Key assembly and infrared signal input device

Abstract

A key assembly and an infrared signal input device including the assembly are provided. [Solution] The key assembly includes key shafts (5b1, 5b2) whose ends movably protrude downward to block infrared rays, and when the key shafts movably protrude downward to block infrared rays, the infrared transmission signal changes. Fixed bases (5a1, 5a2) are further provided, and limit seats are provided within the fixed bases to limit the direction of movement of the key shafts, and the key shafts movably pass through the fixed bases. The key assembly and infrared signal input device including the assembly according to the present application are characterized in that the key assembly does not physically collide with any components when the keys are pressed, and no contact wear occurs even after long-term use, resulting in no unstable performance or reduced accuracy, and having a long service life.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present application belongs to the technical field of input devices, and relates to a key assembly and an infrared signal input device. [Background technology]

[0002] With the development and application of intelligent technology, the operation panels of many devices have been upgraded to touch screens or directly connected to terminal devices for operation on the terminal devices. However, considering the failure rate, cost and user preferences of intelligent technology, key input control, despite its advantages of low cost, low failure rate, simple and straightforward operation and flexible application, has not yet been fully replaced by intelligent operation in some scenarios, and still occupies a part of the market.

[0003] Currently, most conventional keys are designed using physical structures or technologies such as magnetism and optics, and the main triggering mechanisms are mechanical contacts, capacitive induction, and magnetic induction. Mechanical contacts experience contact wear during up-and-down movement, while capacitive and magnetic induction are prone to unstable performance and reduced accuracy after long-term use. Furthermore, the shaft requires a long up-and-down stroke during continuous triggering, limiting the continuous triggering speed. Therefore, a new input device with a long service life, high accuracy, stable input, and fast triggering speed is needed to meet user needs. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The purpose of the present application is to provide a key assembly and an infrared signal input device including the assembly to solve the above technical problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present application provides a key assembly for inputting an infrared signal, the key assembly having a key shaft whose end is movably protruding downward to block infrared rays, and when the key shaft movably protrudes downward, the infrared rays can be blocked and the infrared transmission signal changes.

[0006] The present application is further provided with a rebound device that can return the key shaft.

[0007] The present application further includes a fixed base, in which a limit seat for limiting the movement direction of the key shaft is provided, and the key shaft is installed so as to movably pass through the fixed base.

[0008] The present application further provides that the key shaft comprises a shaft body, the limit seat comprises a limit tube, and the inner wall of the limit tube is movably attached to the outer wall of the shaft body.

[0009] The present application further provides that the key shaft further comprises a mating cover provided on the outer periphery of the shaft body, and the limit base further comprises one or more limit plates, and the two opposing outer sides of the mating cover are respectively installed so as to be movably attached to the limit plates.

[0010] The present application further provides that an upper opening is formed in the fixed base through which the mating cover passes and abuts, and that the outer wall of the mating cover has a blocking portion, and that the blocking portion is provided with a step so that the blocking portion abuts against the inner edge and lower edge of the upper opening.

[0011] The present application further provides that the rebound device is a spring fitted around the outer periphery of the key shaft, and both ends of the spring are installed to abut or connect to the inner wall of the fixed base, respectively.

[0012] The present application further provides that the rebound device is two elastic pieces arranged opposite each other and has rebound portions at the tops of the two elastic pieces, the top openings of the two rebound portions are horn-shaped, and the key shaft is installed so as to have a wedge-shaped abutment portion that is movably attached to the rebound portion.

[0013] Furthermore, in the present invention, an elastic abutment body folded back in a V shape is provided at the top of each of the rebound portions, and the elastic abutment body is installed so as to abut against the inner wall of the fixed base.

[0014] The present application further provides that the rebound device is a magnetic levitation structure.

[0015] The present invention further provides that the lower portion of the wedge-shaped abutment is separated from the V-shaped folded bottom portion, and the lowest end of the wedge-shaped abutment is used to block the transmission of infrared rays.

[0016] The present invention further provides that the fixed base includes an upper base and a lower base that are engaged with each other vertically.

[0017] The present invention further comprises a key cap, which is installed on the top of the shaft body in an interference fit manner.

[0018] The present application further provides elastic locking connection elastic pieces on two opposing outer sides of the fixed base, with a stopper plate provided at one end of the locking connection elastic pieces farther from the fixed base, and a locking connection protrusion provided at one end of the locking connection elastic pieces closer to the fixed base.

[0019] The present invention further provides that when the key shaft movably protrudes downward by at least 0.01 mm, the infrared transmission signal changes.

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

[0021] More preferably, when said key shaft movably protrudes downward by at least 0.0001 mm, the infrared transmission signal changes.

[0022] The present application further provides an infrared signal input device, which includes the above-mentioned key assembly, and further includes a positioning plate with a positioning hole drilled therein, the key assembly is fixed in the positioning hole, and further includes a plurality of infrared transmitting units and infrared receiving units arranged at intervals below the positioning plate to form an infrared coverage area, the key shaft can protrude downward to the infrared coverage area, and when the key shaft movably protrudes downward to the infrared coverage area, at least one infrared ray is at least partially blocked, causing a change in the infrared transmission signal.

[0023] The present application further provides that the infrared transmitting unit and the infrared receiving unit are mounted on a PCB board or a circuit board, the PCB board or the circuit board has a hollow structure, and the infrared transmitting unit and the infrared receiving unit are installed around the orthogonal projection of all key assemblies.

[0024] The present application further provides that the infrared transmitting unit and the infrared receiving unit are provided on the long side of the PCB board or circuit board, and that the infrared transmitting unit and the infrared receiving unit are not provided on the short side of the PCB board or circuit board.

[0025] The present application further provides that a parameter is preset at the position where the key assembly is located, and when the key shaft is pressed, it triggers an input action and outputs the key position information located at the control center, and after the pressure is removed, the key shaft moves upward and returns, the infrared blocking area decreases, and it is considered that the signal trigger is completed once.

[0026] The present invention is further configured so that when the key shaft is continuously pressed, the next signal input can be initiated without the key shaft needing to be completely returned to its original position.

[0027] The present application provides a non-contact infrared keyboard including the above-mentioned key assembly or the above-mentioned infrared signal input device, wherein the key assembly does not include an electrical connection structure. [Effects of the Invention]

[0028] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: In the key assembly and infrared input device equipped with the key assembly according to the present application, the key assembly does not collide with any components within the key assembly during key depression (such as the collision contact between two pieces of metal when the key shaft of a mechanical axis moves up and down in the prior art), and even after long-term use, there is no wear, no unstable performance, no loss of accuracy, and a long service life, thereby overcoming the technical problems of prior art input devices and continuously providing users with input devices with higher accuracy and a longer lifespan. At the same time, the infrared signal input device employs infrared photoelectric technology, reducing the reliance on physical components in prior art, which is environmentally friendly and reduces the manufacturing costs of the product.

[0029] The key assembly and the structural unit of an infrared input device including the key assembly according to the present invention are simple, have adjustable precision, are highly reliable, and have low maintenance costs. The present invention uses infrared technology to achieve a non-contact, high-precision design, which has the following advantages: 1. The infrared detection and response speed is fast, and the switch has a high scanning rate and a high feedback rate, significantly reducing the delay time; 2. The trigger stroke, sensitivity value, and dead band value of the key switch can be accurately set and adjusted according to the user's personal preferences, satisfying the needs of customers and overcoming the problem that the physical structure does not balance work performance and service life. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] 1 is a structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of a key assembly according to the present application; [Figure 2] 1 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a key assembly according to the present application. [Figure 3] 10 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a key assembly according to the present application. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of one embodiment of a key assembly according to the present application. [Figure 5] 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a key assembly according to the present application; [Figure 6] 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a key assembly according to the present application when pressed; FIG. [Figure 7] 1 is a structural schematic diagram 1 of an embodiment of an infrared signal input device according to the present invention; [Figure 8] 2 is a structural schematic diagram 2 of an embodiment of an infrared signal input device according to the present invention; [Figure 9] 1 is an exploded schematic view of an infrared signal input device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 10] 10 is a structural schematic diagram of another embodiment (including through holes) of the infrared signal input device according to the present invention; FIG. [Figure 11] 10 is an exploded schematic view of another embodiment (including through holes) of the infrared signal input device according to the present application; FIG. [Figure 12] 1 is a bottom perspective view of an infrared signal input device according to the present application; [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the grating area after axial displacement of the key shaft. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a bottom view of another embodiment of an infrared signal input device according to the present application. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a front view of another embodiment of an infrared signal input device according to the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an infrared signal input device according to the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] The infrared signal input device of the present application will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings and specific embodiments. Based on the following description, the advantages and features of the present application will become more apparent. It is necessary to note that the accompanying drawings are all in a schematic form, which is intended to conveniently and clearly assist in the description of the embodiments of the present application. The same or similar reference numerals in the drawings represent the same or similar parts.

[0032] An embodiment of the present application provides a key assembly 5 for inputting infrared signals. Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the key assembly 5 has a key shaft 5b whose end is movably protruding downward to block infrared rays. Infrared rays are distributed within a horizontal plane below the key assembly 5, and when the key shaft 5b movably protrudes downward, its end blocks the infrared rays. At this time, the corresponding infrared transmission signal is partially or completely blocked, thereby triggering a command.

[0033] 5, the keyboard thus installed only requires that the infrared transmitting unit 3 and the infrared receiving unit 4 are installed around the bottom of the key assembly 5, eliminating the need for electrical connections around the key assembly, and all functions can be achieved by simply fixing it to the keyboard. This has the advantages of a divided structure, a purely mechanical key assembly, no influence from electrical connection elements, more stable performance, and a longer service life due to the absence of electrical connections.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 2, the key assembly 5 further includes a rebound device 7, which can return the key shaft 5b.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 2, the key shaft 5b has a shaft body 5b1, and the key assembly 5 further has a fixed base 5a. A limit seat 6 is provided in the fixed base 5a to limit the movement of the key shaft 5b. The limit seat 6 has a limit tube 6b. The shaft body 5b1 is fitted into the limit tube 6b, thereby realizing a horizontal limit. The shaft body 5b1 can move up and down the limit tube 6b, and a rebound device 7 is fitted around the outer periphery of the limit tube 6b.

[0036] 2, the key shaft 5b further includes a fitting cover 5b2 attached to the outer periphery of the shaft body 5b1, and the fitting cover 5b2 and the shaft body 5b1 are integrally molded. The limit base 6 further includes limit plates 6a on both sides, and the outer sides of the fitting covers 5b2 are movably attached to the inner sides of the corresponding limit plates 6a, thereby realizing a horizontal limit for the fitting cover 5b2, minimizing shaking, and improving the stability of the axial movement of the key shaft 5b.

[0037] Specifically, the number of limit plates 6a may be one or more, preferably two or four, symmetrically arranged, and most preferably four. Referring to Fig. 2, the fixed base 5a has an upper opening 10 through which the upper part of the fitting cover 5b2 passes and abuts. The upper part of the fitting cover 5b2 has a stopper 11 formed thereon. The stopper 11 has a step so that the stopper 11 abuts against the inner and lower edges of the upper opening 10. This provides a maximum limit for the upper end surface of the shaft body 5b1, preventing it from detaching from the fixed base 5a. The stopper 11 also limits the highest position to which the fitting cover 5b2 can be moved upward.

[0038] In other embodiments, the limit seat 6 may adopt other limit types.

[0039] 2, the rebound device 7 is a spring fitted around the outer periphery of the key shaft 5b, with both ends of the spring abutting or connecting to the inner wall of the fixed base 5a. When in use, the user applies pressure to the key shaft 5b, causing the key shaft 5b to move downward, pressurizing the spring. After the key is released, the spring releases the pressure and rebounds to its natural state, returning the key shaft 5b to its initial position. The fixed base 5a has an upper base 5a1 and a lower base 5a2 that are vertically engaged, which is convenient for production.

[0040] FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of the rebound device 7, which consists of two elastic pieces arranged opposite each other and each having a rebound section 16 at the top of the two elastic pieces. The top openings of the two rebound sections 16 are horn-shaped, and a V-shaped elastic abutment 18 is provided at the top of each rebound section 16. The elastic abutment 18 abuts against the inner wall of the fixed base 5a, and the middle of the elastic piece is bent at an obtuse angle. The key shaft 5b has a wedge-shaped abutment 17 that is movably attached to the rebound section 16, and the lower part of the wedge-shaped abutment 17 is separated from the V-shaped bottom part. The lowermost end of the wedge-shaped abutment 17 is used to block infrared transmission. In this way, when the key shaft 5b moves downward, it applies pressure to the rebound section 16. When the pressure on the key shaft 5b is released, the two elastic pieces rebound to the middle and push the key shaft 5b up. The installation of the elastic abutment 18 can further improve the rebound force and rebound performance of the rebound device 7. The obtuse angle bend in the middle of the elastic piece can reduce the contact area between the elastic piece and the key shaft 5b, thereby reducing the frictional force.

[0041] In other embodiments, the rebound device 7 may be a magnetic levitation structure or other structure that performs an equivalent function.

[0042] Specifically, the keyboard further includes a keycap (not shown), which is tightly fitted onto the top end of the shaft body 5b1, so that the user's fingers do not directly contact the shaft body 5b1 when pressed, improving the user's key experience and further protecting the shaft body 5b1. The top of the shaft body 5b has a cross-shaped horizontal cross section, which is inserted into a cross-shaped hole in the keycap and is used to fit with the keycap, so that the keycap can be detachably connected to the shaft body 5b1 and can also be securely connected to the shaft body 5b1.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 1, a flange 15 is provided on the side of the lower base 5a2. When the fixed base 5a is fixed, the flange 15 is in close contact with the positioning plate 8. In this way, the position of the fixed base 5a can be made more stable, and the key shaft 5b or the shaft body 5b1 will not move up or down when pressed.

[0044] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the fixed base 5 a is provided with elastic locking connection pieces 12 on two opposing outer sides, with outwardly protruding stopper plates 13 provided at the upper ends of the locking connection elastic pieces 12, and with locking connection protrusions 14 provided on both sides of the lower ends of the locking connection elastic pieces 12. With this structure, the fixed base 5 a can be directly fixed to the positioning plate 8 having the positioning holes 9. When the fixed base 5 a is directly pressed, the locking connection protrusions 14 come into contact with the periphery of the positioning holes 9, applying pressure to the locking connection protrusions 14, which in turn presses the locking connection elastic pieces 12 and tightens them to a certain extent within the fixed base 5 a. The positioning plate 8 is locked between the stopper plates 13 and the locking connection protrusions 14, thereby realizing a fixed connection between the fixed base 5 a and the positioning plate 8.

[0045] The shape of the locking connection protrusion 14 is set to a triangle (see Figure 1) which makes it easy to lock and pull out the positioning plate 8, and when locking and pulling out the positioning plate 8, both surfaces of the locking connection protrusion 14 that come into contact with the positioning plate 8 are inclined.

[0046] Fig. 4 is an exploded structural view of the key assembly 5. Fig. 5 shows the state when the key assembly 5 is not pressed, and Fig. 6 shows the state when the key assembly 5 is pressed to the lowest point (when the stroke has completely reached the bottom), with the key shaft 5b protruding downward to its lowest point.

[0047] The present application further provides an infrared signal input device, as shown in FIGS. 7 to 13, including the above-described key assembly 5 and a positioning plate 8 with positioning holes 9. The key assembly 5 is fixed in the positioning holes 9, and the PCB board is located below the positioning plate 8. The PCB board is provided with a plurality of infrared transmitting units 3 and infrared receiving units 4, forming an infrared coverage area (a grid area, see FIG. 13). The infrared transmitting units 3 and the infrared receiving units 4 are arranged crosswise at intervals, for example, one or two infrared receiving units 4 are provided between two adjacent infrared transmitting units 3, and the infrared transmitting units 3 and the infrared receiving units 4 constitute an infrared detection unit. When the key shaft 5b protrudes downward into the infrared coverage area, at least one infrared ray is partially or completely blocked (determined by the stroke of the key shaft downward), and the infrared transmission signal is changed. Therefore, even if one or several infrared units (infrared transmitting units 3 or infrared receiving units 4) are damaged, the use of the keyboard is not affected. Specifically, the key shaft 5b can trigger a change in the infrared transmission signal when pressed at least 0.01 mm (preferably at least 0.001 mm, more preferably at least 0.0001 mm), which improves sensitivity compared to conventional keyboards. Some gaming keyboards have very high sensitivity requirements, and the keyboard of the present application can meet these needs.

[0048] When a user applies pressure to the key assembly 5, the key shaft 5b displaces axially, blocking infrared rays in the infrared coverage area at a specific location. The infrared detection unit detects the change in infrared rays at that location and generates an input signal. Parameters can be preset for the location of the key assembly 5, or the user can customize the value. Thus, when a user wants to input a parameter or value, the user presses the key assembly 5 accordingly, triggering the input action and outputting the corresponding key position information located in the system or control center. When the key assembly 5 is released, the key shaft 5b returns to its original position. When the infrared detection unit detects a decrease in the infrared blocking area, the signal trigger is considered complete. If the same information needs to be input repeatedly, there is no need to press the key shaft 5b again after it has fully returned to its original position. The infrared detection unit can detect an increase in the infrared blocking area and generate the next input signal. No infrared blocking occurs until the key assembly 5 is released, and no signal trigger occurs after the blocking is released. The corresponding strokes of the key shaft 5b during return and press are configurable. The key shaft must move vertically by at least 0.0001 mm to trigger a change in the infrared signal input. During the process of pressing the key, the key shaft 5b of the key assembly 5 moves downward without physical collision contact with any parts, and no contact wear occurs even after long-term use, resulting in no unstable performance or reduced accuracy, and a long service life, thereby overcoming the technical problems of conventional input devices.

[0049] Specifically, referring to Figures 8 and 9, the infrared transmitting unit 3 and the infrared receiving unit 4 are arranged on a PCB board 2, the PCB board 2 has a hollow structure (frame-type structure), and the infrared transmitting unit 3 and the infrared receiving unit 4 are arranged around the orthogonal projection of all the key assemblies 5, and may also be arranged in other shapes.

[0050] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 14 to 16, the infrared transmitting unit 3 and the infrared receiving unit 4 are both installed on the long sides of the PCB board 2, and the infrared transmitting unit 3 and the infrared receiving unit 4 are not installed on the short sides of the PCB board 2.

[0051] Specifically, the infrared transmitting units 3 and the infrared receiving units 4 can correspond to one another, or can be one-to-many or many-to-one, that is, one transmitting unit 3 can correspond to one or more receiving units 4.

[0052] In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, a through hole 1 may be correspondingly drilled in the PCB board 2, and the key shaft 5b protrudes downward from the through hole 1 to the infrared coverage area.

[0053] The infrared transmitting unit 3 and the infrared receiving unit 4 may both be general-purpose standard components or components known to those skilled in the art, and their structures and principles are based on techniques disclosed in the art, standard components, or self-experimentation, and will not be described in detail here.

[0054] Specifically, the infrared signal input device can be a keyboard, a mouse (microswitch) or other electronic products.

[0055] Specifically, it also includes a keyboard case (not shown) and soundproofing cotton, and the PCB board 2 and the positioning plate 8 are fixed inside the keyboard case. The key assembly 5 is arranged according to the keyboard layout, and the key position information of each key is correspondingly preset.

[0056] In the above embodiment of the present application, the PCB substrate can be replaced by a circuit board.

[0057] The above description is merely a description of the preferred embodiments of the present application and does not limit the scope of the present application in any way. Any changes and modifications made by those skilled in the art based on the above disclosure will fall within the scope of protection of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 1 through hole 2 PCB board 3 Infrared transmitter unit 4 Infrared receiving unit 5 Key Assembly 5a Fixed base 5a1 Upper base 5a2 Lower base 5b Key shaft 5b1 shaft body 5b2 Mating cover 6 Limit Pedestal 6a limit board 6b Limit Cylinder 7. Rebound device 8 Positioning plate 9 Positioning holes 10 Top opening 11 Blocking part 12. Elastic locking piece 13 Stopper plate 14 Locking connection protrusion 15 flange 16 Rebound section 17 Contact part 18 Elastic contact body

Claims

1. A key assembly for inputting an infrared signal, comprising a key shaft (5b) whose end is movably protruding downward to block infrared rays, wherein when the key shaft (5b) movably protrudes downward, the infrared rays can be blocked and the infrared transmission signal changes.

2. 2. The key assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a rebound device (7) capable of returning the key shaft (5b).

3. 3. The key assembly according to claim 2, further comprising a fixed base (5a), wherein a limit seat (6) that limits the direction of movement of the key shaft (5b) is provided within the fixed base (5a), and the key shaft (5b) movably passes through the fixed base (5a).

4. The key assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that the key shaft (5b) comprises a shaft body (5b1), the limit base (6) comprises a limit tube (6b), and the inner wall of the limit tube (6b) is movably fitted to the outer wall of the shaft body (5b1).

5. The key assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that the key shaft (5b) further comprises a mating cover (5b2) provided on the outer periphery of the shaft body (5b1), the limit base (6) further comprises one or more limit plates (6a), and two opposing outer sides of the mating cover (5b2) are movably attached to the limit plates (6a), respectively.

6. The key assembly of claim 5, characterized in that the fixed base (5a) has an upper opening (10) through which the mating cover (5b2) passes and abuts, the mating cover (5b2) has a blocking portion (11) on its outer wall, and the blocking portion (11) has a step so that the blocking portion (11) abuts against the inner edge and lower edge of the upper opening (10).

7. 4. The key assembly according to claim 3, wherein the rebound device (7) is a spring fitted onto the outer periphery of the key shaft (5b), and both ends of the spring abut against or are connected to the inner wall of the fixed base (5a).

8. The key assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that the rebound device (7) is two elastic pieces arranged opposite each other and has rebound portions (16) at the top of the two elastic pieces, the top openings of the two rebound portions (16) are horn-shaped, and the key shaft (5b) has a wedge-shaped abutment portion (17) that is movably attached to the rebound portion (16), or the rebound device (7) is a magnetic levitation structure.

9. 9. The key assembly according to claim 8, wherein a V-shaped elastic abutment body (18) is provided at the top of each of the rebound portions (16), and the elastic abutment body (18) abuts against the inner wall of the fixed base (5a).

10. 9. The key assembly of claim 8, wherein the lower portion of the wedge-shaped abutment (17) is separated from the V-shaped folded bottom portion of the rebound device (7), and the lowest end of the wedge-shaped abutment (17) is used to block infrared transmission.

11. 4. The key assembly according to claim 3, wherein the fixed base (5a) comprises an upper base (5a1) and a lower base (5a2) engaged vertically.

12. The key assembly according to claim 4, further comprising a key cap, said key cap being interference-fitted onto the top of said shaft body (5b1).

13. 4. The key assembly according to claim 3, wherein elastic locking connection resilient pieces (12) are provided on two opposing outer sides of the fixed base (5a), a stopper plate (13) is provided at one end of the locking connection resilient pieces (12) remote from the fixed base (5a), and a locking connection protrusion (14) is provided at one end of the locking connection resilient pieces (12) close to the fixed base (5a).

14. A key assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that when the key shaft (5b) movably protrudes downwards by at least 0.01 mm, the infrared transmission signal changes correspondingly.

15. A key assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that when the key shaft (5b) movably projects downwards by at least 0.001 mm, the infrared transmission signal changes correspondingly.

16. A key assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that when the key shaft (5b) movably projects downwards by at least 0.0001 mm, the infrared transmission signal changes correspondingly.

17. 10. An infrared signal input device comprising: a key assembly (5) according to claim 1; a positioning plate (8) having a positioning hole (9) formed therein; the key assembly (5) being fixed in the positioning hole (9); and a plurality of infrared transmitting units (3) and infrared receiving units (4) arranged at intervals below the positioning plate (8) to form an infrared coverage area; the key shaft (5b) being capable of projecting downward to the infrared coverage area; and when the key shaft (5b) is movably projected downward to the infrared coverage area, at least one infrared ray is at least partially blocked, causing a change in the infrared transmission signal.

18. 18. The infrared signal input device according to claim 17, wherein the infrared transmitting unit (3) and the infrared receiving unit (4) are mounted on a PCB board or circuit board (2), the PCB board or circuit board (2) has a hollow structure, and the infrared transmitting unit (3) and the infrared receiving unit (4) are mounted around the orthogonal projection of all key assemblies (5).

19. 19. The infrared signal input device according to claim 18, wherein the infrared transmitting unit (3) and the infrared receiving unit (4) are arranged on the long side of the PCB board or circuit board, and the infrared transmitting unit (3) and the infrared receiving unit (4) are not arranged on the short side of the PCB board or circuit board.

20. 18. The infrared signal input device according to claim 17, characterized in that a parameter is preset for the position where the key assembly (5) is located, and when the key shaft (5b) is pressed, it triggers an input action and outputs the key position information located in the control center, and after the pressure is removed, the key shaft (5b) moves upward and returns, the infrared blocking area decreases, and it is considered that one signal trigger is completed.

21. 18. The infrared signal input device according to claim 17, wherein when the key shaft (5b) is continuously pressed, the next signal input can be started without the key shaft (5b) being required to be completely returned to its original position.

22. A non-contact infrared keyboard, comprising a key assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 16 or an infrared signal input device according to any one of claims 17 to 21, wherein the key assembly does not include an electrical connection structure.

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