Button assembly, infrared signal input apparatus, and signal detection method

Abstract

Disclosed in the present application are a button assembly and an infrared signal input apparatus comprising the assembly. The button assembly comprises a trigger shaft body of which a tail end moves to extend downward so as to block infrared light. When the trigger shaft body moves to extend downward so as to block infrared light, an infrared transmission signal changes. According to the button assembly and the infrared signal input apparatus comprising the assembly provided in the present application, the button assembly does not collide with or come into contact with any component during a button press. Thus, even after long-term use, no contact wear occurs, thereby preventing performance instability or accuracy degradation, and ensuring a long service life.

Description

Button assembly, infrared signal input device and signal detection method Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of input device technology, specifically to a button assembly, an infrared signal input device, and a signal detection method. Background Technology

[0002] With the development and application of intelligent technology, the operating panels of many devices have been upgraded to touch screens, or directly connected to terminal devices for operation. However, considering the failure rate, cost, and user preferences of intelligent technology, button input control, with its advantages of low cost, low failure rate, simple and direct operation, and flexible application, cannot be completely replaced by intelligent control in certain scenarios, and therefore still occupies a portion of the market.

[0003] Currently, most existing buttons are designed using physical structures or technologies such as magnetism and optics. Their main structures rely on mechanical contacts, capacitive sensing, or magnetic sensing for triggering. Mechanical contacts experience wear during vertical movement, while capacitive and magnetic sensing technologies are prone to performance instability or accuracy degradation after prolonged use. Therefore, there is a need for a new type of input device that offers a long lifespan, high-precision and stable input, and fast triggering speed to meet user needs. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides an infrared signal input device, which aims to solve the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0005] This application provides a key component for infrared signal input, including a trigger shaft that extends downwards to block one or more infrared rays. When the trigger shaft extends downwards, the extended portion partially or completely blocks the light path of the one or more infrared rays. The signal processing center calculates the light flux to realize the change of the transmitted signal. Based on the calculation result, when a certain threshold is exceeded, the infrared transmission signal is triggered to change.

[0006] Furthermore, the button assembly also includes a rebound device that can apply an upward rebound force to the trigger shaft.

[0007] Furthermore, the springback device and the trigger shaft are integrally formed.

[0008] Furthermore, the bottom end of the trigger shaft is lower than the lower edge of the rebound device when it is not under force.

[0009] Furthermore, the trigger shaft is a hollow or solid cylinder that can block the passage of infrared rays.

[0010] Furthermore, the rebound device includes a cap made of elastic material, the top of the trigger shaft is connected to the inner top of the cap, and the lower edge of the cap is fixed.

[0011] Furthermore, the button assembly also includes a pressing component, which is used to apply pressing force to the trigger shaft to move the trigger shaft downward, thereby causing the lower end of the trigger shaft to move downward and block the infrared signal.

[0012] Furthermore, the pressing assembly includes an upper shaft and a limiting cylinder, wherein the upper shaft is movably fitted against the inner wall of the limiting cylinder.

[0013] Furthermore, the side of the limiting cylinder is provided with a snap-fit ​​groove, and the upper shaft includes a main body that is movably fitted to the inner wall of the limiting cylinder and an elastic snap-fit ​​piece connected to the main body. The end of the snap-fit ​​piece is provided with a protrusion that can be movably snapped into the snap-fit ​​groove.

[0014] Furthermore, the upper shaft also includes an abutment strip disposed on the side of the main body and extending downward.

[0015] Furthermore, the main body is a rectangular frame structure, and the upper shaft also includes four contact strips disposed at the four right angles of the main body, the contact strips being movably fitted against the inner wall of the limiting cylinder.

[0016] Furthermore, a reinforcing strip is provided on the side of the insert.

[0017] Furthermore, the key assembly also includes a keycap, and the upper switch is connected to the top of the keycap.

[0018] Furthermore, the button assembly also includes a protective cover, which covers the cap body, and the bottom of the limiting cylinder is connected to the protective cover.

[0019] Furthermore, the button assembly also includes a fixing plate, and the protective cover is embedded in the fixing plate.

[0020] Furthermore, the rebound device also includes a fixed-position film, and the lower edge of the cap is connected to the film.

[0021] Furthermore, both the rebound device and the trigger shaft are made of silicone, rubber, or plastic.

[0022] This application also provides an infrared signal input device, including the above-mentioned button assembly, and further including an infrared coverage area formed by multiple infrared emitting units and infrared receiving units. The trigger shaft can extend downward into the infrared coverage area, and when the trigger shaft extends downward into the infrared coverage area, at least one infrared ray is at least partially blocked, causing a change in the infrared transmission signal.

[0023] Furthermore, the infrared signal input device also includes a circuit board, with the infrared emitting unit and the infrared receiving unit disposed at the bottom of the circuit board and disposed around the periphery of the orthographic projection of the trigger shaft.

[0024] Furthermore, the infrared emitting unit and the infrared receiving unit are disposed on both the long side and the short side of the circuit board.

[0025] Furthermore, the infrared emitting unit and the infrared receiving unit are disposed on opposite edges of the circuit board.

[0026] Furthermore, the film is stacked on the circuit board.

[0027] Furthermore, the position of the trigger axis is preset with parameters. When the trigger axis moves downward, it triggers an input action and outputs the information of the key position to the control center. After the pressure is removed, the trigger axis moves upward to reset, reducing the infrared blocking area, which is considered to complete one signal trigger.

[0028] Furthermore, the trigger shaft does not need to be fully reset to its original position before the next signal input can begin.

[0029] Furthermore, the plurality of infrared emitting units and the plurality of infrared receiving units are arranged at equal intervals, or are arranged at non-equal intervals according to the distribution of the buttons.

[0030] For non-equidistant arrangement settings, detection accuracy can be guaranteed while reducing the number of infrared units.

[0031] This application also provides an infrared keyboard, including the above-described key assembly or the above-described infrared signal input device, wherein the key assembly does not contain an electrical connection structure.

[0032] This application also provides a keyboard signal detection method for the keyboard described above, wherein the method determines the trigger signal by detecting the change in the infrared light signal intensity value between one or more sets of infrared emitting units and corresponding infrared receiving units; the infrared light is blocked by the trigger axis, and when the signal intensity value is lower than a preset threshold, a blocking light path combination signal is generated, and the target key that is pressed is determined based on the blocking light path combination signal.

[0033] Furthermore, the change in signal strength is linearly related to the downward travel depth of the trigger shaft.

[0034] Furthermore, when the trigger shaft is pressed continuously, the corresponding trigger signal is detected, wherein the next trigger signal is detected after the shaft is reset upwards.

[0035] Furthermore, the method also includes a step of setting a dedicated threshold corresponding to the dead zone to determine accidental touches.

[0036] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this application are as follows:

[0037] The button assembly and the infrared input device with a spring cap included in this application provide a feature where, during button presses, the button assembly does not collide with any components within it (such as the collision between the trigger shaft of a mechanical shaft and two metal pieces during vertical movement in existing technologies). The spring cap changes between compressed and restored shapes, achieving reset through automatic shape recovery when no force is applied. Even after long-term use, there is no contact wear, no performance instability or accuracy degradation, and a long service life, thus overcoming the technical problems of existing input devices and providing users with input devices that offer higher accuracy and longer lifespan. Simultaneously, the infrared signal input device employs infrared photoelectric technology, reducing reliance on physical components in existing technologies, making it more environmentally friendly, and lowering product manufacturing costs. Furthermore, the rebound device uses a cap (spring cap) made of a resilient material, resulting in fewer parts, a simpler structure, lower cost, and the ability to replace individual caps.

[0038] The button assembly and infrared input device including the button assembly provided in this application have a simple structural unit, adjustable precision, high reliability, and low maintenance cost. This application utilizes infrared technology to achieve a non-contact, high-precision design, offering the following advantages: 1. By detecting and calculating the luminous flux of infrared light to trigger the signal, there is no physical contact delay; 2. The trigger stroke, reset stroke, sensitivity value, and dead zone value of the button switch can be precisely set, and can be adjusted according to the user's personal preferences to meet customer needs. This overcomes the problem that physical structures cannot simultaneously balance performance and service life. Attached Figure Description

[0039] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments of this application will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0040] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a button component according to an embodiment of this application;

[0041] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the button component of this application;

[0042] Figure 3 is an exploded view of an embodiment of the button assembly of this application;

[0043] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the upper shaft structure in one embodiment of the button assembly of this application;

[0044] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the cap structure in one embodiment of the button assembly of this application;

[0045] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the infrared signal input device of this application;

[0046] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the structure of one embodiment of the infrared signal input device of this application;

[0047] Figure 8 is a bottom view of the grating area after the axial displacement of the trigger shaft;

[0048] Figure 9 is a bottom-view perspective view of the infrared signal input device of this application.

[0049] Among them, 1. Trigger shaft; 2. Springback device; 2a. Cap body; 2a1. Cap body; 2a2. Cap brim; 3. Pressing assembly; 3a. Upper shaft; 3a1. Main body; 3a2. Snap-in piece; 3a3. Abutment strip; 3a4. Contact strip; 3b. Limiting cylinder; 4. Snap-in groove; 5. Protrusion; 6. Reinforcing strip; 7. Keycap; 8. Protective cover; 9. Fixing plate; 10. Membrane; 11. Infrared emitting unit; 12. Infrared receiving unit; 13. Circuit board; 14. Through hole. Detailed Implementation

[0050] To make the technical problems, technical solutions, and beneficial effects of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with embodiments and accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application. The following detailed description is provided in conjunction with specific embodiments.

[0051] This application provides a key assembly for infrared signal input. Referring to Figures 1 to 5, the key assembly includes a trigger shaft 1 whose end extends downward to block infrared rays, and a signal processing center. Infrared rays are arranged in the horizontal plane below the key assembly. When the trigger shaft 1 extends downward and exceeds a set threshold, its end blocks one or more infrared rays. The signal processing center calculates the light flux to realize the change in the transmitted signal. Based on the calculation result, the corresponding infrared transmission signal issues a corresponding command. With this configuration, the keyboard only needs to have infrared emitting units 11 and infrared receiving units 12 arranged around the bottom of the key assembly. No electrical connections are required around the key assembly; it only needs to be fixed to the keyboard to achieve all functions. The advantages of this configuration are structural partitioning, the key assembly is a purely mechanical structure, without the influence of electrical connecting components, resulting in more stable performance. Furthermore, the absence of electrical connections also extends the service life.

[0052] Referring to Figure 2, the button assembly also includes a spring-loaded device 2, which enables the trigger shaft 1 to reset. The spring-loaded device 2 includes a hollow cap 2a made of a resilient material (such as silicone, rubber, etc.) and a fixed-position film 10. The trigger shaft 1 is connected and fixed to the top of the cap 2a. The embodiment in the figure is a one-piece molding. The lower edge of the cap 2a is connected to the film 10, which is stacked on a substrate or circuit board 13. The film 10 can be made of PC / PVC / PET material, thereby fixing the bottom position of the cap 2a. Referring to Figures 2 and 5, the cap 2a and the trigger shaft 1 share a top, which has a hollow annular structure. The trigger shaft 1 can be a solid or hollow cylinder. When the top is pressed, the cap 2a itself undergoes compression deformation as the trigger shaft 1 moves downward; when not pressed, its shape recovers, causing the trigger shaft 1 to reset. Throughout the process, the cap 2a changes between the initial state, the half-stroke pressed state, and the full-stroke pressed state.

[0053] Further, referring to Figure 5, the hat body 2a includes a hat body 2a1 and a brim 2a2 extending downwards. In the initial state, the hat body 2a1 and the brim 2a2 are unfolded without overlap. In the half-stroke pressing state, a portion of the hat body 2a1 is pressed into the brim 2a2. In the full-stroke pressing state, the entire hat body 2a1 is pressed into the brim 2a2.

[0054] In other embodiments, the rebound device 2 may also be a spring structure, a magnetic levitation structure, or other structures that achieve the same function.

[0055] Referring to Figure 2, the button assembly also includes a pressing component 3, which is used to apply pressing force to the top of the cap 2a to compress the cap 2a and cause the end of the trigger shaft 1 to move downward. The pressing component 3 includes an upper shaft 3a that abuts against the top of the cap 2a and a limiting cylinder 3b. The upper shaft 3a is in movable contact with the inner wall of the limiting cylinder 3b, thereby limiting the movement direction of the upper shaft 3a by the limiting cylinder 3b. The side of the limiting cylinder 3b is provided with one or two sets of locking grooves 4. The upper shaft 3a includes a main body 3a1 that movably fits against the inner wall of the limiting cylinder 3b and an elastic locking piece 3a2 connected to the main body 3a1. The end of the locking piece 3a2 is provided with a protrusion 5 that movably engages with the locking groove 4. When the protrusion 5 engages with the locking groove 4, the connection between the upper shaft 3a and the limiting cylinder 3b is achieved, eliminating concerns about them disengaging. Furthermore, since the locking groove 4 limits the upper limit of the upward movement of the protrusion 5, in conjunction with the fixing plate 9 below, the travel of the upper shaft 3a is limited. Under the limitation of the limiting cylinder 3b, the upper shaft 3a can only perform limited up and down movements. When the user applies pressure to the upper shaft 3a, the upper shaft 3a moves downward and continues to move downward after pressing against the cap 2a, causing the cap 2a to compress. This causes the trigger shaft 1 to move downward under the limit of the through hole 14, thereby blocking the infrared trigger command. When no pressure is applied to the upper shaft 3a, the shape of the cap 2a returns to normal, which then causes the trigger shaft 1 to move upward under the limit of the through hole 14, no longer blocking the infrared trigger command.

[0056] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the protrusion 5 has an inclined surface, so that when the protrusion 5 enters from the limiting cylinder 3b and contacts the limiting cylinder 3b, and when the protrusion 5 separates from the locking groove 4 and contacts the locking groove 4, the contact is a line contact, which reduces resistance and facilitates its entry and exit operations.

[0057] Referring to Figure 3, the main body 3a1 has a rectangular frame structure. The upper shaft 3a also includes four contact strips 3a4 located at the four right angles of the main body 3a1. The contact strips 3a4 are in contact with the inner wall of the limiting cylinder 3b. This prevents all planes of the main body 3a1 from being in contact with the limiting cylinder 3b, ensuring that the limiting cylinder 3b can limit the movement direction of the upper shaft 3a while also preventing excessive wear due to relative movement between the two under long-term use, thus extending its service life. A notch is provided between the main body 3a1 and the locking piece 3a2. A reinforcing strip 6 is provided on the side of the locking piece 3a2. The reinforcing strip 6 can enhance the strength of the locking piece 3a2 and prevent it from deforming excessively under pressure.

[0058] Referring to Figure 2, the upper shaft 3a also includes an abutment strip 3a3 disposed on the side of the main body 3a1. The abutment strip 3a3 can move and abut against the top of the cap 2a. Two abutment strips 3a3 can be provided, which are disposed opposite to each other on the two opposite sides of the main body 3a1. This can generate symmetrical pressing pressure on the top of the cap 2a, causing it to deform at the same time.

[0059] Referring to Figure 2, the button assembly also includes a protective cover 8, which covers the cap 2a and protects the cap 2a from water stains or dust. The bottom of the limiting cylinder 3b is connected to the protective cover 8, and the protective cover 8 is embedded in the fixing plate 9.

[0060] Referring to Figure 2, the input device is a keyboard, which may also include keycaps 7. The upper switch 3a is connected to the top of the keycap 7. Specifically, the keycap 7, the protective cover 8, and the fixing plate 9 are combined to form a volcano structure.

[0061] Referring to Figure 2, the thin film 10 has a through hole 14 for the trigger shaft 1 to pass through.

[0062] This application also provides a silicone cap film-type infrared signal input device. Referring to Figures 6 and 7, it includes the aforementioned key assembly and a circuit board 13 located below the fixing plate 9. The circuit board 13 is provided with multiple infrared emitting units 11 and infrared receiving units 12 to form an infrared coverage area (grating area, as shown in Figure 8). When the trigger switch 1 extends downward into the infrared coverage area, at least one infrared beam is partially or completely blocked (depending on the downward extension stroke of the trigger switch 1), causing a change in the infrared transmission signal. Therefore, even if one or more infrared units (infrared emitting unit 11 or infrared receiving unit 12) are damaged, the use of the keyboard is not affected. Specifically, the trigger switch 1 can be pressed down by at least 0.005mm, or even 0.01mm, 0.1mm, 0.2mm, or 0.4mm (i.e., the corresponding threshold can be 0.01mm; preferably at least 0.001mm, more preferably at least 0.0001mm, further preferably less than 0.0001mm, and even more preferably 0.00001mm) to trigger a change in the infrared transmission signal, thus improving sensitivity compared to traditional keyboards. For some gaming keyboards, the sensitivity requirements are very high, and the input device of this application can meet the corresponding needs.

[0063] When the user applies pressure to the pressing component 3, the abutting strip 3a3 presses against the top of the cap 2a1 and pushes it downward; this causes the shaft 1 to move axially downward, triggering the bottom end of the shaft 1 to push the upper end of the cap 2a1 downward, passing through the lower surface of the circuit board 13, and blocking the infrared light in the infrared coverage area at a specific position. The infrared receiving unit captures the change in infrared light at the specific position and generates an input signal. Furthermore, the position of the button component can be preset with parameters or user-defined values. Thus, when a certain parameter or value is to be input, the corresponding button component can be pressed to trigger the input behavior and output the information of the corresponding key to the system or control center. After the button component is released, the trigger shaft 1 returns to its original position under the rebound force of the rebound device 2. The infrared receiving unit detects that the area blocking the infrared light has decreased and fallen below the switching threshold, which can be considered as the completion of this signal trigger. When the same information needs to be repeatedly entered, the trigger switch 1 can be pressed continuously without fully resetting to its original position and pressing again. During continuous pressing, the infrared receiving unit can detect the increase in the infrared blocking area, thereby sending the next round of input signal. During continuous triggering, the interval between two presses is the upward reset action of the switch; this reset action is limited by the maximum travel of the previous press. The infrared light is no longer blocked after the button assembly is released, and there is no signal trigger after the obstruction is removed. The corresponding travel of the trigger signal and the end signal of switch 1 during pressing and reset can be set.

[0064] Specifically, when the shaft is pressed and extends into the infrared mesh, the infrared signal value changes. When the change reaches a first preset threshold (corresponding to the shaft's trigger stroke), the switch button is triggered. During the shaft's upward reset process, the signal value gradually recovers. When the change in signal value relative to the starting point of the upward reset reaches a second preset threshold (corresponding to the shaft's reset stroke), the switch button signal is disconnected. In continuous triggering, it is not necessary to fully reset to the initial starting point before pressing again. When the change in signal value relative to the starting point of the second press reaches a third preset threshold (corresponding to RT precision), the button can be triggered again.

[0065] The trigger shaft 1 triggers a change in infrared signal input when its vertical direction exceeds a threshold. During the button press process, the trigger shaft 1 of the button assembly does not physically collide with any other components as it moves downward. Even after long-term use, it will not experience contact wear, performance instability, or decreased accuracy, resulting in a long service life and overcoming the technical problems of existing input devices.

[0066] Specifically, the infrared emitting unit 11 and the infrared receiving unit 12 are disposed on the circuit board 13. The infrared emitting unit 11 and the infrared receiving unit 12 are disposed on the periphery of the orthographic projection of all the button components, and can also be disposed in other shapes.

[0067] In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 7, the infrared emitting unit 11 and the infrared receiving unit 12 are both provided on the long side and the short side of the circuit board 13.

[0068] In another embodiment, as shown in FIG7, the infrared emitting unit 11 and the infrared receiving unit 12 are both disposed on opposite edges of the circuit board 13.

[0069] Specifically, the infrared emitting unit 11 and the infrared receiving unit 12 can correspond one-to-one, one-to-many, or many-to-one, that is, one emitting unit can correspond to one or more receiving units; one receiving unit can also correspond to multiple emitting units.

[0070] Specifically, in the grating area shown in Figure 8, within the mesh-structured infrared area, multiple trigger light paths exist below a trigger component. These trigger light paths are grouped and assigned different trigger levels. When the axis 1 triggers the first-level trigger light path, the trigger action of axis 1 is determined. When the infrared emitting unit 11 and the infrared receiving unit 12 malfunction in the corresponding first-level trigger light path, the trigger action of axis 1 is determined based on the second-level trigger light path. The levels of the trigger light path groups decrease sequentially and are used to determine the trigger action of axis 1. This application's solution employs a multi-level redundancy design for the trigger light path groups, further reducing the problem of button malfunction caused by the unusable trigger light path portion in the trigger component 3, while also reducing the repetitive processing of trigger signals generated by the trigger light paths, resulting in better performance.

[0071] In one embodiment, the infrared emitting unit 11 and the infrared receiving unit 12 can be arranged non-uniformly to form a specific coordinate network of infrared intersections.

[0072] Preferably, when infrared units are arranged in two opposing directions around the input device, the multiple trigger light paths in the first direction and the multiple trigger light paths in the second direction are vertically staggered, with a vertical spacing of 0.5 mm to 2 mm. This vertical staggered distribution effectively avoids interference between trigger light paths in different directions, ensuring that each trigger light path can work independently and accurately. Simultaneously, the vertical staggered layout increases the redundancy of the light paths and the number of trigger light path groups. Even if one light path is blocked or damaged, other light paths can still function normally, ensuring stable transmission of the trigger signal from button 2. Furthermore, the 0.5 mm to 2 mm vertical spacing ensures the independence of the light paths while avoiding trigger insensitivity issues caused by excessive spacing.

[0073] In other embodiments, as shown in the figure, the thin film 10 is placed on the upper surface of the circuit board 13. The thin film 10 and the circuit board 13 both have through holes 14 at the same position. When the trigger shaft 1 is not under force, its lower edge is flush with the lower surface of the circuit board 13. When under force, it extends downward from the through hole 14 to the infrared coverage area.

[0074] Both the infrared emitting unit 11 and the infrared receiving unit 12 can be general standard parts or components known to those skilled in the art. Their structure and principle are based on publicly available technology, standard parts, or self-experiments, and will not be explained in detail here.

[0075] Specifically, the thin film 10 connected to the cap body 2a is stacked on the circuit board 13, and the thin film 10 and the circuit board 13 are supported and fixed by a housing (such as a keyboard housing).

[0076] Specifically, the infrared signal input device can be a keyboard, in which case the limiting cylinder 3b is part of the keyboard cover, the bottom of the limiting cylinder 3b is connected to the protective cover 8, and the protective cover 8 is embedded in the fixing plate 9.

[0077] Specifically, it also includes a keyboard housing (not shown in the figure) and sound-absorbing cotton, etc. The circuit board 13 and the fixing plate 9 are fixed inside the keyboard housing. The key assembly is arranged according to the key layout of the keyboard and corresponds to the preset key position information of each key.

[0078] In the embodiment shown in Figure 9, the circuit board 13 is located on the long side of the keyboard and is perpendicular to the fixing plate 9. The infrared emitting unit and the infrared receiving unit are disposed on the circuit board.

[0079] Furthermore, this application embodiment also provides a keyboard signal detection method. This method determines a trigger signal by detecting the infrared light signal intensity value between the infrared emitting unit 11 and the corresponding infrared receiving unit 12. When the signal intensity value is lower than a preset threshold corresponding to the dead zone value (i.e., when the occlusion intensity is higher than the set threshold), the method begins to identify and record the occluded infrared light when a key is pressed, generating an occlusion optical path combination signal. Based on the occlusion optical path combination signal, the pressed target key is determined. Additionally, this method calculates the travel depth of the target key based on the signal intensity change value of the occlusion optical path combination.

[0080] Specifically, in the initial state, the infrared light path is unobstructed, and the signal value is at its maximum. When the trigger axis is pressed and extends into the infrared mesh, the signal value changes. The greater the travel of the trigger axis, the smaller the corresponding signal value. Therefore, the relationship between the signal intensity change and the travel depth of the trigger axis is linear. The deeper the button is pressed, the greater the degree of infrared light obstruction by the trigger axis, and the greater the signal intensity change. When the trigger axis is pressed and extends into the infrared mesh, the infrared signal value changes. When the change reaches the first preset threshold (corresponding to the trigger travel), the switch button is triggered. During the upward reset process of the trigger axis, the signal value gradually recovers. When the change in signal value relative to the starting point of the upward reset reaches the second preset threshold (corresponding to the reset travel), the switch button signal is disconnected. Furthermore, a third preset threshold can be set. For example, if the range of infrared light signal strength is set to 0-100, the signal strength is 0 when a single infrared light is completely blocked and 100 when there is no blockage, then during the process of pressing down the trigger switch, the signal strength will gradually change from 100 to 0, thereby achieving the purpose of judging the target button and the travel depth of the target button.

[0081] When a user presses a button repeatedly, the switch can be pressed again without triggering a complete reset to the initial starting point. The button is considered to have been triggered a second time when the change in signal value relative to the starting point of the second press reaches a preset threshold (corresponding to RT precision).

[0082] On the other hand, when a target key is pressed, adjacent keys may experience signal changes due to the softness of the keyboard hardware material causing them to be pressed down synchronously. Ambient light pollution or dust entering the infrared light grid may also affect the signal. Power fluctuations may also interfere with signal transmission. To prevent signal changes in adjacent areas or those caused by light pollution, dust, or power fluctuations from being judged as accidental touches, a fourth preset threshold (corresponding to a dead zone) can be set. If a signal change occurs in an adjacent key area but the amount of the change does not reach the fourth preset threshold, it is judged as an accidental touch, and the key signal is not triggered.

[0083] Specifically, the aforementioned fourth preset threshold is less than the stated first preset threshold.

[0084] Specifically, the relationship between the signal strength change value and the travel depth of the trigger axis (1) is linear. The first, second, third, and fourth preset thresholds for the signal strength change value can all be preset in the signal processing center. More preferably, the preset thresholds are respectively set as the first, second, third, and fourth preset travel values ​​of the trigger axis (1) corresponding to the travel depth change of the signal strength change value, which provides a more intuitive experience for the user.

[0085] Furthermore, the first, second, third, and fourth preset thresholds for the aforementioned signal strength change values ​​can be set uniformly for all keys on the entire keyboard; or they can be set individually for each key, with different preset values ​​for different keys on the same keyboard.

[0086] Specifically, the keyboard's signal processing center can be configured with different preset threshold combinations, allowing users to switch between modes for different usage scenarios, such as different sensitivity requirements. For example, there could be different modes for esports and office scenarios, with different modes suitable for different esports games.

[0087] Furthermore, the aforementioned signal processing center also has a pre-set mapping table of button and infrared light combination and infrared light numbering rules. Each infrared light is assigned a unique serial number. Based on the mapping of the blocked infrared light combination, the pressed button information can be determined, thereby outputting the correct signal.

[0088] When a key is pressed (not a single key but a combination of keys), multiple sets of infrared beams are generated. These multiple sets of infrared beams are also included in the mapping table of keys and infrared beam combinations mentioned above. The signal processing center ensures that when multiple keys are pressed simultaneously, all operations are accurately recognized without losing any input signals.

[0089] A time window refers to a time range during the detection process used by the system to determine which changes in the signal intensity of infrared light correspond to key presses during the same period. The keyboard in this application detects key presses by sequentially activating infrared emitting units. Specifically, after determining the activation sequence of the infrared emitting units, the units emit infrared light sequentially according to rules within the same time window. Once a specific infrared emitting unit is activated, the infrared light emitted by that unit is synchronously received by one or more corresponding infrared receiving units. Simultaneously, the system synchronously collects the signal intensity values ​​received by the infrared receiving units within that time window.

[0090] In one embodiment, the keyboard of this application can control the activation of infrared emitting units via PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signals. The activation time of each infrared emitting unit is very short, and sequential activation can be achieved through rapid switching. Furthermore, the activation order of the infrared emitting units can be controlled by electronic switches or logic circuits, activating each infrared emitting unit according to a predetermined pattern or sequence.

[0091] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable program instructions (i.e., a computer program) stored thereon, the computer-readable program instructions being used to execute the keyboard key detection method in the above embodiments.

[0092] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A key assembly for infrared signal input, characterized by The device includes a trigger shaft (1) that extends downward to block one or more infrared rays. When the trigger shaft (1) extends downward, the extended portion partially or completely blocks the light path of one or more infrared rays. The signal processing center calculates the light flux to realize the change of the transmitted signal. Based on the calculation result, when a certain threshold is exceeded, the infrared transmission signal is triggered to change.

2. The key assembly of claim 1, wherein, The button assembly also includes a rebound device (2) that can apply an upward rebound force to the trigger shaft (1).

3. The key assembly of claim 1, wherein, The trigger shaft (1) can start the next signal input without being fully reset to its original position.

4. The button assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The springback device (2) and the trigger shaft (1) are integrally formed.

5. The button assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The bottom end of the trigger shaft (1) is lower than the lower edge of the rebound device (2) when it is not under force.

6. The button assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The trigger shaft (1) is a hollow or solid cylinder and can block the passage of infrared rays.

7. The button assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The rebound device (2) includes a cap (2a) made of elastic material, the top of the trigger shaft (1) is connected to the top of the cap (2a), and the lower edge of the cap (2a) is fixed.

8. The button assembly according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The button assembly also includes a pressing component (3), which is used to apply pressing force to the trigger shaft (1) to move the trigger shaft (1) downward, thereby moving the lower end of the trigger shaft (1) downward to block the infrared signal.

9. The button assembly as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The pressing component (3) includes an upper shaft (3a) and a limiting cylinder (3b), wherein the upper shaft (3a) is movably fitted to the inner wall of the limiting cylinder (3b).

10. The button assembly as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that, The side of the limiting cylinder (3b) is provided with a snap-fit ​​groove (4). The upper shaft (3a) includes a main body (3a1) that is movably fitted to the inner wall of the limiting cylinder (3b) and an elastic snap-fit ​​piece (3a2) connected to the main body (3a1). The end of the snap-fit ​​piece (3a2) is provided with a protrusion (5) that can be movably snapped into the snap-fit ​​groove (4).

11. The button assembly as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that, The upper shaft (3a) also includes an abutment strip (3a3) disposed on the side of the main body (3a1) and extending downward.

12. The button assembly as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that, The main body (3a1) is a rectangular frame structure, and the upper shaft (3a) also includes four contact strips (3a4) disposed at the four right angles of the main body (3a1). The contact strips (3a4) are movably fitted with the inner wall of the limiting cylinder (3b).

13. The button assembly as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that, The side of the insert (3a2) is provided with a reinforcing strip (6).

14. The button assembly as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that, The key assembly also includes a keycap (7), and the upper switch (3a) is connected to the top of the keycap (7).

15. The button assembly as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The button assembly also includes a protective cover (8), which covers the cap (2a), and the bottom of the limiting cylinder (3b) is connected to the protective cover (8).

16. The button assembly as claimed in claim 15, characterized in that, The button assembly also includes a fixing plate (9), and the protective cover (8) is embedded in the fixing plate (9).

17. The button assembly as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that, The rebound device (2) also includes a fixed film (10), and the lower edge of the cap (2a) is connected to the film (10).

18. An infrared signal input device, characterized in that, The button assembly according to any one of claims 1-17 further includes an infrared coverage area formed by a plurality of spaced infrared emitting units (11) and infrared receiving units (12), wherein the trigger shaft (1) can extend downward into the infrared coverage area and when the trigger shaft (1) extends downward into the infrared coverage area, at least one infrared ray is at least partially blocked, causing a change in the infrared transmission signal.

19. The infrared signal input device as described in claim 18, characterized in that, The position of the trigger axis (1) is preset with parameters. When the trigger axis (1) moves downward, it triggers the input behavior and outputs the information of the key position to the control center. After the pressure is removed, the trigger axis (1) moves upward to reset, the infrared blocking area is reduced, and it is considered to have completed a signal trigger.

20. The infrared signal input device as described in claim 19, characterized in that, The trigger shaft (1) can start the next signal input without being fully reset to its original position.

21. The infrared signal input device as described in claim 18, characterized in that, The infrared signal input device also includes a circuit board (13), the infrared emitting unit (11) and the infrared receiving unit (12) are disposed at the bottom of the circuit board (13), and the infrared emitting unit (11) and the infrared receiving unit (12) are disposed on the periphery of the orthographic projection of the trigger shaft (1).

22. The infrared signal input device as described in claim 21, characterized in that, The infrared emitting unit (11) and the infrared receiving unit (12) are provided on both the long side and the short side of the circuit board (13); Alternatively, the infrared emitting unit (11) and the infrared receiving unit (12) are disposed on the long side of the circuit board (13), but not on the short side.

23. The infrared signal input device as described in claim 18, characterized in that, The multiple infrared emitting units and multiple infrared receiving units are arranged at equal intervals, or arranged at non-equal intervals according to the distribution of the buttons.

24. An infrared keyboard, characterized in that, Includes a button assembly as described in any one of claims 1-17 or an infrared signal input device as described in any one of claims 18-23, wherein the button assembly does not contain an electrical connection structure.

25. A keyboard signal detection method for the keyboard as described in claim 24, wherein the method determines a trigger signal by detecting changes in the intensity value of infrared light signals between one or more sets of infrared emitting units and corresponding infrared receiving units; the infrared light is blocked by the trigger axis (1); when the signal intensity value is lower than a preset threshold, a blocking light path combination signal is generated; and the target key being pressed is determined based on the blocking light path combination signal.

26. The detection method as described in claim 25, characterized in that, The change in signal strength is linearly related to the downward travel depth of the trigger shaft (1).

27. The detection method as described in claim 25, characterized in that, When the trigger shaft (1) is pressed continuously, the corresponding trigger signal is detected, and the next trigger signal is detected after the shaft is reset upwards.

28. The detection method as described in claim 25, characterized in that, It also includes a step of setting a dedicated threshold for the dead zone to determine accidental touches.

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