TOUCH-MECHANICAL PUSH-BUTTON INPUT DEVICE

Abstract

The utility model relates to the field of electrical engineering, namely to pushbutton switches with a rectilinear movement of the control element, actuated by a pressing force applied in only one direction, and can be used in computer keyboards, peripheral devices, industrial control panels and specialized input terminals. The technical result of the claimed technical solution is the expansion of the functional capabilities of a pushbutton input device. The technical result is achieved by a sensor-mechanical pushbutton input device, comprising a housing in which a rod is mounted with the possibility of translational movement, a spring configured to return the rod to its original position, at least one fixed contact, and at least one movable contact in the form of an elastic metal element placed with the possibility of interaction with the rod,wherein the movable contact is configured to close an electrical circuit by pressing against a fixed contact when the rod moves from the initial position to the working position, counteracting the force of the spring, and with the ability to open the electrical circuit when the rod returns to the initial position under the action of the spring, wherein a key cap is mounted on the rod, on the upper surface of which a sensor element is placed, configured to register contact with said upper surface and to generate an electrical signal of sensor input.

Description

[0001] The device belongs to the field of electrical engineering, namely to pushbutton switches with a linear movement of the control element, actuated by a pressing force applied in only one direction, and can be used in computer keyboards, peripheral devices, industrial control panels and specialized input terminals.

[0002] The closest in technical essence is the push-button input device according to the patent US 4339643 A, dated 18.06.1980, published on 13.07.1982, IPC H01H 15 / 102, comprising a housing in which a rod is mounted with the possibility of translational movement, a spring configured to return the rod to its original position, a fixed contact and a movable contact in the form of an elastic metal element located with the possibility of interaction with the rod, wherein the movable contact is configured to close an electrical circuit by pressing against the fixed contact when the rod moves from the initial position to the working position, and with the possibility of opening the electrical circuit when the rod returns to its original position. When the rod moves, the movable contact interacts with the fixed contact, as a result of which the switching of the electrical circuit is carried out only at the moment of mechanical actuation of the device.

[0003] Mechanical buttons offer high tactile properties, provide a clear indication of the actuation point, have a long service life, allow for individualized actuation force, and, unlike membrane or capacitive panels, provide the user with clear physical feedback about the completion of the switch. However, these buttons typically operate in discrete mode, generating an electrical signal only when a specific position of the moving elements is reached and the contact group is closed. Therefore, in some cases, to prevent erroneous or unauthorized activation, it is advisable to obtain confirmation information about the specific action that will be triggered by pressing the button before closing the electrical circuit.Examples of such situations include controlling critical equipment that requires additional command confirmation; working in low-light, vibration, or limited visibility conditions, where it is difficult for the user to accurately identify the selected button before pressing it; and using input devices by users with limited vision, motor skills, or finger sensitivity who require additional visual or audible feedback before the mechanical actuation of the key. The existing solution only registers the closure of the circuit at the end of the keystroke and does not provide advance information about the touch before the physical contact switching occurs, thus failing to prevent erroneous or premature command execution.

[0004] The objective of the claimed technical solution is to create a push-button input device that ensures the registration of touching the contact surface before the moment of mechanical actuation.

[0005] The stated problem is solved by a touch-mechanical push-button input device comprising a housing in which a rod is mounted with the possibility of translational movement, a spring configured to return the rod to its original position, at least one fixed contact, and at least one movable contact in the form of an elastic metal element arranged with the possibility of interaction with the rod, wherein the movable contact is configured to close an electrical circuit by pressing against the fixed contact when the rod moves from its original position to the working position, counteracting the force of the spring, and with the possibility of opening the electrical circuit when the rod returns to its original position under the action of the spring, wherein a key cap is mounted on the rod, on the upper surface of which a sensory element is arranged, configured to register a touch on the said upper surface and to generate an electrical signal of touch input.

[0006] The essence of the technical solution is illustrated by the drawing, where Fig. 1 shows a touch-mechanical push-button input device.

[0007] Fig. 1 shows: a touch-mechanical push-button input device 1, a housing 2, a rod 3, a key cap 4, a spring 5, a fixed contact 6, a movable contact 7, a sensor element 8.

[0008] The touch-mechanical push-button input device is designed as follows.

[0009] A touch-sensitive mechanical push-button input device 1 is designed to generate a discrete electrical signal in response to a mechanical press by the user and can be used in computer keyboards, industrial controllers, medical equipment, game consoles, and specialized control panels where extended input feedback is required. Device 1 comprises a housing 2, a spring-loaded rod 3, and a key cap 4. Housing 2, rod 3, and cap 4 can be made of a polymer material, such as polycarbonate, ABS plastic, or polyoxymethylene. In a particular embodiment, rod 3 is designed as a single, non-detachable part. In another particular embodiment, rod 3 is designed as a composite part, with its parts installed with the possibility of limited relative movement. Rod 3 is installed in housing 2 and is designed to move linearly.In this case, the said movement is of a strictly linear nature, which is ensured, for example, by means of guide ribs or grooves on the side surfaces of the rod 3, interacting with the corresponding elements of the internal cavity of the housing 2, eliminating lateral play and distortion. In the initial position, the upper part of the rod 3 protrudes beyond the dimensions of the housing 2. Between the lower part of the rod 3 and the wall of the housing 2, a spring 5 is installed. The spring 5 is configured to return the rod 3 to its initial position due to the elastic forces arising during its compression during the movement of the rod 3 from the initial position to the working position. A cap 4 is installed on the upper part of the rod 3. The cap 4 is intended for direct contact with the user's finger, convenient positioning and effective transmission of the mechanical force of pressing on the rod 3. In the cavity of the housing 2, at least one fixed contact 6 and at least one movable contact 7 are located.In particular embodiments of device 1, movable 7 and fixed 6 contacts may be represented in the plural. Contacts 6 and 7 are made of a conductive metal, such as copper, phosphor bronze, or beryllium bronze with a galvanic coating. Movable contact 7 is designed as an elastic element. Movable contact 7 is configured to close an electrical circuit by pressing against fixed contact 6 when rod 3 moves from its initial position to its operating position and to open the circuit when rod 3 returns to its initial position. The ability to close and open the electrical circuit is ensured by direct mechanical interaction between movable contact 7 and rod 3 during its movement.This interaction is realized by means of coordinated geometric characteristics: the profile of the rod 3 has projections or inclined planes, the surfaces of which, during the stroke of the rod, act on the elastic movable contact 7, causing it to bend until it comes into contact with the fixed contact 6. The design parameters of the rod 3 and the relative positions of contacts 6 and 7 are selected in such a way as to guarantee a reliable electrical contact in the operating position and its complete opening when the rod 3 returns to its original position. A sensor element 8 is located on the upper surface of the cap 4 of the key. The sensor element 8 is configured to register a touch on the upper surface and to generate an electrical signal of sensory input. The sensor element 8 can be implemented by any method known in the prior art, for example, based on capacitive, resistive, or optical touch detection technology.Touch detection can be achieved by changing the electrical capacitance, resistance, or refraction of the light beam at the contact point with the top surface of cap 4. The generated electrical signal is sent to the device controller's data center for interpretation and pre-processing. The signal is transmitted, for example, via a wired connection linking touch element 8 to the controller or system board.

[0010] The touch-mechanical push-button input device operates as follows.

[0011] Device 1 is positioned in its operating position and integrated into a data processing system, such as a keyboard unit. Upon initial light touch of the upper surface of cap 4, sensor element 8 registers the touch and generates an electrical sensor input signal. This signal is sent to the controller or system board, where it is processed. Based on the processing results, the user is informed of the intended purpose of the upcoming mechanical action. This information can be provided via a visual indicator, an acoustic signal, or a text prompt on the display. Upon confirmation of the appropriateness of the action, the user applies targeted pressure to cap 4.Rod 3 moves progressively from its initial position to its operating position, counteracting the force of spring 5. This causes movable contact 7 to press against fixed contact 6, closing the electrical circuit. Spring 5 then assumes elastic deformation. An electrical signal is sent through the closed circuit to the control system to perform the target operation. When the external mechanical force is removed, rod 3 returns to its initial position under the force of spring 5, causing movable contact 7 to move away from fixed contact 6 and the electrical circuit to open.

[0012] The presence of the sensor element 8 on the upper surface of the keycap 4 ensures the generation of a touch signal even before the mechanical movement of the rod 3 begins, which in turn ensures the recording of the moment of contact with the contact surface before the actual closure of contacts 6 and 7. This allows the user to be informed in advance of the upcoming action and helps in various circumstances, such as working in conditions of poor visibility, managing complex interfaces, or using devices by people with visual impairments, and also expands the functionality of the push-button input device by adding a new information channel for interaction with the user.

[0013] The technical result of the claimed technical solution is to expand the functional capabilities of a push-button input device. The technical result is achieved by a sensor-mechanical push-button input device comprising a housing in which a rod is mounted with the possibility of translational movement, a spring configured to return the rod to its original position, at least one fixed contact, and at least one movable contact in the form of an elastic metal element placed with the possibility of interaction with the rod, wherein the movable contact is configured to close an electrical circuit by pressing against the fixed contact when the rod moves from its original position to the working position, counteracting the force of the spring, and with the possibility of opening the electrical circuit when the rod returns to its original position under the action of the spring, wherein a key cap is mounted on the rod,on the upper surface of which a sensor element is placed, configured to register a touch of the said upper surface and to generate an electrical signal of sensory input.

Claims

A sensor-mechanical push-button input device comprising a housing in which a rod is mounted with the possibility of translational movement, a spring configured to return the rod to its original position, at least one fixed contact, and at least one movable contact in the form of an elastic metal element arranged with the possibility of interaction with the rod, wherein the movable contact is configured to close an electrical circuit by pressing against the fixed contact when the rod moves from its original position to its working position, counteracting the force of the spring, and with the possibility of opening the electrical circuit when the rod returns to its original position under the action of the spring, characterized in that a key cap is mounted on the rod, on the upper surface of which a sensor element is placed, configured to register a touch on the said upper surface and to generate an electrical signal of sensory input.

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