Keycap and switch puller

Abstract

Keycap and switch puller comprising an outer housing body (1), characterized in that the base of the outer housing body (1) encloses a cavity in which a boundary block (25) is provided, wherein the base of the boundary block (25) is provided with a gripping element (3, 29), wherein the gripping element (3, 29) comprises two or four gripping claws that can move synchronously, and wherein the base of the cavity is provided with four lower boundary edges (9).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present utility model relates to the technical field of keycap pullers, in particular a keycap and switch puller for disassembling keycaps and switches of mechanical keyboards. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Mechanical keyboards are commonly used for office work and competitive gaming. With regular use, a mechanical keyboard requires frequent cleaning. Each key on a mechanical keyboard is controlled by a separate switch. Maintenance and cleaning require removing the keycaps and switches, which necessitates the use of specialized keycap and switch pullers. A good keycap and switch puller applies even pressure to all sides of a keycap, ensuring that neither the keyboard nor the keycap is damaged during removal. It is user-friendly, allows for quick replacement of damaged keycaps, requires no additional tools, and significantly improves maintenance efficiency.

[0003] The prior art, as described in utility model publication number CN218984670U, describes an integrated keycap and switch puller that allows for both switch and keycap removal. It features a locking main body switch holder inside the puller housing, preventing deformation of the locking switch holder during movement or storage. Simultaneously, an external keycap puller wire can be folded into a storage compartment, providing effective protection.

[0004] On the other hand, there are also technical solutions that propose a "four-prong keycap and switch puller." These designs incorporate a limiting block and a four-prong gripping element within the cavity at the bottom of the housing. An integrated transmission and return mechanism, when pressed down, drives the four prongs inward toward each other along a lower limiting edge to grip a switch from four directions. This eliminates the need for prior alignment with the switch direction, makes operation more comfortable, and internally utilizes a combination structure of a return plate and an elastic side plate, thus increasing return stability. However, there is still room for technical improvements in existing two-prong and four-prong designs that exist as standalone products.While the two-prong structure is compact and easy to manufacture, it still requires attention to alignment with the switch direction during application. If misalignment is not achieved, a 90° rotation is typically necessary before another attempt can be made. The four-prong structure solves the problem of directional alignment, but its overall transmission path is relatively long, the structure is complex, and the assembly process is demanding. Once local parts wear down or assembly deviations occur, this can easily lead to uneven gripping or difficulty resetting. CONTENTS OF THE PRESENT USE SAMPLE

[0005] The present utility model is based on the task of providing a keycap and switch remover to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0006] According to the present utility model, the problem is solved by the following technical solution: a keycap and switch puller comprises an outer housing body, wherein the bottom of the outer housing body encloses a cavity in which a boundary block is provided, wherein the bottom of the boundary block is provided with a gripping element, wherein the gripping element comprises two or four gripping claws that can move synchronously, and wherein the bottom of the cavity is provided with four lower boundary edges.

[0007] Preferably, a support block is provided above the limiting block and a transmission element is provided above the support block, wherein the rear end of the transmission element is wedge-shaped and both sides of the transmission element are each provided with a locking tooth.

[0008] Furthermore, it is provided that two return plates are provided outside the transmission element, wherein an elastic return side plate is provided on the uppermost area of ​​each of the return plates, wherein a locking block is provided inside each of the return plates, wherein the tail end of the individual elastic return side plate abuts against the inner wall of the outer housing body, and wherein the individual elastic return side plate and the respective return plate are arranged at an acute angle to each other.

[0009] Preferably, a first stop plate, a second stop plate and a third stop plate are arranged sequentially from top to bottom inside the outer housing body, with a fixed stop plate being provided above the third stop plate.

[0010] Preferably, an actuating button is provided on the uppermost area of ​​the outer housing body, wherein the uppermost area of ​​the actuating button is provided with a push button and a guide groove is provided on the actuating button, wherein a guide rod is provided inside the outer housing body, and wherein a separating plate is provided below the actuating button and a push plate is provided at the bottom of the separating plate.

[0011] Furthermore, it is provided that the keycap and switch puller continues to include a spring, the upper end of which is fixed inside the sliding plate, while its lower end is slipped over the single detent tooth from above and connected to the transmission element, the spring being mounted vertically in a space enclosed on two sides by the sliding plate, the transmission element and the return plates.

[0012] Furthermore, it is provided that an outer housing cover is provided on the side of the outer housing body, on which a fixed cover plate is provided, at the bottom of which a side cover plate is provided, on both sides of which a keycap puller steel wire is provided, wherein a steel wire detent groove is provided between the outer housing cover and the side cover plate and the front end of the keycap puller steel wire is rotatably connected to the inner wall of the steel wire detent groove.

[0013] Furthermore, it is provided that the front end of the fixed boundary block is provided with a U-shaped mounting groove in which the gripping element is firmly inserted, with the two side walls of the gripping element being inclined outwards and forming a locking hook at their front end.

[0014] Furthermore, it is provided that the two side walls of the outer housing body are each provided with a sliding hole designed for use in conjunction with the gripping element, and that the front ends of the two side walls of the outer housing body are each provided with a through slot designed for use in conjunction with the gripping element.

[0015] Furthermore, it is provided that a reset mechanism is provided inside the outer housing body, which interacts with the transmission element, wherein the rear end of each reset plate is provided with a protruding structure that interacts with the wedge-shaped structure, and wherein an inclined pressure plate is provided between the rear end of both sides of the transmission element and the respective reset plate, and wherein the rear end of each pressure plate is rigidly connected to the actuating button.

[0016] Compared to the prior art, the advantages and positive effects of the present utility model lie in the fact that, given the problems of existing switch pullers—such as the susceptibility of exposed gripping elements to deformation, the need for manual actuation of the gripping elements during use, and the required axial alignment—a keycap and switch puller is provided that is characterized by a compact structure, whose gripping process is automatic through pressure actuation, and which has an integrated keycap removal function. The choice of a four-claw or a two-claw gripping element achieves a universal design for different gripping methods. Regardless of whether a two-claw or a four-claw gripping element is used, the gripping claws are essentially stored within the outer housing body or cavity when not in use.This reduces the possibility of deformation due to collision with foreign bodies during storage, transport or use and extends the tool life, thus solving the problems mentioned in the description of the prior art. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0017] This shows Fig. 1 a schematic structural view of a keycap and switch puller with four claws according to the present utility model; Fig. 2 a structural sectional view of the keycap and switch puller with four claws according to the present utility model in a front view; Fig. 3 a structural front view of the keycap and switch puller with four claws according to the present utility model; Fig. 4 a schematic sectional view of the keycap and switch puller with four claws according to the present utility model in a side view; Fig. 5 an exploded view of the keycap and switch puller with four claws according to the present utility model; Fig. 6 a sectional view of the keycap and switch puller with two claws according to the present utility model in a top view; Fig. 7 an exploded view of the keycap and switch puller with two claws according to the present utility model. Description of the reference symbols:

[0018] 1. Outer housing body; 2. Outer housing cover; 3. Four-claw gripper; 4. Fixed cover plate; 5. Side cover plate; 6. Keycap puller wire; 7. Actuator button; 8. Push button; 9. Lower limiting edge; 10. First stop plate; 11. Second stop plate; 12. Guide groove; 13. Guide rod; 14. Fixed limiting block; 15. Spring; 16. Limiting element; 17. Separating plate; 18. Return plate; 19. Locking block; 20. Elastic return side plate; 21. Transmission element; 22. Detent tooth; 23. Support block; 24. Third stop plate; 25. Limiting block; 26. Steel wire detent groove; 27. Push plate; 28. Fixed stop plate; 29. ​​Two-claw gripper; 30. Mounting groove. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] The technical solutions of the embodiments according to the present utility model are explained fully and clearly below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is understood that the described embodiments represent some of the embodiments of the present utility model, rather than all of them. All other embodiments that could be obtained by a person skilled in the art in this field from the embodiments of the utility model without any inventive step are also within the scope of protection of the utility model.

[0020] First example: As in Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the present embodiment provides a technical solution: a keycap and switch puller with four claws comprises an outer housing body 1. The base of the outer housing body 1 encloses a cavity in which a limiting block 25 is provided. A four-claw gripping element 3 is provided on the base of the limiting block 25. The four gripping claws of the four-claw gripping element 3 move synchronously. The base of the cavity is provided with four lower limiting edges 9, each corresponding to one of the four gripping claws. By providing the four-claw gripping element 3, a keyboard switch can be attached and gripped from four directions.At the same time, the four lower limiting edges 9 allow the four-claw gripping element 3 to contract simultaneously, which provides increased stability when removing the keyboard switch and can ensure the safety and stability of the keyboard switch, thus solving the technical problem of detachment when removing the keyboard switch.

[0021] Furthermore, as in Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. As shown in Figure 4, a support block 23 is provided above the limiting block 25, and a transmission element 21 is provided above the support block 23. Two return plates 18 are provided outside the transmission element 21. Each of the return plates 18 is provided with an elastic return side plate 20 at its uppermost point, and a locking block 19 is provided within each of the return plates 18. Simultaneously, both sides of the transmission element 21 are provided with an outwardly projecting detent tooth 22. The transmission element 21 and the return plate 18 are positioned by the individual detent tooth 22 and the locking block 19. The keycap puller according to the present application secures a keyboard switch by means of the four-pronged gripping element 3. When actuated, the limiting block 25 slides upwards after the outer housing body 1 is pressed down, causing the support block 23 to also slide upwards.This causes the locking teeth 22 on both sides of the transmission element 21 to engage firmly with the locking blocks 19 inside the respective return plates 18, enabling the four-claw gripping element 3 to securely fix the keyboard switch. This significantly facilitates subsequent removal and ensures the safety and stability of the keyboard switch.

[0022] Furthermore, a barbed elastic retaining side plate 20 is provided outside the individual retaining plate 18, which increases the service life of the individual retaining plate 18. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, a fixed limiting block 14 is provided on the front and back of each of the elastic return side plates 20. The fixed limiting blocks 14 extend inwards from the outer housing body and are shown as circular shapes in the figure. In other embodiments, they can be designed as elongated strips, elliptical shapes, etc. The fixed limiting blocks 14 serve to prevent lateral bending of the elastic return side plates 20.

[0023] To solve the problem of instability of internal components during use, the present embodiment, as described in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, a first stop plate 10 is provided inside the outer housing body 1. A second stop plate 11 is provided within the outer housing body 1 at a specific distance from the first stop plate 10, and a third stop plate 24 is provided at a specific distance from the second stop plate 11. This internal design of the outer housing body 1 allows the first stop plate 10 and an outer housing cover 2 to effectively limit the actuation button 7, thus ensuring greater stability when pressed. Simultaneously, the second stop plate 11 limits a separating plate 17 and prevents excessive lifting of the separating plate 17, while the third stop plate 24 and a fixed stop plate 28 are responsible for limiting the return plates 18, thereby fixing the return plates 18 inside the device.

[0024] The four-prong keycap and switch puller according to the present application further comprises a spring 15. The upper end of the spring 15 is secured inside a sliding plate 27, while its lower end is slipped over the single detent tooth 22 from above and connected to the transmission element 21. The spring is mounted vertically in a space enclosed on two sides by the sliding plate 27, the transmission element 21, and the return plates 18.

[0025] Fig. Figure 5 shows an exploded view of the keycap and switch puller with four claws according to the present application. Operating principle:

[0026] In Fig. 1. A keycap puller wire 6 is located in a folded, stored state. To remove a keycap, the keycap puller wire 6 is rotated 180° to bring it into its working position, as shown in Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. Figure 4 illustrates this. The keycap removal wire 6 is inserted into two lateral slots of the keycap. The keycap is then gripped with the wire 6 and lifted upwards. The keycap is then removed using the wire 6. The wire 6 is then folded back and inserted into a steel wire locking groove 26 between the outer housing cover 2 and a side cover plate 5. When not in use, the keycap removal wire 6 is stored in the steel wire locking groove 26 and lies essentially flush with the outer surface of the outer housing 1, thus not affecting transport or storage.

[0027] Next, the switch removal process is carried out: The four-claw gripper 3 effectively secures the keyboard switch. When the four-claw gripper 3 is pressed down, the limiting block 25 is lifted along the interior of the outer housing 1. This movement causes the support block 23 to also slide upwards. The upward movement of the support block 23 pushes the transmission element 21 further upwards, causing the locking teeth 22 to engage firmly with the locking blocks 19 on the inner walls of the respective return plates 18. Now, the four-claw gripper 3 retracts inwards along the lower limiting edges 9, continuing to secure the keyboard switch stably and thus greatly facilitating removal. After the keyboard switch has been removed, the actuating key 7 can be pressed down along the guide rod 13 by pressing the push button 8 via the guide groove 12.This causes the push plate 27 at the bottom of the partition plate 17 to exert pressure on the return plates 18. The angle between the individual elastic return side plates 20 and the respective return plates 18 decreases, and this movement causes the return plates 18 to expand outwards, thereby disengaging the locking teeth 22 from the respective locking blocks 19. The locking of the fixed cover plate 4 with the guide rod 13 secures the actuating button 7 inside the outer housing 1. The limiting element inside the partition plate 17 restricts the spring 15, causing it to rebound upwards after being fully depressed. The return plates 18 then spring back to their respective starting positions with the help of the elastic return side plates 20 at their uppermost points, allowing the keyboard switch to detach smoothly from the four-pronged gripping element 3.This completely solves the technical problem of detachment when removing the keyboard switch, ensuring smooth operation and the safety of the keyboard switch.

[0028] Second embodiment: As in Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6 to Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the present embodiment corresponds to the first embodiment with regard to the overall concept and also integrates removal functions for keycaps and switches in a one-piece outer housing body 1. However, the gripping arrangement uses a structure with a two-claw gripping element.

[0029] To enable the gripping and removal function for switches, a fixed limiting block 14 is provided inside the opening at the front end of the outer housing body 1. The front end of the fixed limiting block 14 forms an essentially U-shaped mounting groove 30 in which the two-claw gripping element 29 is firmly inserted. The two-claw gripping element 29 has an overall U-shaped structure. Its two side walls are inclined outwards and each forms a locking hook at their front ends. The two ends of the two-claw gripping element 29 project outwards through sliding holes 31 in the two side walls of the outer housing body 1. Furthermore, a through-slot 32 is provided at each of the front ends of the two side walls of the outer housing body 1 to ensure sufficient freedom of movement for the locking hook when opening outwards and closing inwards.This allows for a fit with indexing notches of switches with different specifications.

[0030] To facilitate one-handed operation and control of the opening and closing of the two-claw gripping element 29 by means of a push-button mechanism, an actuation button 7 is arranged along its length inside the outer housing body 1. The rear end of the actuation button 7 is connected to the push button 8, which protrudes at least partially from the outer housing body 1. During use, the user can actuate the push button 8 with their thumb to move the actuation button 7 back and forth along the front-to-back direction. To ensure stable and reliable movement of the actuation button 7, a guide rod 13 is fixedly attached to the inner wall of the rear end of the outer housing body 1. A guide groove 12 is provided in the actuation button 7, which interacts with the guide rod 13.The interaction of the guide rod 13 with the guide groove 12 causes the movement of the actuating button 7 to be subject to a guide restriction, thus preventing pivoting or swinging.

[0031] Inside the outer housing body 1, a transmission element 21 is provided near the front end. The front end of the transmission element 21 is connected to the fixed limiting block 14 and serves to transmit the linear movement of the actuating button 7 to the two-claw gripping element 29. The rear end of the transmission element 21 is designed as a wedge-shaped structure. An obliquely arranged pressure plate 34 is provided between the rear end of each side of the transmission element 21 and the actuating button 7. When the actuating button 7 moves forward, the pressure plates 34 press the transmission element 21, causing its front end to displace the fixed limiting block 14 and the two-claw gripping element 29 accordingly, thus opening or closing the two-claw gripping element 29.

[0032] To achieve automatic reset, a reset mechanism 33 is provided inside the outer housing body 1 in the present embodiment. Preferably, the reset mechanism 33 comprises two reset plates 18 arranged behind a front stop plate, with the transmission element 21 positioned between the two reset plates 18. The wedge-shaped structure at the rear end of the transmission element 21 interacts with the projecting structures at the rear ends of the reset plates 18, so that when the actuating button 7 moves forward, the pressure plates 34 press the rear end of the transmission element 21 against the reset plates 18, thereby elastically deforming the reset plates 18.When the user releases the push button 8, the reset plates 18 release their elastic energy and return to their starting position, pushing the transmission element 21 back into its starting position and continuing to move the actuation button 7 to its initial position, thus completing a push and reset cycle.

[0033] So far, only preferred embodiments of the present utility model have been described, which do not constitute any other limitation of the present utility model. Those skilled in the art may use the disclosed technical content to transform it into equivalent, modified embodiments for other areas of application. All simple modifications, equivalent changes, and transformations of the aforementioned embodiments, which are made without deviating from the content of the technical concept of the present utility model and based on its technical essence, remain within the scope of protection of the technical concept of the present utility model. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] CN 218984670U

[0003]

Claims

[1] Keycap and switch puller comprising an outer housing body (1), characterized by , that the bottom of the outer housing body (1) encloses a cavity in which a boundary block (25) is provided, wherein the bottom of the boundary block (25) is provided with a gripping element (3, 29), wherein the gripping element (3, 29) comprises two or four gripping claws that can move synchronously, and wherein the bottom of the cavity is provided with four lower boundary edges (9). [2] Keycap and switch puller according to claim 1, characterized by , that a support block (23) is provided above the limiting block (25) and a transmission element (21) is provided above the support block (23), wherein the rear end of the transmission element (21) is wedge-shaped and both sides of the transmission element (21) are each provided with a locking tooth (22). [3] Keycap and switch puller according to claim 2, characterized by, that two return plates (18) are provided outside the transmission element (21), wherein an elastic return side plate (20) is provided on the uppermost area of ​​each of the return plates (18), wherein a locking block (19) is provided inside each of the return plates (18), wherein the tail end of each elastic return side plate (20) abuts the inner wall of the outer housing body (1), and wherein the individual elastic return side plate (20) and the respective return plate (18) are arranged at an acute angle to each other. [4] Keycap and switch puller according to claim 1, characterized by , that inside the outer housing body (1) a first stop plate (10), a second stop plate (11) and a third stop plate (24) are arranged in succession from top to bottom, wherein a fixed stop plate (28) is provided above the third stop plate (24). [5] Keycap and switch puller according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , that an actuating button (7) is provided on the uppermost area of ​​the outer housing body (1), wherein the uppermost area of ​​the actuating button (7) is provided with a push button (8) and a guide groove (12) is provided on the actuating button (7), wherein a guide rod (13) is provided inside the outer housing body (1), and wherein a partition plate (17) is provided below the actuating button (7) and a push plate (27) is provided at the bottom of the partition plate (17). [6] Keycap and switch puller according to claim 5, characterized by, that it further comprises a spring (15), wherein the upper end of the spring (15) is fixed inside the push plate (27), while its lower end is slipped over the single detent tooth (22) from above and connected to the transmission element (21), wherein the spring (15) is mounted vertically in a space enclosed on two sides by the push plate (27), the transmission element (21) and the return plates (18). [7] Keycap and switch puller according to claim 1, characterized by, that an outer housing cover (2) is provided on the side of the outer housing body (1), on which a fixed cover plate (4) is provided, on the bottom of which a side cover plate (5) is provided, on both sides of which a keycap puller steel wire (6) is provided, wherein a steel wire locking groove (26) is provided between the outer housing cover (2) and the side cover plate (5), and the front end of the keycap puller steel wire (6) is rotatably connected to the inner wall of the steel wire locking groove (26). [8] Keycap and switch puller according to claim 3, characterized by , that the front end of the fixed limiting block (14) is provided with a U-shaped mounting groove (30) in which the gripping element (3) is firmly inserted, wherein the two side walls of the gripping element (3, 29) are inclined outwards and form a locking hook at their front end. [9] Keycap and switch puller according to claim 8, characterized by, that the two side walls of the outer housing body (1) are each provided with a sliding hole designed for use in conjunction with the gripping element (3, 29), and that the front ends of the two side walls of the outer housing body (1) are each provided with a through slot designed for use in conjunction with the gripping element (3, 29). [10] Keycap and switch puller according to claim 3, characterized by, that inside the outer housing body (1) a reset mechanism (33) is further provided which interacts with the transmission element (21), wherein the rear end of the individual reset plate (18) is provided with a protruding structure which interacts with the wedge-shaped structure, and wherein an inclined pressure plate (34) is provided between the rear end of both sides of the transmission element (21) and the respective reset plate (18), and wherein the rear end of the individual pressure plate (34) is fixedly connected to the actuating button (7).

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