The keyboard rotary key encoder structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The encoder assembly includes an encoder body (4) mounted on a PCB board (3), and a connecting seat (12) is provided on the top of the encoder body (4). A ball groove (19) is provided in the middle of the connecting seat (12). A ball (13) is movable on the inner wall of the ball groove (19). The bottom of the ball (13) is connected to the rotary button end of the encoder body (4). A rocker arm (10) is fixed in the middle of the top of the ball (13). An annular pressing seat (20) is fixed in the middle of the outer wall of the ball (13). An annular groove (16) is provided in the middle of the inner wall of the ball groove (19). Movable holes (18) are provided on both the inner wall of the annular groove (16) near the bottom and the periphery of the connecting seat (12). A rheostat (14) is installed on one side of each movable hole (18). The sliding end of the rheostat (14) passes through the movable hole (18) and is in contact with the surface of the annular pressing seat (20).
3. The keyboard rotary key encoder structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The sliding end of the rheostat (14) is equipped with a U-shaped plate (15), and multiple springs (17) are installed on one side of the U-shaped plate (15) and one side of the connecting seat (12).
4. The keyboard rotary key encoder structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, One end of the sliding end of the rheostat (14) is designed to be spherical, and the surface of the annular extrusion seat (20) is designed to be arc-shaped.
5. The keyboard rotary key encoder structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The rocker arm (10) is fitted with a cover (9) on its outer wall, and a sealing ring is provided at the bottom of the cover (9). The cover (9) is fitted over the outside of the connecting seat (12).
6. The keyboard rotary key encoder structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The top corner of the keyboard cover (2) is provided with a button hole (5) for the top of the rocker arm (10) to pass through, and the top of the rocker arm (10) is provided with a knob cover (6).
7. The keyboard rotary key encoder structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, A limiting groove (11) is provided at the top center of the rocker arm (10), and a limiting strip that cooperates with the limiting groove (11) is provided at the center of the inner wall of the knob cover (6).
8. The keyboard rotary key encoder structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The keyboard body (1) is provided with several key mounting slots, and ordinary keys (7) are installed in each key mounting slot. A notch for mounting encoder components is provided at one corner of the keyboard body (1).