Keypad component and infrared signal input device

Abstract

Keypad component for infrared signal input, characterized in that it comprises a key shaft (5b) with an end that extends movably downwards to block infrared rays, wherein the key shaft (5b), when extending movably downwards, can block infrared rays, resulting in a change in the infrared transmission signal.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of input devices, in particular a keypad component and an infrared signal input device. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] With the advancement and application of intelligent technologies, the user interfaces of numerous devices have been converted to touchscreens or directly connected to end devices for control. However, considering failure rates, costs, and user preferences associated with intelligent technologies, keypad controls retain their market share in certain scenarios. This is due to their advantages—low cost, low failure rates, ease of use, and flexible application—which intelligent controls have not yet fully replaced.

[0003] Existing keys predominantly use physical structures or technologies such as magnetism and optics in their construction. Their primary mechanisms typically utilize mechanical contacts, capacitive sensors, or magnetic sensors for actuation. Mechanical contacts are subject to wear during the up-and-down movement, while capacitive and magnetic sensors can exhibit performance instability or reduced accuracy after prolonged use. Furthermore, the extended up-and-down stroke of the shaft core during continuous actuation limits rapid sequential operation. Therefore, there is a need for a novel input device that offers a longer lifespan, highly precise and stable input, and rapid actuation to meet user requirements. CONTENT OF THE PRESENT APPLICATION

[0004] The present application aims to provide a keypad component and an infrared signal input device with this component in order to solve the aforementioned technical problems.

[0005] To solve the aforementioned technical problems, the present application provides a keying component for infrared signal input, comprising a keying shaft with one end that extends movably downwards to block infrared rays, wherein the keying shaft, when movably extending downwards, can block infrared rays, resulting in a change in the infrared transmission signal.

[0006] The present application is further configured to include a reset device that can reset the key shaft.

[0007] The present application is further configured to include a fixed base, wherein a limiting seat is arranged in the fixed base, which limits the direction of movement of the key shaft, wherein the key shaft movably penetrates the fixed base.

[0008] The present application is further configured such that the key shaft comprises a shaft body, wherein the limiting seat comprises a limiting cylinder, and wherein the inner wall of the limiting cylinder movably rests against the outer wall of the shaft body.

[0009] The present application is further configured such that the key shaft continues to comprise a matching cover body arranged on the outer circumference of the shaft body, the limiting seat further comprising one or more limiting plates, and two opposing outer surfaces of the matching cover body each movably abut the limiting plate.

[0010] The present application is further configured such that an upper opening is provided on the fixed base through which the matching cover body passes and abuts, wherein the outer wall of the matching cover body has a blocking section on which a step is arranged, such that the blocking section abuts the inner edge and the lower edge of the upper opening.

[0011] The present application is further configured such that the return device is a spring attached to the outer circumference of the key shaft, with two ends of the spring each bearing against or being connected to the inner wall of the fixed base.

[0012] The present application is further configured such that the return device consists of two elastic opposing spring leaves, wherein the upper surfaces of the two spring leaves have a return section, wherein the upper openings of the two return sections are shaped in the form of a trumpet, and wherein the key shaft has a wedge-shaped stop section which movably rests against the return sections.

[0013] The present application is further configured such that a V-shaped, recurved elastic stop body is arranged on the top of each retraction section, the elastic stop body bearing against the inner wall of the fixed base.

[0014] The present application is still configured such that the reset device is a magnetic levitation structure.

[0015] The present application is further configured such that the lower part of the wedge-shaped stop section is separated from the aforementioned V-shaped bend, wherein the lowest end of the wedge-shaped stop section is configured to block infrared transmission.

[0016] The present application is further configured such that the fixed base has an upper base and a lower base that snap into each other in the top-bottom direction.

[0017] The present application is still configured to include a keycap that is press-fitted with the top of the shaft body.

[0018] The present application is further configured such that elastic snap spring leaves are arranged on two opposite outer sides of the fixed base, wherein a stop plate is arranged at one end of the snap spring leaf facing away from the fixed base, and wherein a snap projection is arranged at one end of the snap spring leaf facing the fixed base.

[0019] The present application is further configured such that the infrared transmission signal changes when the key shaft extends downwards by at least 0.01 mm.

[0020] Preferably, the infrared transmission signal changes when the key shaft extends downwards by at least 0.001 mm.

[0021] Furthermore, the infrared transmission signal preferentially changes when the key shaft extends downwards by at least 0.0001 mm.

[0022] The present application further provides an infrared signal input device comprising a key component mentioned above and a positioning plate provided with positioning holes, wherein the key component is fixed in the positioning holes, and wherein the infrared signal input device further comprises a plurality of spaced-apart infrared transmitter units and infrared receiver units located below the positioning plate to form an infrared coverage area, and wherein the key shaft can extend downwards into the infrared coverage area, and wherein, when the key shaft movably extends downwards into the infrared coverage area, at least one infrared beam is at least partially blocked, causing a change in the infrared transmission signal.

[0023] The present application is further configured such that the infrared transmitter units and the infrared receiver units are arranged on a printed circuit board or a circuit board, wherein the printed circuit board or the circuit board has a hollow structure, and wherein the infrared transmitter units and the infrared receiver units are arranged around the outer perimeter of the orthogonal projection of all key components.

[0024] The present application is further configured such that the infrared transmitter units and the infrared receiver units are arranged on the long edge of the printed circuit board or circuit board and not on the short edge.

[0025] The present application is further configured such that parameters are preset at the position of the key component, wherein when the key shaft is pressed, an input action is triggered, and wherein the key position information is output to the control center; and wherein after the pressure is released, the key shaft is moved upwards and reset, thereby reducing the infrared blocking area, which is considered to be the completion of a signal trigger.

[0026] The present application is further configured such that, with continuous pressing of the key shaft, the next signal input can begin without the key shaft fully returning to its starting position.

[0027] The present application provides a contactless infrared keyboard comprising a key component or an infrared signal input device as described above, wherein the key component does not include an electrical connection structure.

[0028] Compared to the prior art, the present application has the following advantageous effects: During operation, in the key component provided by the present application and the infrared input device comprising the key component, there is no collision contact between the key component and internal parts in the key component (such as the collision contact between the key shaft of the mechanical shaft during the up and down movement and two metal plates in the prior art), therefore no contact wear occurs even after prolonged use, thus preventing performance instability or loss of precision, and with a longer service life, the technical problems of existing input devices are overcome and more precise and durable input devices are made available to users.Furthermore, the infrared signal input device uses infrared topoelectronic technology, which reduces dependence on state-of-the-art physical components, improves environmental compatibility, and lowers manufacturing costs.

[0029] The keypad component and the infrared input device comprising the keypad component, as provided in the present application, are characterized by a simple structural unit, adjustable precision, high reliability, and low maintenance costs. The present application utilizes infrared technology to achieve a contactless, high-precision design that offers the following advantages: 1. Infrared detection and response are fast, enabling switches to achieve high sampling rates and high feedback rates, thereby significantly reducing latency. 2. The actuation stroke, sensitivity values, and dead zones of the keypad switches can be precisely adjusted and adapted to individual user preferences to meet customer requirements, thus overcoming the limitations of physical structures where both operational performance and service life cannot be guaranteed simultaneously. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of a key component according to the present application; Fig. 2 shows a sectional view of an embodiment of a key component according to the present application; Fig. 3 shows a sectional view of another embodiment of a key component according to the present application; Fig. Figure 4 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of a key component according to the present application; Fig. 5 shows a three-dimensional view of an embodiment of a key component according to the present application; Fig. Figure 6 shows a three-dimensional view of an embodiment of a key component according to the present application in the pressed state; Fig. Figure 7 shows a first schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of an infrared signal input device according to the present application; Fig. Figure 8 shows a second schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of an infrared signal input device according to the present application; Fig. Figure 9 shows a schematic exploded view of an embodiment of an infrared signal input device according to the present application; Fig. Figure 10 shows a first schematic diagram of the structure of another embodiment of an infrared signal input device (with through hole) according to the present application; Fig. Figure 11 shows a schematic exploded view of another embodiment of an infrared signal input device (with through hole) according to the present application; Fig. Figure 12 shows a top-view perspective of an infrared signal input device according to the present application; Fig. Figure 13 shows a top view of the grid area after axial displacement of the key shaft; Fig. Figure 14 shows a top view of another embodiment of an infrared signal input device according to the present application; Fig. Figure 15 shows a front view of another embodiment of an infrared signal input device according to the present application; Fig. Figure 16 shows a three-dimensional view of another embodiment of an infrared signal input device according to the present application. Reference symbol list 1 through hole 2 circuit boards 3 Infrared transmitter unit 4 Infrared receiver units 5 key components 5a Fixed Base 5a1 Upper Base 5a2 Lower Base 5b Keypad 5b1 Wave body 5b2 Suitable cover body 6 Limit seat 6a Boundary plate 6b Limit cylinder 7. Reset device 8 Positioning plate 9 positioning holes 10 Top opening 11 Blocking section 12 Snap spring leaf 13 Stop plate 14 Snap advantage 15 flange 16 Reset section 17 Stop section 18 Elastic stop body DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] In conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, an infrared signal input device provided by the present application is explained in more detail below. The advantages and features of the present application will become clearer from the following description. It should be noted that the drawings are provided only in schematic form to facilitate and clarify the description of the embodiments of the present application. Identical or similar reference numerals in the drawings denote identical or similar components.

[0031] One embodiment of the present application provides a key component 5 for infrared signal input, with reference to Fig. In sections 1 to 3, key component 5 comprises a key shaft 5b with one end that extends movably downwards to block infrared rays, and infrared rays are located within the horizontal plane below key component 5. When key shaft 5b extends movably downwards, its end blocks the infrared rays, thereby triggering a command because the corresponding infrared transmission signal is partially or completely blocked.

[0032] With reference to Fig. This keyboard configuration requires only infrared transmitters 3 and infrared receivers 4, positioned around the perimeter below the key component 5. No electrical connections around the key component are necessary; its attachment to the keyboard is sufficient to achieve full functionality. Advantages include structural separation, with the key component being a purely mechanical structure unaffected by electrical connection components, resulting in more stable performance. Furthermore, the absence of electrical connections extends the lifespan.

[0033] With reference to Fig. 2 The key component 5 further includes a reset device 7 which can reset the key shaft 5b.

[0034] With reference to Fig. 2 The key shaft 5b comprises a shaft body 5b1. The key component 5 further comprises a fixed base 5a in which a limiting seat 6 is arranged, limiting the movement of the key shaft 5b. The limiting seat 6 comprises a limiting cylinder 6b, wherein the shaft body 5b1 is mounted in the limiting cylinder 6b. This arrangement provides horizontal limitation, allowing the shaft body 5b1 to move in the up-down direction along the limiting cylinder 6b. A return mechanism 7 is mounted around the circumference of the limiting cylinder 6b.

[0035] With reference to Fig. 2 The key shaft 5b further comprises a matching cover body 5b2, which is arranged on the outer circumference of the shaft body 5b1, wherein the matching cover body 5b2 is formed integrally with the shaft body 5b1. The limiting seat 6 further comprises limiting plates 6a on both sides, wherein the outer surfaces of the matching cover body 5b2 movably bear against the inner surfaces of the corresponding limiting plates 6a. This achieves a horizontal limiting of the matching cover body 5b2, thereby minimizing wobble as much as possible and improving the stability of the key shaft 5b during axial movement.

[0036] In particular, the boundary plates 6a can be provided in a number of 1 or more than 1, preferably 2 or 4, and are arranged symmetrically, with a number of 4 being the optimal configuration. With reference to Fig. 2. An upper opening 10 is provided on the fixed base 5a, through which the upper part of the matching cover body 5b2 passes and abuts. A blocking section 11 is arranged externally above the matching cover body, and a step is arranged on this blocking section 11 such that the blocking section 11 abuts the inner edge and the lower edge of the upper opening 10. This configuration defines the upper limit for the upper end face of the shaft body 5b1 and prevents it from detaching from the fixed base 5a. The blocking section 11 simultaneously limits the highest position of the upward movement of the matching cover body 5b2.

[0037] In other embodiments, the limiting seat 6 can use other limiting configurations.

[0038] With reference to Fig. 2 The return mechanism 7 is a spring attached to the outer circumference of the key shaft 5b, with two ends of the spring bearing against or connected to the inner wall of the fixed base 5a. When in use, the key shaft 5b moves downwards when the user applies pressure to it, compressing the spring. Upon releasing the key, the spring releases the pressure and springs back to its natural state, causing the key shaft 5b to return to its initial position. The fixed base 5a comprises an upper base 5a1 and a lower base 5a2, which interlock in the up-down direction, simplifying its manufacture.

[0039] Fig. Figure 3 shows another embodiment of the return device 7, comprising two elastic opposing spring leaves, wherein the upper surfaces of the two spring leaves have a return section 16, and wherein the upper openings of the two return sections 16 are shaped like a trumpet, and wherein a V-shaped, recurved elastic stop element 18 is arranged on the upper surface of each return section 16, the elastic stop element 18 bearing against the inner wall of the fixed base 5a, and wherein the middle part of the spring leaf has an obtuse bend, and wherein the key shaft 5b has a wedge-shaped stop section 17 that movably rests against the return sections 16, and wherein the lower part of the wedge-shaped stop section 17 is separated from the bottom of the V-shaped bend.and wherein the lower end of the wedge-shaped stop section 17 is used to block the transmission of the infrared beams, so that when the key shaft 5b exerts pressure on the return section 16 during its downward movement and the key shaft 5b is no longer under pressure, the two spring leaves rebound to the center and lift the key shaft 5b. The arrangement of the elastic stop body 18 can further improve the return force and the return performance of the return device 7. The obtuse-angled bend in the center of the spring leaf can reduce the contact area of ​​the spring leaf with the key shaft 5b and decrease friction.

[0040] In other embodiments, the reset device 7 can also use a magnetic levitation structure or other configurations that achieve equivalent functionality.

[0041] In particular, the present application further comprises a keycap (not shown) that forms an interference fit with the upper end of the shaft body 5b1. This arrangement prevents direct contact between the user's finger and the shaft body 5b1 during actuation, thereby improving the user experience with the keys and protecting the shaft body 5b1. The upper part of the shaft body 5b has a cross-shaped horizontal cross-section designed to fit into a corresponding cross-shaped opening in the keycap. This allows the keycap to be both detachably connected to the shaft body 5b1 and securely engaged with it.

[0042] With reference to Fig. 1 The side part of the lower base 5a2 is provided with a flange 15. When the fixed base 5a is attached, the flange 15 rests against the positioning plate 8. This ensures that the fixed base 5a remains securely positioned and prevents any upward or downward movement of the key shaft 5b or the shaft body 5b1 when pressed.

[0043] In one embodiment according to Fig. In the fixed base 5a, elastic snap spring leaves 12 are arranged on two opposite outer surfaces. An outwardly projecting stop plate 13 is arranged at the upper end of each snap spring leaf 12, and a snap projection 14 is arranged on both sides of the lower end of each snap spring leaf 12. This configuration allows the fixed base 5a to be directly attached to the positioning plate 8, which is provided with a positioning hole 9. By directly pressing down on the fixed base 5a, the snap projection 14 comes into contact with the circumference of the positioning hole 9. Applying pressure to the snap projection 14 compresses the snap spring leaf 12 into the interior of the fixed base 5a.When compressed to a certain degree, the positioning plate 8 is inserted between the stop plate 13 and the snap projection 14, thereby creating a firm connection between the fixed base 5a and the positioning plate 8.

[0044] The shape of the snap-in projection 14 is triangular to facilitate the insertion and removal of the positioning plate 8 (see Fig. 1) When inserting and removing the positioning plate 8, the surfaces of the snap-in projection 14 that come into contact with the positioning plate 8 are all inclined surfaces.

[0045] Fig. Figure 4 shows an exploded view of the key component 5. Fig. 5 shows the state of key component 5 when it is not pressed; Fig. Figure 6 shows the state when the key component 5 is pressed to its lowest point (in a state where the stroke is fully achieved), with the key shaft 5b extending downwards to its lowest position.

[0046] The present application further provides an infrared signal input device. With reference to Fig. 7 to 13, it comprises a key component 5 mentioned above and a positioning plate 8 provided with positioning holes 9, wherein the key component 5 is fixed in the positioning holes, and wherein the infrared signal input device further comprises a circuit board located below the positioning plate 8 on which a plurality of infrared transmitter units 3 and infrared receiver units 4 are arranged to cover an infrared coverage area (grid area, see Fig. 13) to form, wherein the infrared transmitter units 3 and the infrared receiver units 4 are arranged in an overlapping pattern at intervals; for example, 1 to 2 infrared receiver units 4 are arranged between two adjacent infrared transmitter units 3, and the infrared transmitter units 3 and the infrared receiver units 4 together form infrared detection units. When the key shaft 5b extends downwards into the infrared coverage area, at least one infrared beam is partially or completely blocked (depending on the downward stroke of the key shaft), resulting in a change in the infrared transmission signal. Therefore, the functionality of the keyboard remains unaffected even if one or more infrared units (infrared transmitter units 3 or infrared receiver units 4) are damaged.In particular, a change in the infrared transmission signal can be triggered when the key shaft 5b is pressed by at least 0.01 mm (preferably by at least 0.001 mm, even more preferably by at least 0.0001 mm), thereby improving the sensitivity compared to conventional keyboards. For certain gaming keyboards that require exceptionally high sensitivity, the keyboard of this application can meet the corresponding requirements.

[0047] When the user presses down on key component 5, the key shaft 5b is axially displaced, blocking infrared rays at a specific position within the infrared coverage area. The infrared sensing unit detects this change in infrared rays at that specific position to generate an input signal. The position of key component 5 can be preset with parameters or adjusted by the user. To enter a specific parameter or value, the user presses key component 5 to trigger the input action, transmitting the corresponding key position information to the system or control center. When key component 5 is released, the key shaft 5b returns to its initial position. The infrared sensing unit detects a reduction in the blocked infrared coverage area, which can be considered the end of the signal transmission.If repeated input of identical information is required, the key shaft 5b can be held down continuously without fully resetting to its original position before being pressed again. During this sustained press, the infrared sensing unit can detect increased obstruction of the infrared beam and thereby trigger the next input signal. The signal triggering continues until the key component 5 is released, when the infrared obstruction is cleared. The stroke of the key shaft 5b is adjustable both during resetting and depressing. A movement of the key shaft in a vertical direction of at least 0.0001 mm triggers a change in the infrared signal input. During the keying operation described above, the key shaft 5b of the key component 5 does not come into physical contact with any components during its downward movement.Therefore, even after prolonged use, no contact wear occurs, thus preventing performance instability or loss of precision. This ensures a long service life and overcomes the technical problems inherent in existing input devices.

[0048] As in the Fig. 8 and Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the infrared transmitter units 3 and the infrared receiver units 4 are arranged in particular on a printed circuit board 2, wherein the printed circuit board 2 has a hollow structure (frame structure), and wherein the infrared transmitter units 3 and the infrared receiver units 4 are arranged around the outer circumference of the orthogonal projection of all key components 5, with alternative configurations also being possible.

[0049] In one embodiment, see Fig. 14 to 16, the infrared transmitter units 3 and the infrared receiver units 4 are arranged on the long edge of the circuit board 2 and not on the short edge.

[0050] In particular, the infrared transmitter units 3 and the infrared receiver units 4 can correspond to one-to-one, one-to-many or many-to-one, i.e., one transmitter unit 3 can correspond to one or more receiver units 4.

[0051] In other embodiments, the circuit board 2 can also have corresponding through-holes 1, wherein the key shaft 5b extends downwards through these through-holes 1 into the infrared coverage area, as in Fig. 12 shown.

[0052] Both the infrared transmitter units 3 and the infrared receiver units 4 can be commercially available standard components or parts known to those skilled in the art. Their structure and operation are based on publicly available technology, standard components, or proprietary experimental findings and are not explained in detail here.

[0053] In particular, the infrared signal input device can be a keyboard or other electronic products such as a mouse (microswitches), etc.

[0054] In particular, it further comprises a keyboard housing (not shown) and structures such as damping foam. The circuit board 2 and the positioning plate 8 are mounted inside the keyboard housing. The key component 5 is arranged according to the keyboard layout and corresponds to the predefined key position information for each key.

[0055] In the above embodiments of the present application, the printed circuit board can be replaced by a switching board.

[0056] The present application thus provides a keypad component and an infrared signal input device comprising the component, the latter comprising a keypad shaft with one end that extends movably downwards to block infrared rays, wherein the keypad shaft, when movably extending downwards, blocks infrared rays, resulting in a change in the infrared transmission signal. During the keying operation of the keypad component and infrared signal input device provided by the present application, the keypad component does not come into collision contact with any components. Therefore, even after prolonged use, no contact wear occurs, thus preventing performance instability or loss of precision. This ensures a long service life.

[0057] The foregoing description merely illustrates preferred embodiments of the present application and does not constitute a limitation of its scope. Any modifications or changes made by a person skilled in the art in the field of the present application on the basis of the present disclosure shall be within the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

[1] Key component for infrared signal input, characterized by , that it includes a key shaft (5b) with an end that extends movably downwards to block infrared rays, wherein the key shaft (5b), when extending movably downwards, can block infrared rays, resulting in a change in the infrared transmission signal. [2] Key component according to claim 1, characterized by that it further includes a reset device (7) which can reset the key shaft (5b). [3] Key component according to claim 2, characterized by , that it further comprises a fixed base (5a) wherein a limiting seat (6) is arranged in the fixed base (5a) which limits the direction of movement of the key shaft (5b) wherein the key shaft (5b) movably penetrates the fixed base (5a). [4] Key component according to claim 3, characterized by, that the key shaft (5b) comprises a shaft body (5b1), wherein the limiting seat (6) comprises a limiting cylinder (6b), and wherein the inner wall of the limiting cylinder (6b) movably rests against the outer wall of the shaft body (5b1). [5] Key component according to claim 4, characterized by , that the key shaft (5b) further comprises a suitable cover body (5b2) arranged on the outer circumference of the shaft body (5b1), wherein the limiting seat (6) further comprises one or more limiting plates (6a), and wherein two opposite outer sides of the suitable cover body (5b2) each movably abut the limiting plate (6a). [6] Key component according to claim 5, characterized by, that an upper opening (10) is provided on the fixed base (5a) through which the matching cover body (5b2) passes and abuts, wherein the outer wall of the matching cover body (5b2) has a blocking section (11) on which a step is arranged, such that the blocking section (11) abuts the inner edge and the lower edge of the upper opening (10). [7] Key component according to claim 3, characterized by , that the return device (7) is a spring which is attached to the outer circumference of the key shaft (5b), with two ends of the spring each bearing against or being connected to the inner wall of the fixed base (5a). [8] Key component according to claim 3, characterized by, that the return device (7) consists of two elastic opposing spring leaves, wherein the upper surfaces of the two spring leaves have a return section (16), wherein the upper openings of the two return sections are shaped like a trumpet, and wherein the key shaft (5b) has a wedge-shaped stop section (17) which movably rests against the return sections (16), or that the return device (7) is a magnetic levitation structure. [9] Key component according to claim 8, characterized by , that a V-shaped, recurved elastic stop body (18) is arranged on the upper side of each return section (16), the elastic stop body (18) being in contact with the inner wall of the fixed base (5a). [10] Key component according to claim 8, characterized by, that the lower part (17) of the wedge-shaped stop section (17) is separated from the above-mentioned V-shaped bend, wherein the lowest end of the wedge-shaped stop section (17) is configured to block infrared transmission. [11] Key component according to claim 3, characterized by , that the fixed base (5a) comprises an upper base (5a1) and a lower base (5a2) that interlock in the top-bottom direction. [12] Key component according to claim 4, characterized by , that it further includes a keycap which is press-fitted with the top of the shaft body (5b1). [13] Key component according to claim 3, characterized by, that elastic snap spring leaves (12) are arranged on two opposite outer sides of the fixed base (5a), wherein a stop plate (13) is arranged at one end of the snap spring leaf (12) facing away from the fixed base (5a), and wherein a snap projection (14) is arranged at one end of the snap spring leaf (12) facing the fixed base (5a). [14] Key component according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized by , that the infrared transmission signal changes accordingly when the key shaft (5b) extends downwards by at least 0.01 mm. [15] Key component according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized by , that the infrared transmission signal changes accordingly when the key shaft (5b) extends downwards by at least 0.001 mm. [16] Key component according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized by, that the infrared transmission signal changes accordingly when the key shaft (5b) extends downwards by at least 0.0001 mm. [17] Infrared signal input device, characterized bythat it comprises a key component (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, further comprising a positioning plate (8) provided with positioning holes (9), and wherein the key component (5) is secured in the positioning holes (9), and wherein the infrared signal input device further comprises a plurality of spaced-apart infrared transmitter units (3) and infrared receiver units (4) located below the positioning plate (8) to form an infrared coverage area, and wherein the key shaft (5b) can extend downwards into the infrared coverage area, and wherein, when the key shaft (5b) movably extends downwards into the infrared coverage area, at least one infrared beam is at least partially blocked, causing a change in the infrared transmission signal. [18] Infrared signal input device according to claim 17, characterized by, that the infrared transmitter units (3) and the infrared receiver units (4) are arranged on a printed circuit board or a circuit board (2), wherein the printed circuit board or the circuit board (2) has a hollow structure, and wherein the infrared transmitter units (3) and the infrared receiver units (4) are arranged around the outer perimeter of the orthogonal projection of all key components (5). [19] Infrared signal input device according to claim 18, characterized by , that the infrared transmitter units (3) and the infrared receiver units (4) are arranged on the long edge of the circuit board or switching board and not on the short edge. [20] Infrared signal input device according to claim 17, characterized by, that parameters are preset at the position of the key component (5), wherein when the key shaft (5b) is pressed, an input action is triggered, and wherein the key position information is output to the control center; and wherein after the pressure is released, the key shaft (5b) is moved upwards and reset, thereby reducing the infrared blocking area, which is considered to be the completion of a signal trigger. [21] Infrared signal input device according to claim 17, characterized by , that if the key shaft (5b) is continuously pressed, the next signal input can begin without the key shaft (5b) fully returning to its starting position. [22] Touchless infrared keyboard, characterized bythat it comprises a key component according to one of claims 1 to 16 or an infrared signal input device according to one of claims 17 to 21, wherein the key component does not comprise an electrical connection structure.

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