Ultra-thin inductive switch body
By placing a metal plate inside the cover within the inductive switch, electromagnetic induction is used to achieve conduction, thus solving the wear and signal output problems of mechanical key switches and enabling the applicability of ultra-thin keyboards and multi-level signal functions.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- DONGGUAN CITY KAIHUA ELECTRONICS
- Filing Date
- 2026-01-14
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-30
AI Technical Summary
Existing mechanical key switches suffer from issues such as material wear, accidental activation, or failure to make contact, and cannot achieve multi-level signal output. Conventional inductive switches are too tall to be suitable for thin keyboards.
An ultra-thin inductive shaft is designed, which uses a metal plate set inside the cover to achieve conduction through electromagnetic induction. Combined with a balance frame structure, the overall height is reduced, and multi-level signal output is achieved.
It reduces wear, improves conduction accuracy, meets the needs of multi-level signal output, is suitable for different types of keyboards, and has a wide range of applications.
Smart Images
Figure CN2026072593_30072026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
An ultra-thin inductive shaft Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of push button switch technology, and in particular to an ultra-thin inductive shaft. Background Technology
[0002] Most push-button switches on the market are mechanical. When pressed by external force, the moving contact and the stationary contact contact each other, causing a short circuit and sending a signal to achieve the corresponding operation. The disadvantage of this combination of moving and stationary contact is material wear, especially the contact surfaces of the moving and stationary contacts, which wear down with use. Therefore, as the push-button switch is used for a longer period of time, problems such as accidental activation or failure to activate will occur frequently, which is not conducive to daily use.
[0003] Furthermore, another drawback of this type of mechanical push-button switch is that it only provides one switching point in each actuation. In other words, each actuation at a certain point triggers exactly one signal. Therefore, it cannot implement variable signals in a multi-level, finely graded, or even stepless manner, and cannot meet users' needs for multi-level signal output.
[0004] Furthermore, conventional inductive switches place the actuator at the lower end of the guide, resulting in a relatively high overall height. This makes them unsuitable for use in environments such as laptops where a thin keyboard is required, limiting their applicability. Utility Model Content
[0005] To address the aforementioned shortcomings, the purpose of this invention is to provide an ultra-thin inductive switch. This switch incorporates a metal plate within the inner structure of the cover, thereby saving space while effectively ensuring linear conduction. Direct contact is eliminated, reducing wear and ensuring accurate conduction. Fine-grading is possible, meeting the needs of multi-level signal output. Combined with the thin structure of the balance frame, the overall height is effectively reduced, making the switch suitable for various types of keyboards and thus having a wide range of applications.
[0006] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to achieve the above objectives is as follows:
[0007] An ultra-thin inductive shaft includes a PCB board, a base detachably mounted on the PCB board, a balance frame disposed on the base, and a cover disposed on the balance frame. The cover is characterized in that a metal plate extending horizontally is disposed on the inner side of the cover, and a coil is disposed on the PCB board facing the metal plate.
[0008] As a specific structural feature of this utility model, the metal plate includes a connecting plate with one end connected to the cover and bent and extending in the direction of the coil, and a trigger plate disposed at the lowest end of the connecting plate and extending horizontally.
[0009] As a specific structural feature of this utility model, the trigger plate is generally flat and rectangular.
[0010] As a specific structural feature of this utility model, the coil is square in shape to match the trigger plate.
[0011] As a specific structural feature of this utility model, a slot is provided in the middle of the cover, and the metal plate is formed on the annular wall of the slot.
[0012] As a specific structural feature of this utility model, the length of the empty slot matches the length of the hollow position of the balance frame, and the width of the empty slot matches the width of the hollow position of the balance frame.
[0013] As a specific structural feature of this utility model, the horizontal extension length of the trigger plate is less than half the corresponding length of the empty slot.
[0014] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:
[0015] This ultra-thin inductive shaft comprises a PCB board, a base detachably mounted on the PCB board, a balance frame mounted on the base, and a cover mounted on the balance frame. A horizontally extending metal plate is mounted on the inner side of the cover, and a coil is mounted on the PCB board directly opposite the metal plate. The metal plate and the coil are on the same radial vertical line, ensuring accurate conduction. In use, current flows through the coil, generating an electromagnetic field. Pressing the cover causes the metal plate mounted on it to move downwards and closer to the coil, inducing a signal in the conductors within the electromagnetic field. By designing the metal plate as a horizontally extending structure, the closer it is to the coil under user pressure, the stronger the induction effect. While ensuring linear conduction, it avoids direct contact like moving and stationary contacts, effectively reducing wear, extending service life, and improving conduction accuracy. Furthermore, different strokes of the metal plate can correspond to different operating signals, achieving fine-grained grading and meeting the needs of multi-level signal output. By placing the metal plate inside the cover structure, the overall height is effectively reduced while saving space occupied by the switches. Combined with the thin structure of the balance frame, this achieves an ultra-thin design, making the switches suitable for different types of keyboards and thus having a wide range of applications.
[0016] The above is an overview of the utility model's technical solution. The following description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, will further illustrate the utility model.
[0017] Attached Figure Description
[0018] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the overall invention.
[0019] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the lid structure;
[0020] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the PCB board structure;
[0021] Figure 4 is an exploded view of this utility model;
[0022] In the diagram: 1. PCB board; 2. Base; 3. Balance frame; 4. Cover; 41. Empty slot; 5. Metal plate; 51. Connecting plate; 52. Trigger plate; 6. Coil.
[0023] Detailed Implementation
[0024] To further illustrate the technical means and effects adopted by this utility model to achieve its intended purpose, the specific implementation methods of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments.
[0025] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.
[0026] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.
[0027] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.
[0028] Referring to Figures 1 to 4, this embodiment of the present invention provides an ultra-thin inductive shaft, including a PCB board 1, a base 2 detachably mounted on the PCB board 1, a balance frame 3 disposed on the base 2, and a cover 4 disposed on the balance frame 3. A metal plate 5 extending horizontally is disposed on the inner side of the cover 4, and a coil 6 is disposed on the PCB board 1 directly opposite the metal plate 5. There are no obstructions between the coil 6 and the metal plate 5.
[0029] The metal plate 5 and coil 6 are on the same radial vertical line, ensuring accurate conduction. During use, current flowing through coil 6 generates an electromagnetic field. External force presses on the cover 4, causing the cover 4 to move the metal plate 5 downwards and closer to coil 6. This induces a signal in the conductors within the electromagnetic field, transmitting the signal outwards. By designing the metal plate 5 as a horizontally extending structure, the closer it is to coil 6 under user pressure, the stronger the induction effect. While ensuring linear conduction, it avoids direct contact like moving and stationary contacts, effectively reducing wear, extending service life, and improving conduction accuracy. Furthermore, different strokes of the metal plate 5 can correspond to different operating signals, achieving fine-grained grading and meeting the needs of multi-level signal output. Placing the metal plate 5 inside the cover 4 saves space occupied by the switch and, combined with the thin structure of the balance frame 3, effectively reduces the overall height, achieving an ultra-thin design. This allows the switch to be used on various types of keyboards, broadening its applicability.
[0030] Preferably, as shown in Figures 1, 2 and 4, the metal plate 5 and the cover 4 are integrally formed, which helps to ensure the reliability of the metal plate 5 and makes it easy to directly stamp the metal plate 5 from the cover 4 during production, which is beneficial to production.
[0031] As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 4, the metal plate 5 includes a connecting plate 51 with one end connected to the cover 4 and extending towards the coil 6, and a trigger plate 52 located at the lowest end of the connecting plate 51 and extending horizontally. By providing the connecting plate 51 extending towards the coil 6 on the inner side of the cover 4, the distance between the trigger plate 52 connected to the tail end of the connecting plate 51 and the coil 6 is closer, resulting in better sensing and improved conductivity accuracy. By setting the trigger plate 52 to extend horizontally and parallel to the coil 6, the effect on the coil 6 is balanced when an external force presses the trigger plate 52 and moves it radially downward, preventing the PCB board 1 from failing to sense or having insufficient sensing accuracy due to biased external force.
[0032] Preferably, as shown in Figures 1, 2 and 4, the trigger plate 52 is generally flat and rectangular, which saves space in the shaft body while ensuring uniform sensing. Moreover, its flat structure is the same as that of the cover 4, which makes it easy to directly stamp the metal plate 5 from the cover 4 during production, thus facilitating production.
[0033] Preferably, as shown in Figures 1 to 4, the coil 6 is square and matches the trigger plate 52, so that the coil 6 can more easily sense the movement trajectory of the square trigger plate 52, improve the accuracy of conduction, and effectively prevent the PCB board 1 from failing to sense or sensing with insufficient accuracy due to external force pressing.
[0034] As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 4, the metal plate 5 is disposed on the inner side of the cover 4. A slot 41 is provided in the middle of the cover 4. The metal plate 5 is formed on the annular wall of the slot 41. The slot 41 can be stamped to form the metal plate 5 during stamping, thereby improving production efficiency. In addition, the structure of the slot 41 reserves space for the installation of other structures in the shaft body, which is conducive to the storage and setting of other structures, making the shaft body space more economical, thereby achieving the purpose of overall ultra-thinness.
[0035] Preferably, as shown in Figures 1, 2, and 4, the length of the slot 41 matches the length of the hollow position of the balance frame 3, and the width of the slot 41 matches the width of the hollow position of the balance frame 3. This allows the entire cover 4 to completely cover and install the balance frame 3 while the slot 41 provides sufficient space for the installation of other structures on the balance frame 3 or the shaft. This facilitates the storage and arrangement of other structures, saves shaft space, and achieves an overall ultra-thin design. Furthermore, when external force is pressed onto the cover, the cover 4 can accurately transmit the external force to the balance frame 3, allowing the balance frame 3 to distribute the force evenly, resulting in a good shaft feel. It also prevents the structures set inside the balance frame 3 and the cover 4 set on the balance frame 3 from shifting when pressed, effectively ensuring the accuracy of the parallel downward movement of the metal plate 5 on the cover to the coil 6.
[0036] As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the specific structural configuration of the balance frame 3 is a conventional technical means in the field. It may include a first balance bar rotatably mounted on the base 2 and a second balance bar rotatably mounted on the base 2 and hinged to the first balance bar. Its specific structure can be set according to the actual situation, so no specific limitation is made in this embodiment. The cover 4 is correspondingly set on the first balance bar and the second balance bar to realize the transmission of force.
[0037] As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the shaft can be equipped with a spring-loaded reset component (spring, spring sheet, etc.), or tension springs can be installed between the balance frames 3. The reset structure of the shaft is a conventional technical means in the field, so no specific restrictions are imposed in this embodiment.
[0038] To prevent the metal plate from being blocked by other structures inside the shaft during linkage, as shown in Figures 1 and 4, the horizontal extension length of the trigger plate is less than half the corresponding length of the empty slot. This effectively prevents the trigger plate from colliding with the elastic reset component in the middle of the empty slot during the movement driven by the cover, which could cause displacement or tilting and reduce the conductivity accuracy.
[0039] As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the PCB board 1 is fixed by a steel plate on its back. The side arm of the steel plate extends upward through the PCB board 1, and the base 2 is fastened to the side arm. This allows the base 2 and the steel plate to limit the PCB board and prevent the PCB board 1 from moving and causing inaccurate conduction.
[0040] It should be noted that the ultra-thin inductive shaft disclosed in this utility model is an improvement on the specific structure, but the specific control method is not the innovation of this utility model. The springs, spring plates, balance frames, bases, and other components involved in this utility model can be general standard parts or components known to those skilled in the art. Their structures, principles, and control methods are all known to those skilled in the art through technical manuals or conventional experimental methods.
[0041] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and does not constitute any limitation on the technical scope of the present utility model. Therefore, other structures obtained by using the same or similar technical features as the above embodiments of the present utility model are all within the protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. An ultra-thin inductive shaft, comprising a PCB board, a base detachably mounted on the PCB board, a balance frame disposed on the base, and a cover disposed on the balance frame, characterized in that: A metal plate extending horizontally is provided on the inner side of the cover, and a coil is provided on the PCB board directly opposite the metal plate.
2. The ultra-thin inductive shaft according to claim 1, characterized in that: The metal plate includes a connecting plate with one end connected to the cover and bent and extending in the direction of the coil, and a trigger plate disposed at the lowest end of the connecting plate and extending horizontally.
3. The ultra-thin inductive shaft according to claim 2, characterized in that: The trigger plate is generally flat and rectangular.
4. The ultra-thin inductive shaft according to claim 3, characterized in that: The coil is square in shape to match the trigger plate.
5. The ultra-thin inductive shaft according to claim 2, characterized in that: A slot is formed in the middle of the cover, and the metal plate is formed on the annular wall of the slot.
6. The ultra-thin inductive shaft according to claim 5, characterized in that: The length of the empty slot matches the length of the hollow position in the balance frame, and the width of the empty slot matches the width of the hollow position in the balance frame.
7. The ultra-thin inductive shaft according to claim 5, characterized in that: The horizontal extension length of the trigger plate is less than half the length of the corresponding empty slot.