A shaft structure that utilizes spring clips to reduce rebound noise.

Abstract

This application relates to the field of mechanical keyboard switch structure technology, specifically a switch structure that uses a spring to reduce rebound noise. It includes an upper cover, a switch core, and a lower cover. A buffer spring is fixedly provided on the top of the inner wall of the upper cover. The buffer spring protrudes from the inner wall plane of the upper cover and is located at the end of the switch core's rebound path, used to absorb the impact energy of the switch core's rebound. This application, by setting a buffer spring on the top of the inner wall of the upper cover, utilizes the elastic deformation of the spring to absorb the kinetic energy of the switch core's rebound, avoiding direct rigid collision between the switch core and the upper cover, thus reducing rebound noise at the source and improving the acoustic experience of keyboard use. The impact part on the top of the switch core's side wing matches the shape of the buffer spring, combined with the sliding guide grooves on both sides of the lower cover, providing double constraints to ensure the verticality of the switch core's movement, avoiding contact instability and additional noise caused by lateral offset, improving trigger consistency, and meeting users' needs for low noise and high stability in keyboards.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of mechanical keyboard switch structure technology, and in particular to a switch structure that uses a spring to reduce rebound noise. Background Technology

[0002] Mechanical keyboard switches are the core components that determine the keyboard's typing feel, actuation performance, and lifespan. Their typical structure usually consists of key components such as a top cover, switch stem, spring, and bottom cover. The top cover provides protection and a mounting base for the internal components and guides the movement of the switch stem. The switch stem, as the force transmission carrier, directly affects the key travel and feedback during pressing and rebound. The bottom cover, together with the top cover, forms a closed cavity that houses the internal structure and connects to the keyboard circuit board. All components work together to complete the key actuation and reset functions, adapting to various usage scenarios such as gaming and office work.

[0003] However, existing mechanical keyboard switches have the following structural design shortcomings that affect the user experience. Currently, most switches rely on a spring to push the switch stem against the top cover, resulting in a solid impact without any cushioning. This leads to a loud noise upon impact. Furthermore, because both the stem and the top cover are made of hard plastic, there are repeated rebounds during the impact, with the spring also making noise during this process. This project aims to develop a switch structure that utilizes a spring to reduce rebound noise and solve this problem. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of at least one of the above technical problems, this application provides a shaft structure that uses a spring to reduce rebound noise, and adopts the following technical solution to solve the above problems.

[0005] According to one aspect of this application, a shaft structure for reducing rebound noise using a spring sheet is provided, comprising: an upper cover, a shaft core, and a lower cover, wherein a buffer spring sheet is fixedly provided on the top of the inner wall of the upper cover, the buffer spring sheet protruding from the inner wall plane of the upper cover and located at the end position of the rebound path of the shaft core, for absorbing the rebound impact energy of the shaft core.

[0006] Preferably, the buffer spring includes an elastically deformable central region that deforms upon impact with the shaft core.

[0007] Preferably, the contact surface of the buffer spring is provided with at least one limiting contact structure, the limiting contact structure including a protruding structure and a recessed structure, which is used for matching contact with the top of the shaft core.

[0008] Preferably, the contact surface of the buffer spring is provided with a friction-reducing coating.

[0009] Preferably, the buffer spring is an arc-shaped spring with a downwardly convex arc-shaped cross-section, and its two ends are fixedly connected to the inner wall of the upper cover.

[0010] Preferably, the buffer spring is a folded spring, consisting of a horizontal fixed section and a folded buffer section extending towards the shaft core.

[0011] Preferably, the buffer spring is a wave-shaped spring with a continuously undulating wave structure.

[0012] Preferably, the top of the two side wings of the shaft core is provided with an impact part that matches the shape of the buffer spring. When the spring rebounds, the buffer spring is embedded in the impact part to achieve guidance and limiting.

[0013] Preferably, the lower cover is provided with sliding guide grooves on both sides that match the side wing structures of the shaft core.

[0014] Preferably, the buffer spring is fixed by embedding, and the inner wall of the upper cover is provided with a slot, with both ends of the spring embedded in the slot and fixed by heat fusion.

[0015] This application has the following technical effects:

[0016] This application achieves several improvements through structural optimization. First, by setting a buffer spring on the top of the inner wall of the top cover, the elastic deformation of the spring absorbs the kinetic energy of the switch core's rebound, avoiding direct rigid collision between the switch core and the top cover, reducing rebound noise at the source and improving the acoustic experience of the keyboard. Second, the impact part on the top of the switch core's side wing matches the shape of the buffer spring, combined with the sliding guide grooves on both sides of the bottom cover, the double constraint ensures the verticality of the switch core's movement, avoiding unstable contact and additional noise caused by lateral offset, and improving the consistency of triggering. Finally, the buffer spring is embedded and fixed by heat fusion after being inserted into the top cover's slot, which not only ensures the accuracy of the spring installation but also enhances the firmness of the fixation, effectively preventing loosening or displacement after long-term use, extending the life of the switch, and meeting users' needs for low noise and high stability in keyboards. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of this application;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a front view of the shaft core in this application;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the shaft core in this application;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a perspective view from this application;

[0022] Figure 5 This is one embodiment of the buffer spring in this application. Figure 1 ;

[0023] Figure 6 This is one embodiment of the buffer spring in this application. Figure 2 ;

[0024] Figure 7 This is one embodiment of the buffer spring in this application. Figure 3 .

[0025] Figure label:

[0026] 1. Top cover; 2. Buffer spring; 3. Shaft core; 4. Bottom cover. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Please see Figures 1 to 7 It should be understood that the structures, proportions, sizes, etc., illustrated in the accompanying drawings are merely for illustrative purposes to aid those skilled in the art and are not intended to limit the scope of this invention. Therefore, they have no substantial technical significance. Any modifications to the structure, changes in proportions, or adjustments to size, without affecting the effectiveness and purpose of this invention, should still fall within the scope of the technical content disclosed in this invention. Furthermore, the technical terms used in this specification are merely for clarity and are not intended to limit the scope of this invention. Changes or adjustments to their relative relationships, without substantially altering the technical content, should also be considered within the scope of this invention.

[0028] The specific embodiments of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Numerous specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application.

[0029] In this embodiment of the application, as Figures 1-4 As shown, a shaft structure that uses a spring to reduce rebound noise is provided, including: an upper cover 1, a shaft core 3 and a lower cover 4. A buffer spring 2 is fixedly provided on the top of the inner wall of the upper cover 1. The buffer spring 2 protrudes from the inner wall plane of the upper cover 1 and is located at the end of the rebound path of the shaft core 3, and is used to absorb the rebound impact energy of the shaft core 3.

[0030] It should be noted that this application addresses the issue of abnormal noise generated by the direct rigid collision between the shaft core 3 and the upper cover 1 during the rebound of a traditional shaft. In traditional structures, the shaft core 3 makes rigid contact with the inner wall of the upper cover 1 when it rebounds to its endpoint, instantly converting kinetic energy into vibration noise. This solution addresses this by placing a buffer spring 2 at the top of the inner wall of the upper cover 1. The elastic deformation of the spring absorbs the rebound energy of the shaft core 3, reducing collision noise at its source. Specifically, the buffer spring 2 protrudes from the inner wall plane of the upper cover 1 and is located at the endpoint of the shaft core 3's rebound path. When the shaft core 3 rebounds, it first contacts the buffer spring 2 rather than the inner wall of the upper cover 1. The spring converts the kinetic energy of the shaft core 3 into elastic potential energy through its own deformation, which is then gradually released, significantly reducing the abnormal noise generated by the impact. This design does not affect the normal rebound stroke of the shaft core 3 and achieves noise reduction through energy buffering, representing a targeted optimization of the shaft's rebound structure.

[0031] In one embodiment of the present invention, the buffer spring 2 includes an elastically deformable central region that deforms when the shaft core 3 is impacted.

[0032] It should be noted that, in order to allow the buffer spring 2 to absorb the rebound energy of the shaft core 3 more efficiently, this design requires the buffer spring 2 to have a central region that can be elastically deformed. If the buffer spring 2 is too rigid overall or lacks a clearly defined deformation area, it may not be able to fully absorb kinetic energy, or even break due to excessive local stress. The elastically deformable design of the central region allows the central part of the spring to bend and stretch preferentially when the shaft core 3 impacts, dispersing and dissipating the rebound energy of the shaft core 3 through the deformation process, avoiding the generation of sharp noise due to energy concentration. In practice, the central part of the spring can be designed to be slightly thinner than the ends through stamping, or a curved or angled shape can be used to ensure that the central region can deform flexibly when the shaft core 3 impacts, thereby enhancing the buffering effect and further reducing rebound noise.

[0033] In one embodiment of the present invention, the contact surface of the buffer spring 2 is provided with at least one limiting contact structure, the limiting contact structure including a protruding structure and a recessed structure, which is used to make matching contact with the top of the shaft core 3.

[0034] It should be noted that during the rebound of the shaft core 3, if the contact position between the buffer spring 2 and the shaft core 3 is unstable, displacement or sliding may occur, which will not only reduce the buffering effect but may also generate new noise due to friction. Therefore, this design provides at least one limiting contact structure, such as a protruding or recessed structure, on the contact surface of the buffer spring 2, the shape of which matches the contact area on the top of the shaft core 3. When the shaft core 3 rebounds, the limiting contact structure can precisely fit with the top of the shaft core 3, limiting the relative sliding between the two and ensuring a stable contact position. For example, if the surface of the buffer spring 2 has a hemispherical protrusion, the top of the shaft core 3 can be designed with a corresponding hemispherical recess. The interlocking contact of the two can ensure that the spring is evenly stressed and reduce the noise generated by sliding friction, thereby improving the stability and reliability of buffering and noise reduction.

[0035] In one embodiment of this utility model, the contact surface of the buffer spring 2 is provided with a friction-reducing coating.

[0036] It should be noted that when the buffer spring 2 contacts the shaft core 3, in addition to impact energy, the relative sliding between the two may also generate frictional noise. Over long-term use, wear may cause changes in the contact area, affecting the buffering effect. Therefore, this design incorporates a friction-reducing coating on the contact surface of the buffer spring 2 to lower the coefficient of friction between the spring and the shaft core 3. Specifically, low-friction materials such as polytetrafluoroethylene, silicone, or boron nitride can be used as the coating, applied through spraying, lamination, or other processes to cover the contact area of ​​the buffer spring 2. When the shaft core 3 contacts the spring and slides slightly, the friction-reducing coating reduces frictional resistance, preventing scratching noise, and also reduces wear on both the spring and the shaft core 3, extending component lifespan and ensuring stable noise reduction over long-term use.

[0037] In one embodiment of this utility model, such as Figure 5 As shown, the buffer spring 2 is an arc-shaped spring with a downward-convex arc-shaped cross-section, and its two ends are fixedly connected to the inner wall of the upper cover 1.

[0038] It should be noted that, in order to optimize the energy absorption efficiency of the buffer spring 2, this design uses an arc-shaped spring with a downwardly convex arc structure, and both ends are fixed to the inner wall of the upper cover 1. The reason for this arc design is that the arc structure has a larger deformation space and a more uniform stress distribution than the planar structure: when the shaft core 3 rebounds and impacts the spring, the middle part of the arc will gradually flatten due to the force, and can continuously absorb the kinetic energy of the shaft core 3 during the deformation process, avoiding noise caused by the instantaneous release of energy; while the fixed design at both ends provides stable support for the spring, ensuring that the deformation only occurs in the middle of the arc, and will not affect the buffering effect due to overall shaking. Specifically, the arc-shaped spring can be made by stamping process, and the convex arc is designed according to the rebound force of the shaft core 3, which can not only ensure sufficient deformation space, but also quickly return to its original shape after the shaft core 3 leaves, preparing for the next rebound, thereby effectively reducing rebound noise.

[0039] In one embodiment of this utility model, such as Figure 6 As shown, the buffer spring 2 is a folded spring, which consists of a horizontal fixed section and a folded buffer section extending towards the shaft core 3; the two sections of the folded spring are horizontal fixed sections, which are fixed to the inner wall of the upper cover 1, and the folded buffer section has multiple folds.

[0040] It should be noted that, considering the different rebound forces of different shafts, such as segmented shafts and linear shafts, this design proposes a folded spring solution, consisting of a horizontal fixed section and a folded buffer section extending towards the shaft core 3. The reason for this design is that the folded structure can achieve "segmented buffering": the horizontal fixed section is fixed to the inner wall of the upper cover 1, providing stable support for the spring and preventing overall loosening; while the folded buffer section faces the shaft core 3. When the shaft core 3 rebounds, it will first contact the inclined section of the folded buffer section. At this time, the inclined section will bend horizontally due to the force, gradually absorbing energy through deformation at the fold. Compared with a single arc structure, its deformation process is more controllable and can adapt to different rebound force requirements. For example, for shafts with greater rebound force, the angle of the inclined section can be designed to be gentler, increasing the deformation stroke to absorb more energy; for shafts with less rebound force, the angle can be steeper, ensuring appropriate buffering without affecting the reset speed of the shaft core 3. This structure, through segmented force distribution, can both stabilize and reduce abnormal noises, and accommodate the feel requirements of different types of switches.

[0041] In one embodiment of this utility model, such as Figure 7 As shown, the buffer spring 2 is a wave-shaped spring with a continuously undulating wave structure.

[0042] It should be noted that, to further enhance the adaptability of the buffer spring 2 to high-frequency, multi-force rebound, this design employs a wave-shaped spring with a continuously undulating wave structure. Traditional single-deformation springs may not absorb sufficient energy due to insufficient deformation speed when facing the rapid rebound of the shaft core 3. However, the multiple undulating nodes of the wave-shaped structure achieve "multi-level buffering": when the shaft core 3 rebounds and impacts the spring, it sequentially compresses each wave crest. Each crest undergoes local deformation after being subjected to force, gradually consuming the kinetic energy of the shaft core 3 and preventing energy concentration. Simultaneously, the continuous wave structure extends the deformation stroke, making energy release smoother and further reducing noise. In practice, the spring can be processed into multiple continuous wave-like undulations using a stamping process. The height and spacing of the waves are designed according to the rebound parameters of the shaft core 3, ensuring that each undulation effectively participates in buffering, thus continuously playing a noise-reducing role in high-frequency applications such as gaming and high-speed typing.

[0043] In one embodiment of this utility model, the top of the two side wings of the shaft core 3 is provided with an impact part that matches the shape of the buffer spring 2. When rebounding, the buffer spring 2 is embedded in the impact part to achieve guidance and limiting.

[0044] It should be noted that if the shaft core 3 experiences lateral displacement during rebound, its contact position with the buffer spring 2 may deviate from the preset area. This not only affects the buffering effect but may also generate new noise due to side impact. Therefore, this design incorporates impact portions on the top of the side wings of the shaft core 3, matching the shape of the buffer spring 2. During rebound, the buffer spring 2 embeds into the impact portion for guidance and limitation. The principle of this design is to limit the lateral movement of the shaft core 3 through a shape-matched structure: for example, if the buffer spring 2 is arc-shaped, the impact portion can be designed as a corresponding arc-shaped groove. When the shaft core 3 rebounds, the spring embeds into the groove, and the sidewall of the groove prevents the shaft core 3 from shifting to either side, ensuring that it impacts the central area of ​​the spring perpendicularly. This ensures that the buffer spring 2 is evenly stressed and fully absorbs energy, while also preventing friction or collision noise caused by the shaft core 3 shifting, thus improving the overall stability of the shaft.

[0045] In one embodiment of this utility model, the lower cover 4 is provided with sliding guide grooves on both sides that match the side wing structures of the shaft core 3.

[0046] It should be noted that the perpendicularity of the shaft core 3 during its up-and-down movement directly affects its contact accuracy with the buffer spring 2. If the shaft core 3 is tilted, it may not accurately impact the center of the spring during rebound, thus affecting the buffering effect or generating additional noise. Therefore, this design incorporates sliding guide grooves on both sides of the lower cover 4 that match the side wing structures of the shaft core 3. The guide grooves provide trajectory constraints for the shaft core 3. The side wings of the shaft core 3 are embedded in the guide grooves, and during up-and-down movement, they can only move along the vertical direction of the groove, avoiding deviation caused by tilting. This design, together with the aforementioned impact limit, forms a "double constraint," ensuring the perpendicularity of the shaft core 3 throughout its movement, ensuring accurate impact with the buffer spring 2 during rebound, thereby stabilizing the noise reduction effect of the buffer spring 2 and improving the triggering consistency of the shaft.

[0047] In one embodiment of this utility model, the buffer spring 2 is fixed by embedding, and the inner wall of the upper cover 1 is provided with a slot, and the two ends of the spring are embedded in the slot and fixed by heat fusion.

[0048] It should be noted that the stability of the buffer spring 2 is crucial to ensuring noise reduction during long-term use. If the spring is loose, it may wobble upon impact with the shaft core 3, generating new noise, or even causing buffer failure due to displacement. Therefore, this design adopts an embedded fixing method. A slot is provided on the inner wall of the upper cover 1, and the two ends of the spring are embedded in the slot and fixed by heat fusion. The advantage of this design is that the slot can pre-position the spring, ensuring its accurate position, while the heat fusion fixation can form a tight mechanical lock after cooling by the local melting of the material of the upper cover 1, such as engineering plastic. Compared with glue bonding, it can avoid the increase of shaft volume by additional parts and ensure the connection strength between the spring and the upper cover 1, preventing the spring from falling off or shifting after long-term use. In specific implementation, the slots matching the two ends of the spring can be pre-fabricated on the inner wall of the upper cover 1 using a mold. After the spring is embedded, the edge of the slot is heated with a heat fusion tool to slightly melt and wrap around the end of the spring. After cooling, a firm fixation is formed, ensuring that the buffer spring 2 can function stably for a long time.

[0049] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this application and do not constitute any limitation on this application. Any person skilled in the art can make many possible variations and modifications to the technical solution of this application, or modify it into equivalent embodiments, without departing from the scope of the technical solution of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made based on the shape, structure, and principle of this application without departing from the content of the technical solution of this application should be covered within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A shaft structure that utilizes a spring to reduce rebound noise, comprising: It includes an upper cover (1), a shaft core (3), and a lower cover (4), characterized in that: The top of the inner wall of the upper cover (1) is fixedly provided with a buffer spring (2). The buffer spring (2) protrudes from the inner wall plane of the upper cover (1) and is located at the end of the rebound path of the shaft core (3) to absorb the rebound impact energy of the shaft core (3).

2. The shaft structure for reducing rebound noise using a spring sheet according to claim 1, characterized in that: The buffer spring (2) includes an elastically deformable central region that deforms upon impact with the shaft core (3).

3. The shaft structure for reducing rebound noise using a spring sheet according to claim 1, characterized in that: The contact surface of the buffer spring (2) is provided with at least one limiting contact structure, which includes a protruding structure and a recessed structure, and is used to make matching contact with the top of the shaft core (3).

4. The shaft structure for reducing rebound noise using a spring sheet according to claim 1, characterized in that: The contact surface of the buffer spring (2) is provided with a friction-reducing coating.

5. A shaft structure for reducing rebound noise using a spring sheet according to claim 1, characterized in that: The buffer spring (2) is an arc-shaped spring with a downward-convex arc structure in its cross section, and its two ends are fixedly connected to the inner wall of the upper cover (1).

6. A shaft structure for reducing rebound noise using a spring sheet according to claim 1, characterized in that: The buffer spring (2) is a folded spring, consisting of a horizontal fixed section and a folded buffer section extending toward the shaft core (3).

7. A shaft structure for reducing rebound noise using a spring sheet according to claim 1, characterized in that: The buffer spring (2) is a wave-shaped spring with a continuous undulating wave structure.

8. A shaft structure for reducing rebound noise using a spring sheet according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top of the two side wings of the shaft core (3) is provided with an impact part that matches the shape of the buffer spring (2). When the spring rebounds, the buffer spring (2) is embedded in the impact part to achieve guidance and limitation.

9. A shaft structure for reducing rebound noise using a spring sheet according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lower cover (4) is provided with sliding guide grooves on both sides that match the side wing structures of the shaft core (3).

10. A shaft structure for reducing rebound noise using a spring sheet according to claim 1, characterized in that: The buffer spring (2) is fixed by embedding, and the inner wall of the upper cover (1) is provided with a slot. The two ends of the spring are embedded in the slot and fixed by heat fusion.

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